Background

This years festival will be Hollywood's 13th since MUSIC UNDER THE MOUNTAINS was first launched in 1991. Originally conceived as a showcase for quality traditional and folk music in a unique rural setting, this festival is now widely regarded as the East Coast premier traditional event.

Many of Ireland’s top traditional acts have performed under the MUSIC UNDER THE MOUNTAINS banner, notably THE CHIEFTAINS, LIAM O FLYNN, JACKIE DALY, THE KILFENORA CELIA BAND, MARTIN HAYES amongst others. Last September our special guests were Donegal based ALTAN who are presently enjoying phenomenal success world-wide.

The original primary aims of MUSIC UNDER THE MOUNTAINS were to highlight HOLLYWOOD as a centre for quality music, celebrate its local heritage and landscape and provide musicians and audiences with an unusual and friendly venue for performances. The festival always includes classes and workshops hosted by the guest musicians.

Following the death in 1996 of one of the original founders of this festival, LAURA GREAVES, a bursary to fund children's music's projects was established in her memory. This bursary now enables the children of HOLLYWOOD and the local area to enjoy weekly tuition in various traditional musical instruments and the bursary is supported by income from the MUSIC UNDER THE MOUNTAINS festival.

A new and exciting feature has been added to the childrens’ school with the formation of a traditional band ‘Fuinneamh’ who have carried the musical talent of the school to many venues including the National Concert Hall and on a visit to Sweden for the traditional Midsummer Festival at Ratvic.