If you are looking for an ideal time to visit Bantry, then why not visit during one of the many festivals taking place in 2011. Below are just a few of the numerous local festivals and events taking place in Bantry and West Cork. 

West Cork Chamber Music Festival

24 June - 2 July 2011  

The  West Cork Chamber Music Festival will be welcoming  world class  ensembles and a host of top international soloists for nine days of spectacular music-making. The quartets that join the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet are the Auryn Quartet from Austria, Quatuor Diotima from France, the acclaimed Pacifica Quartet from the States as well as one of the most innovative group of musicians in the world - Norway's Barokksolistene which refers to Baroque music as "just old pop music." This really is a Festival with something for everyone - lovers of Schubert, Rachmaninov, Mozart and other favourites will be happy to find a full programe of much-loved works as well as more contemporary music. Concerts take place in St Brendan's Church and Bantry House from morning to late night and young musicians take part in masterclasses throughout the Festival culminating in performances on the final day. A violin making exhibition runs thoughout the nine days and there is an opportunity to hear musicians discuss the music of the day at talks each morning. For a full list of performers or to download an event programme go to www.westcorkmusic.ie

Masters of Tradition

9 to 14 August 2011
The 2011 Masters of Tradition Festival will throw open its doors to some of the very best musicians in the land. This unique Festival gives performers the freedom to choose what they play in the glorious surroundings of Bantry House and St Brendan's Church. The idea for the festival evolved from Artistic Director Martin Hayes’ call to create a "quiet and intimate space" where the heart of traditional music could be exposed. The concept has evolved over the years to produce this event that encompasses a simpler, less cluttered performance format and involving some of the very best Irish musicians sharing their take on traditional music. As ever the Festival is headlined by Martin Hayes, the fiddler from East Clare, whose distinctive touch and extravagant virtuosity has brought the tradition to new levels. His famous trance-evoking sets with Dennis Cahill have mesmerised audiences all over the world. So the six days of music-making in Bantry will be opened and closed by the resident master.The line-up will be announced in the coming months on www.westcorkmusic.ie and the brochure for this special musical experience will be available in July.