Donegal Fiddle & Dance Workshops

Saturday 28 March 2026

BelfastTrad, in collaboration with Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí, are delighted to host a day of Donegal fiddle workshops with outstanding musicians Aidan O’Donnell and Melanie Houton, alongside a Donegal set dancing workshop led by Anne and Tara Connaghan.

The day will finish with a joint session and informal recital upstairs in The Errigle Inn, where all tutors will perform together.

Fiddle Workshops @ Stranmillis

11:30am - 2:00pm

Donegal Fiddle Workshop with Melanie Houton
Donegal Fiddle Workshop with Aidan O’Donnell

Music Department - Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast BT9 5DY

Both workshops will explore repertoire and stylistic elements of the Donegal fiddle tradition, including bowing, rhythm and ornamentation.

Set Dancing Workshop @ The Errigle Inn

11.30am – 2.00pm

Anne Connaghan and Tara Connaghan

Upstairs at The Errigle Inn
312–320 Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 2GE

This workshop introduces dancers to the lively Donegal set dancing tradition, closely connected to the fiddle music of the region.

Joint Session and Recital

2.30pm – 3.30pm

After the workshops everyone is welcome to join the tutors upstairs in The Errigle Inn for a relaxed session and short recital.