About our West Cork Chamber Music Festival

This is what we try to achieve in Bantry – A paradise for Chamber Music. For 10 days Bantry is soaked in some of the most exquisite classical music. With up to 6 concerts, 4 masterclasses, talks and the Violin & Bowmakers’ Exhibition, this little town is invaded by music lovers, musicians and music students. With Rising Stars, long-established musicians and composers, we aim to create an atmosphere of friendship, creativity and enjoyment that centres around great music played by great musicians.

Bantry House is the main concert venue along with the small single-aisle church dedicated to St Brendan, whose legendary Brendan Voyage began in this part of Ireland. All the venues have an intimacy that is vital for chamber music and Bantry House itself is renowned for the atmosphere created in the candle-lit Library and the House’s extraordinarily beautiful setting at the head of Bantry Bay. All events are within walking distance of the central hotels and one can find oneself crossing the Square in the company of world-famous musicians. The intimacy of place and venue creates a special community of musicians and music-lovers.