Paul Brady, Cliffords, John Spillane and more announced for Clonakilty International Guitar Festival

For five days, September 16 to September 20, 2026, Clonakilty in West Cork will welcome its annual International Guitar Festival with music in streets, pubs, venues and butchers.

This year's line-up features a mix of established and emerging talents including Paul Brady, DUG, Leah Song, The Wran, John Spillane, Bill Shanley, Cliffords and many more.

Northern Irish singer-songwriter Brady first graced the stage during the second Clonakilty International Guitar Festival (CIGF) in 2006. His unexpected collaboration with Shanley became renowned in the festival's history, showcasing the spontaneous musical collaboration that CIGF is all about.

"So looking forward to returning to the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival in September" Brady says. "One of the best guitar-centered celebratory events there is."

This is the festival's 22nd year running, having remained independent, community-powered and artist led, while attracting an avalanche of musicians from all over the world.

"Clonakilty International Guitar Festival is full of surprises - a meeting of great musicians, bands and enthusiastic audiences in a special part of the world" adds Shanley.

Cliffords, a four-piece hailing from Cork are making their first visit to the festival. The band spoke about the importance of Cork to their music to Hot Press in May.

"Cork is always super important" lead singer Iona Lynch says. "It's the core of it. It's where we've all grown up, and where we met. It's the music scene that's shaped us, with all these amazing bands we've had the pleasure of meeting and being friends with, and also being influenced by their music."

For more ticket information, click here.