After moving to Clare two years ago, musician, DJ and event producer Peter Kelly was drawn to the landscape and community that now shapes his creative work.
Now he co-produces Common Threads with Daithí; running from Oct 10th-12th in the breathtaking surrounds of the Burren, the event offers a three-day trail of musical and cultural discovery featuring performances from Martin Hayes, Morgana, Daithi, RÓIS, Niamh Regan and more.
Peter introduces the latest installment below...
From the very beginning, myself and Daithí (my co-producer) were clear about one thing: we never wanted Common Threads to be a large-scale event. Some of our favourite festivals in Ireland — Another Love Story, OpenEar, Sounds from a Safe Harbour, Other Voices and Body & Soul (R.I.P.) — have always shown how powerful smaller gatherings can be, how they draw attention to the little details that make an experience unforgettable. That kind of atmosphere just isn't possible when things get too big.
It’s those details that make the difference. They are what create the memories, the magical performances, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, whether you are in the audience or behind the scenes. Most of our crew are artists and musicians themselves, and that gives us a natural understanding of how an event should feel. I often joke that years of playing the bottom-of-the-barrel UK tours for no money, four cans of Red Stripe and empty rooms was the best education possible. It showed me exactly what not to do, and now it feels like a privilege to treat artists the way they deserve. To be able to do that in the Burren, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, is something really special.
Year one was fuelled by sheer belief. Year two proved that people wanted to come back. Year three feels like the start of something lasting.
Heading into our third year in the Burren feels both exciting and grounding. Each year we have learned, refocused, and put more care into the areas that matter most while holding onto the spirit that shaped Common Threads in the first place. We also have some surprises lined up to make sure every artist and attendee has a weekend to remember on the west coast.
For the first time, the programme runs across three days. Friday night sets the tone in Ballyvaughan, Saturday brings the much-loved bus voyage through the Burren, and Sunday closes with a celebratory send-off in the village. Every part of it has been carefully considered, from stronger production and smoother transport to the possibility of new artistic collaborations. Stay tuned.
Sustainability is just as important. We work with local food suppliers, use compostable packaging, and reduce car travel by bussing audiences from place to place. None of this would be possible without the legendary people of the community. It’s a system built on trust, support and spirit, with accommodation providers, transport operators, food and craft vendors all pulling together to make Common Threads happen. This year we are also introducing a Green Officer to oversee waste and impact, making sure the festival grows responsibly. Common Threads has always been about connection, but connection means responsibility too.
Year one was fuelled by sheer belief. Year two proved that people wanted to come back. Year three feels like the start of something lasting. We want to grow what’s on offer and grow from the inside out, not in scale.
Third time’s a charm.
See you in the Burren.
Common Threads runs Oct 10th-12th in The Burren, Co. Claire - find out more here
