The Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance returns to the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick for the 19th successive year this June 22nd - July 3rd. The summer school will be launched on Monday 22nd June where students attending the course at the University’s Irish World Academy will benefit from the wisdom and tutelage of eminent figures of the Traditional World such as Dónal Lunny, Steve Cooney, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, John Carty, Michelle Mulcahy, Siobhan Peoples, Niall Keegan, Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain, Mats Melin, Louise Mulcahy, Ryan Molloy, Jim Higgins, Conal O Kane, Sandra Joyce and Catherine Foley with more being added all the time.

Blas, directed by Ernestine Healy, has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most prestigious summer schools, drawing students from all over the world to spend two weeks gaining access to the expertise of some of Ireland’s finest artists.  

In addition to expert tuition and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including lectures on Irish Traditional music topics, field-trips, sessions, Irish Language classes, lunchtime and evening concerts, céilís, and above all, the unique opportunity to share tunes with some of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians.  

Following its launch, a range of public events will take place throughout the summer school, including: a number of public lectures, most notably the annual Francis Roche Memorial Lecture; a bi-lingual interview with a seminal performer and figure in the Irish Music scene; and daily public concert events which have proved to be hugely popular in the past. 

The Blas Summer School is delighted to announce the continuation of the Brady Bursary for 2015. The recipients of the scholarships benefit from master classes and tuition from Ireland’s most distinguished traditional artists. The value of each bursary covers a portion of tuition only for the 2 weeks of the programme. Applications for the BLAS BRADY BURSARY 2015 are now open until Monday March 30th.

For further information on all aspects of the Blas Summer School, see www.blas.ie or contact Ernestine Healy, Director, Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance, Irish World Academy, University of Limerick.

Email: Ernestine.healy [at] ul.ie or by Phone: 061 202653.