The Island Drift returns to West Cork

The Island Drift returns to Garnish Island in Glengarriff, Co. Cork, from September 4–6, bringing together a weekend of music, literature and cultural events.

The festival will feature performances and appearances from Gemma Hayes, Paul Noonan and Brian Crosby's Pilgrims, the Blindboy Podcast and more.

Presented by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Cork-based creative company The Good Room, the programme combines evening headline performances with free daytime events celebrating the island's natural and cultural heritage.

The festival used to take place in Cork city upon its inception in 2016, before moving to its new location, and is now in its fourth year of being located on Garnish Island, on a 37-acre space with scenic greenery.

Friday's programme will open with a performance from Pilgrims, the new collaboration between Bell X1's Paul Noonan and Brian Crosby, whose debut album Wintering was released earlier this year. Gemma Hayes will headline on Saturday evening, before The Blindboy Podcast brings the festival to a close on Sunday.

To attend the evening shows with Pilgrims, Gemma Hayes and The Blindboy Podcast, tickets must be purchased and each ticket includes a return ferry journey with Harbour Queen Ferries.

THE ISLAND DRIFT SCHEDULE 

Friday 4th September

EVENING CONCERT PILGRIMS with Paul Noonan & Brian Crosby | 5.30pm

Saturday 5th September

WALKING TOUR with head gardener Glyn Sherratt | 11am

Carina McNally reading and in conversation with Sarah Harte | 12.30pm

MUSIC TRAIL with Dan Walsh, David Murphy & Bridget & Kitty | 1pm - 3pm

GRUB CIRCUS meets Children of the Cheese | 2pm

EVENING SHOW Gemma Hayes  | 5.30pm

Sunday 6th September

WALKING TOUR with head gardener Glyn Sherratt | 11.00am

Doireann Ni Ghríofa reading from ‘Said the Dead’ and in conversation with Rachel Andrews | 12.30pm

UNTOLD SOUNDS with Sean Ronayne | 2pm

EVENING CONCERT The Blindboy Podcast | 5.30pm