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Are you a folk or roots artist looking to network with managers, booking agents, fellow musicians and more? Then "Your Roots Are Showing", Ireland's Folk Conference, is the place for you to be in January 2025!
The conference is marking its third year with a new location, a kick off concert and five full days of business building and music-centric offerings including panel discussions, keynotes, gig and trade fairs, networking, traditional Irish music sessions, Irish folklore and a gig trail.
The showcase evenings will feature more than 100 artists from around the world, performing across four stages on the lush property of the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney (County Kerry), the conference’s new location.
Early Bird Conference Registration for Your Roots Are Showing is Still Available Here, and Save on Booking With Host Hotel With Code ROOTS25
“Due to the incredible response we received last year, we’ve chosen a larger venue for 2025. The Gleneagle Hotel/INEC will now host our event, offering an ideal setting in the heart of Killarney—a charming, walkable town surrounded by national parks and rich in Irish history,” says Charlene Sloan, co-founder of the conference.
“Attendees will have a packed agenda but will also have the chance to enjoy a bit of relaxation and explore the stunning local surroundings. This year, we've expanded with more stages, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities than ever before," says Brendan McCreanor, who co-founded the conference alongside Sloan.
"We're kicking off the week with a curated concert featuring some of the most celebrated artists in the folk, Americana, and roots scenes. Additionally, we're excited to introduce highly requested Ireland-centric workshops, including traditional music sessions, our Music Trail through the beautiful town of Killarney, as well as language and storytelling workshops. We will also feature Irish crafters and food vendors as part of our trade fair, offering attendees an authentic taste of local craftsmanship and cuisine"
Kenny Sharp, a Washington, D.C. native who is one of Nashville’s “ones to watch” this year – even winning AAA radio’s Lighting 100 Music City Mayhem contest entered by more than 1500 artists each year, said of the conference: “Last year was my first time and I had such a great time making friends and building bonds with musicians in and outside of the rooms. We're in Kerry this coming January and I'm excited to take in more of the culture, hear the speakers, and more than anything else, jam some tunes with all the attending, and fabulous, musicians. We'll see you there this year!”
In this, its third year, some of the noted growth includes a new host hotel, The Gleneagle Hotel, which is adjacent to the new Gleneagle INEC Arena. For those not familiar with the Irish National Events Centre (INEC), it is Ireland’s largest and most versatile venue for national and international conferences and events outside of Dublin.
What attendees are saying!
The conference provided first hand access to industry professionals that you would never otherwise be able to connect with, and a much more meaningful introduction and connection….”
- Brigid O’Neill, Artist - County Down, Northern Ireland
“The most exciting part of the event, though, was the curation. The talent was really impressive….I was on a complete mission—I managed to see 58 artists in the short time I was there. I don't think I've ever managed that at any conference before or anywhere else, for that matter.”
- Matt Bartlett, Founder of Midnight Mango Booking Agency - Somerset, UK
"Attending Ireland’s Folk Conference, Your Roots Are Showing, is like stepping into a vibrant session of global musical traditions…the event has become an unmissable stop on her calendar. Year after year, she attends with the purpose of discovering fresh international folk talent to bring to Australian Festival audiences. This conference offers the richness and depth of Irish folk music, but also acts from around the world, making it a prime destination for those wanting to be among the best musicians, singer songwriters and thought provoking conference panels! In essence it’s a space where everyone can come along, the public, musicians and industry, to discover a treasure trove of undiscovered talent!"
- Clare Cremin, Square Lemon PR - Melbourne, Australia
“Last year was my first time, and I had such a great time making friends and building bonds with musicians…We're going back this year, and we're very excited to play, but also, and more importantly, to form relationships and share stories with people from all different walks of life and all different parts of the globe in such a beautiful setting. We're in Kerry this year. I'm very excited to take in more of the culture.”
- Kenny Sharp, Brown Liquor Music - Nashville, USA
“Whether an artist or industry executive, Your Roots Are Showing is time very well spent. It’s a great opportunity to hear world-class music while building valuable relationships from key territories all around the world.”
- Pete Fisher, President, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, Inc - Nashville, USA
“Coming up on its third year, Your Roots Are Showing is proving to be THE conference to start your year out with. If you're from the U.S. you'll have every opportunity to build your business, connect with untapped talent and take in the sights, sounds and flavors of Ireland. I can't recommend this conference highly enough!”
- Jacquelyn Martinez Marushka, Founder/President Marushka Media - Nashville, USA
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