Across the island, we’re absolutely spoiled for world-beating festivals that marry place with purpose. From the Atlantic coast to deep city venues, Ireland continues to conjure immersive events that defy template. Common Threads, returning to the Burren this October, is once again throwing its hat into the ring with something quietly radical.
Now in its third year, the festival is a three-day trail of music, art and discovery set in the singular surroundings of North Clare’s Burren. Running from 10th-12th October, it brings together a wide-ranging cast including Martin Hayes, Morgana, Daithí, RÓIS, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Lullahush, Bantum, Aindrias de Staic, Sally Cinnamon, Graham Dolan, Sunday Spinners and more. Curated by Peter Kelly and Daithí Ó Drónaí, the event invites audiences to experience Irish music in unexpected ways and spaces, from limestone caves to castle halls.
The 2025 edition deepens its commitment to site-specific storytelling, taking attendees on a bus-led voyage through natural and cultural landmarks. At its core, the festival aims to trace the common threads that connect contemporary Irish expression with place, tradition and experimentation.
“This year’s theme focuses on new approaches to Irish music,” says Daithí. “From RÓIS’s contemporary sean-nós explorations to Lullahush’s innovative use of Irish samples and Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s powerful take on traditional fiddle.” Kelly adds, “Heading into our third year in the Burren feels both exciting and grounding. We’ve learned more each year, refocusing and putting care into the areas that matter most while staying true to the spirit that shaped Common Threads.”
With sustainability woven into its approach, the festival works with local vendors and producers and includes initiatives like a litter-free policy, waste reduction measures and bus-only transport between venues. Expect a weekend rooted in landscape, elevated by performance and shaped by community.
Early access to line-up details and tickets is now open via commonthreads.events with the full Bus Voyage pass (€150) on sale from 10am Thursday 3rd July and individual events (€20–€40) from 10am Friday 4th July. Tickets are limited and expected to sell out.
Check out our galleries from Common Threads 2024 and 2023, and head over to over Instagram page to enter a comp to win tickets.
Photo of Morgana by Seán Kelly
