Voice of women to be heard as Féile na Laoch festival looks to future

Artificial intelligence, climate change, and employment are among discussion topics at the gathering in Cúil Aodha, writes Pet O'Connell  

Peadar Ó Riada at the Aeríocht during the opening part of Féile na Laoch 2025 in Cúil Aodha. Picture: David Creedon

Seven ‘heroes’ from each of seven cultural disciplines took the stage on the opening weekend of Féile na Laoch, held once every seven years in honour of composer Seán Ó Riada and other heroes.

An all-night Aeríocht in a riverside field in Cúil Aodha celebrated heroes of song, dance, poetry, and more, culminating in an orchestra playing Ó Riada’s Mise Éire film score as day broke on his birthday, August 1.