The free inaugural event will kick off at the Steampacket, from 6.30pm on Friday, March 24, with the Irish tunes set to continue in and around the hotel for rest of the weekend, finishing up on the afternoon of Sunday, March 26.

With hopes to become an annual event, the Irish Music Weekend is a natural extension of the successful Steampacket Session, which local folk group Ballyhooley hosts at the hotel each month, flute player Terry McGee said.

“From their inception, musicians from up and down the coast and from Canberra have been dropping in, and the idea of a full weekend of music grew naturally out of that”, McGee said.

Banjo player Melanie Turner said close to 30 musicians were expected to attend.

“Come out and join us for a few tunes, a few drinks and great craic,” singer and dulcimer player Jesse Rowan said.