What is Feis Ceoil?

Feis Ceoil is Ireland’s leading classical music competition.

Feis Ceoil has been running for almost 130 years, with its format evolving significantly in that time. From a small, 32-competition event in 1897, it has greatly expanded to its current iteration of two large annual festivals held in Dublin: the two-day RDS Feis Ceoil School Choir and Orchestra competitions, and the Summer Feis, which features over 180 solo and ensemble competitions each June.

Thousands of young musicians from across the island of Ireland take part every year, from seven year-old primary school students to those with a PhD in Music Performance. Feis Ceoil prizes include generous bursaries as well as invaluable performance opportunities with professional orchestras in concert halls, music festivals and cultural institutions in Ireland and overseas. Those who achieve first prize in our most prestigious senior competitions cite these wins as pivotal to their musical careers.

Over the decades, nearly every major classical Irish musician has competed at the Feis. Noted past participants include James Joyce and Count John McCormack, with more recent Feis alumni including pianists John O’Conor and Finghin Collins, and singers Tara Erraught, Cara O'Sullivan, and Celine Byrne.

As well as the competition festivals, Feis Ceoil also presents a programme of concerts and recitals throughout the year.

What is the Feis Ceoil Association?

Feis Ceoil Association was founded in 1896 by the leading figures in Irish musical life at the time, under the guidance of Dr. Annie Patterson, in response to a perceived neglect of music development in Ireland. Today, the Feis Ceoil Association mission is to promote excellence in music learning and performance across all ages, levels, and disciplines.

Feis Ceoil will celebrate 130 years in 2026, and continues to be a vital part of Ireland’s musical infrastructure.

The Feis Ceoil Association is a registered charity in Ireland (Number: 20005771) and relies on a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorship, and some state support to carry out its work.