In recent years the Festival’s opening ceremony has evolved to become a platform to honour and pay tribute to musicians, singers and dancers that have contributed to the culture of Co. Clare.

The Festival begins the programme of events with a celebration of Robbie Mc Mahon. Robbie has been a regular performer at the Festival and can be relied on to keep order for the Sunday Morning singing session. The Festival is honoured to screen Last Night as I Lay Dreaming, a documentary that features the contribution Robbie has made to the world of singing down through the years, both through his compositions and his unique interpretation of traditional songs. Last Night As I Lay Dreaming explores the life and song of traditional singer Robbie McMahon from Spancilhill in Co.Clare who is credited with bringing the song’ Spancilhill’ and to a worldwide audience. The documentary charts the huge contribution Robbie McMahon has made to the world of singing down through the years, both through his own compositions and his unique interpretation of traditional songs.

Gifted with a comic turn of phrase, and renouned as a great entertainer, Robbie has imortalised significant local events in song, including hurling matches, Fleadhs and even Red Cross socials! Set against the backdrop of community life in rural Clare, ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’ features interviews with those who have known Robbie over the years as well as contributions that set his achievements in a wider context, highlighting the important role the singer and songwriter has traditionally played in their local communities, recording significant events and keeping that memory alive for future generations.

‘This documentary captures the essence of Robbie and in many ways the essence of Clare a county of music’.


Last Night as I Lay Dreaming received funding from the Arts Council, Clare County Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and the festival are indeed very grateful to be given this opportunity to screen this informative, poignant yet humorous film.

A great night is promised and we will end it with a few songs from Robbie. As usual there will be a wine and food reception and all are welcome.

The evening will be complimented by a photographic exhibition by Amanda Hooke. Amanda, originally from California but now living in Carna, will showcase her work in Feakle for the first time. She is a regular visitor to both Feakle and the Festival and this exhibition will showcase her work which is striking, warm and beautiful.