Geantraí TG4 makes a comeback and visits Cleere's in Kilkenny

Geantraí, the iconic traditional music series, has made a comeback to TG4 in 2024 after a ten-year break - and the eighth episode is coming to you from Cleere's, Kilkenny.

Acclaimed singer Ciarán Ó Gealbháin takes the lead in this thirteen-part series, celebrating Ireland's vibrant music session tradition. The series Geantraí served as a cornerstone in TG4's music programming for 17 years from 1996 until 2013 and the iconic series is making a comeback in January 2024! In this new thirteen-part series acclaimed singer and musician Ciarán Ó Gealbháin takes the helm as series presenter where he travels the length and breadth of the country to celebrate Ireland's vibrant music session tradition. 

This episode will air at 10.30pm on Sunday, February 25 and will feature top class traditional musicians from Kilkenny and the surrounding area.

Geantraí captures Irish traditional arts and folk music in a relaxed session setting, highlighting the vital connection between performers and listeners. The series encapsulates the essence of sessions as cultural linchpins and social spaces, documenting Irish traditional and folk musicians in their natural and often preferred environment - the session. 

Geantraí serves as a platform for both distinguished and emerging artists rooted in Ireland's music tradition, as well as paying tribute to the musicians and publicans that have helped to keep traditional arts and sessions alive to this day. This promises a distinctive and exciting night of music from each pub with musicians from the region featured in each episode. From Timoleague in West Cork to Dunkineely in Donegal, across to Ballisodare, County Sligo and to the village of Hollywood in Wicklow, the series covers music from across the entire island of Ireland.

Geantraí was the original showcase for traditional music on TG4 and the name and reputation of the series remains synonymous with traditional music, a reputation that will live on for future decades. The series carries an enormous legacy due to the quality of the series in days gone by and under the program’s previous stewardship by Tony and Joe McCarthy (Forefront Productions). With Paschal Cassidy at the helm of the new Geantraí programmes and with acclaimed music series such as Hup and Cúltír (TG4) and most recently Seisiún (RTÉ), Cassidy’s skill as a director will bring a new flare and style to Geantraí that promises not only a treat for devoted fans but also a captivating introduction for new audiences who might like to experience traditional music brought to their screens at home.

The series kicked off with a re-showing of last year’s Geantraí na Nollag which featured acts such as North Cregg, The Whileaways, Frankie Gavin and Conor Connolly, and many more. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the very best of Irish traditional and folk music from the comfort of your home with Geantraí!