The Willie Clancy Summer School (Irish Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy) is Ireland’s largest traditional music summer school held annually since 1973 in memory of the uilleann piper Willie Clancy. For a number of years, the FCJ Sisters in Ireland have been present in an active, inviting, inclusive manner at this annual traditional music festival held in July in Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
During the week of the festival the FCJ Spirituality House, An Teach Spioradálta, in Spanish Point, neighbouring Milltown Malbay opens its doors to people of all faiths or none. They are invited to drop in for any number of three daily sessions on faith/prayer/music/culture or for a cup of tea or chat any time between 1.30-11.00pm.
The week begins with the celebration of Mass in the chapel at FCJ Spirituality House where approximately 50-60 people attend. A number of these return to several sessions in the Centre during the week. All sessions are followed by tea and chat.
Throughout the day there are ample opportunities for musicians to play their music to an appreciative audience – anybody is welcome to come in off the street and play their music! This year for the first time, two young musicians will be playing traditional music in between presentations at FCJ Spirituality House and they will be accommodated in FCJ Lodge.
Ireland has a long tradition and great love of traditional music, sports, literature and poetry as well as Celtic Spirituality which are still vibrant today. All are commemorated and celebrated in numerous ways but the Celtic Spiritual tradition is no longer as visible as it once was. The Willie Clancy Summer Music festival is celebrating its 53rd year in 2025 with music enthusiasts coming from all over the world to learn Irish Celtic music on various instruments in the mornings and play it with others throughout the rest of the day during this week. FCJ Sisters are keen to present a more public face of Celtic Spirituality during this week as an additional enrichment to the extraordinary, vibrant week of traditional Celtic Music that is so obvious everywhere.
While FCJ Spirituality House is an OPEN HOUSE for the week of July 6-13, there is a four-day Heart and Soul Spiritual Refreshment Course (Tues-Fri. incl) with one-hour sessions at 2pm, 5pm and Celtic Night Prayer at 9.00pm. Each session is followed by tea/coffee and chat. We are delighted to welcome back Deirdre Ni Chinneide as our Guest Presenter for 2025.
The FCJ Spirituality House, Teach Spiorodálta, is a home and spiritual haven of the FCJ Sisters, who have come to Spanish Point for generations for spiritual nourishment and refreshment. Now we would like to share our home with the wider community through spiritual moments, enjoyment of the natural beauty of creation, and the lifting of spirits with music, art and poetry.
Please see the events page for current listings. You can contact the House at info @ fcjspiritualityhouse.ie or by phone at +353 87 447 9115 with any questions.
