Miltown Malbay takes its name from neighbouring Mal Bay, said to link this part of the coast with Mal, the witch or fairy woman who pursued Cuchulain at Loop Head. Drowned in an attempt to emulate the hero's long jumping prowess, her body was washed ashore at Malbay. Miltown Malbay has, for many years, been synonymous with traditional music. Some of the greatest musicians live, or lived, in the area; (people such as Willie Clancy, Junior Crehan, Scully and Bobby Casey and Ollie Conway). This history ensures great music sessions all year round. For over 40 years July has been marked annually by the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, a week-long summer school celebrating traditional music, singing and dancing. The master classes and concerts attract the most accomplished traditional musicians from all parts of the world, with a cosmopolitan mix spilling out into the street and the pubs of the town.
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 40th Anniversary Documentary.
A fascinating and revealing insight into the first 40 years of Ireland's largest traditional music summer school.