In 2024, he won the coveted title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and was also invited to sing for King Charles and Queen Camilla as part of the Scottish National Parliament’s 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Beyond his solo endeavours, he is one third of the trio Fell Line, alongside Megan MacDonald and Chloë Bryce. His collaborations include performances with the likes of Mike Vass, Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

McIlroy’s solo performances are made up of solo guitar arrangements of traditional Scottish and self-composed tunes, as well as songs from Scotland and beyond.

Fiddle player Aidan Connolly and accordionist Bryan O’Leary are two leading performers of traditional Irish music.

Aidan Connolly, from Dublin, has received widespread acclaim for his distinctive fiddle playing, and was nominated for Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Folk Awards in 2022. He also performs the role of John Sheahan in the internationally touring stage show Dubliners Encore. His recordings have received critical praise in publications such as The Irish Times and The Irish Echo.

Bryan O’Leary, a native of Tureencahill in County Kerry, is widely regarded as one of the leading accordion players of his generation. He was named TG4 Young Musician of the Year in 2015. Bryan is the grandson of the legendary Sliabh Luachra accordion player, Johnny O’Leary, and his playing continues a rich family tradition rooted in the distinctive repertoire of polkas and slides associated with the region.

The duo perform regularly at concerts and festivals in Ireland and internationally, and are also active as teachers of traditional music through workshops, masterclasses and educational programmes. Their performances present the distinctive fiddle and accordion tradition of Sliabh Luachra, alongside stories and insights into the musicians who shaped the style.

Workshop 1 - Aidan Connolly - Fiddle workshop - suitable for intermediate / advanced fiddle players

A great opportunity for fiddle players wanting to add to their Irish repertoire and learn Irish techniques.

Workshop 2 - Bryan O'Leary - Music of County Kerry workshop - suitable for all melody instruments 

Bryan will lead this workshop teaching the music of his native County Kerry: Polkas, Slides, and so much more!

10:00AM - 10:15AM: Registration and meet and greet with the instructors

10:15AM - 12:00PM: Workshops

12:00PM - 1:00PM: Break

1:00PM - 2:00PM: Workshops

2:00PM - 3:00PM: Session for workshop attendees led by Aidan and Bryan

$65 w/ fees / Register HERE.

NOTE - Aidan and Bryan have limited availability for one-on-one private lessons the day prior to these workshops, on Friday, July 3, 2026. Please contact [email protected] for further details.