FAQs

If you’ve got a question about anything involving our Concert Series, you should find the answer here. Click on any question to reveal the answer. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just email us or call us on 00 353 (0)27 52788.

General Queries

When is the Concert Series?

Our Concert Series runs out of season annually, usually starting in September through to March the following year. The dates are set in the autumn and publicised as soon as they are available.

You’ll find our most current programme here.

How can I contact you?
How can I get to the Concert Series?

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Bantry is approximately 90 km west of Cork City. We’ve detailed directions to help you get here by any mode of travel – see our Travelling to Bantry pages.

If you are unsure of travel directions please get in touch with our local Tourist Information Office – they are more than happy to help you to get to this beautiful part of Ireland.

Can you tell me about accommodation, restaurants and tourist information?

There is a wide choice of accommodation in the region – Manor House Hotels and Hotels, Lodges and Guesthouses, Bed & Breakfasts and Farmhouses.  To explore your options, browse our Fáilte Ireland-approved listings or see the Co Cork listings at Discover Ireland.

If you’re having trouble finding accommodation our local Tourist Information Office will be delighted to help you.

You can also find out more about our local area and things to do on our own Tourist Information pages.

How do I let you know any ideas I have for the Concert Series?

Written suggestions are easiest for us to follow up on. You can write to us at West Cork Music, 13 Glengarriff Rd, Bantry, Co Cork, or email us.

What is West Cork Music?

West Cork Music is our management company. It was established in 1995 and has grown from a small voluntary organisation to a company which is dedicated to bringing the highest calibre of musical experience to Ireland. We promote the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, now in its 21st year, which has become one of the leading chamber music events in Europe, attracting local, national and international audiences alike. We also organise the West Cork Literary and Masters of Tradition festivals and educational activities as part of our Festivals and through the music-in-schools programme, ‘Tuning Up’, in partnership with Cork County Council, visiting 50 schools throughout the county each year.

Our commitment to excellence and distinctive West Cork identity have secured us special place in the Irish cultural landscape.

Find out more on our About Us pages.

Programme & Flyers

Where can I get a copy of the Concert Series Programme?

We have all the information you need on our website here, including artists’ and quartets’ biographies. Just click on the event or artist you want to know more about.

We don’t publish a Programme, but usually design flyers for each event. They are distributed throughout West Cork and are also available at our offices on Glengarrriff Rd.

Pricing

Can I get a discount for booking multiple events?

Yes! Each year we have special offers for purchasing tickets for more than one concert in the series. You’ll find the details on our Programme pages.

Please get in touch our West Cork Music Box Office for these requests as they aren’t currently available on our website – 00 353 (0)27 52788.

Can I get a discount for a group booking?

We don’t currently offer group booking discounts but, depending on circumstances, it’s worth getting in touch with us in case we can help you.

Please get in touch our West Cork Music Box Office for these requests as – 00 353 (0)27 52788.

Do you have any concessions for children, students or pensioners?

We offer a concession for most events to those aged 16 and under. No other concessions are available.

Please get in touch our West Cork Music Box Office for these requests as they aren’t currently available on our website – 00 353 (0)27 52788.

Why do I have to pay a booking fee?

There is a single €4 fee for each booking by Cheque, Postal Order or Credit Card.

To avoid multiple booking fees, plan ahead to make all your bookings at the same time.

We are charged the booking fee by the bank and credit card companies. We regret we have to pass the fee on to the customer. But do note, there is no charge when paying by cash at an event or our offices.

Note there is an addition fee of €2 for postage if you wish your tickets to be posted out to you. There is no charge if you select to collect your tickets at the event.

 

My plans have changed - can I get a refund?

Refunds will be given only in the case of a cancelled concert.

Couldn't your ticket prices be cheaper?

Our pricing is very reasonable – especially when compared to other events of the same genre.

At the end of the day, to operate sustainably, we have to charge for tickets to cover our costs. We believe our prices are fair and reasonable for the unique musical experience we offer.

Booking

How do I book?

When booking is open, usually from sometime in September, you can book online here – and you can find out everything you need to know about booking here.

If you have any problems, just give us a call on 00 353 (0)27 52788 and we’ll talk you through it – or we can make the booking for you.

When can I book?

You can find out everything you need to know about booking, including when booking opens, here. Our dates vary every year.

What are your terms & conditions?

You’ll find our terms and conditions on our Booking pages – with all the other information you’ll need to know about booking.

The programme's online, but I can't book! Why?

We like to get the full Concert Series programme online as soon as its available. But we may not finalise prices for concerts in the spring till nearer the time. You’ll be able to book these concerts when all their details are finalised.

Merchandise & Gifts

What could I buy as a gift for a friend who loves your work?

You have a choice of gift options:

  • You can purchase a gift voucher for any amount here. Your friend will be able to buy tickets to our Concert Series or any festival up to that amount with the voucher.
  • You can also purchase one of our Friend or Sponsor packages for your friend with a voucher. Find out the benefits of these packages here.
  • Our West Cork Chamber Music Festival/West Cork Literary Festival bags are also a lovely gift.
Can I buy a CD?

I’m afraid not. We’re really sorry but we no longer produce CDs.

Venues

How do I find the venues?

We have several maps of the venues available to you:

  • Online here
  • Paper copies are available in our main office
  • Poster copies are displayed in our office and venues
  • You’ll also find tourist maps of Bantry and the surrounding area at our offices and at the local Tourist Information Offices on Bantry Square.

All our local venues are within easy walking distance of each other.

Where can I park?

In the town itself, street parking is limited to 2 hours, Mon-Sat 9am – 6pm. But there are several free car parks around the town:

  • By the Bay
    • directly off the main square at the Supervalu turn
    • take the Supervalu turn from the main square and there is indoor and outdoor parking by the supermarket itself
  • In town
    • By Biggs Catering Supplies, just down from the Library, off Bridge St
    • Off William St, on the left after An Post
How about disabled parking?

St Brendan’s Church has disabled parking spaces directly outside. Please let us know in advance and we can book you a space for any concerts you are attending.

There are also disabled parking spaces throughout the town centre, and in the carparks mentioned in the previous FAQ.

How can I be sure not to get seating with an obscured view?

You will not be able to buy such seats online – they can only be purchased directly from our box office team. When you’re booking, we’ll let you know when seats have an obscured view and you can make an informed decision about purchase.

Would you consider a dedicated venue?
West Cork Music began in the mid-’90s as an idea in the head of Francis Humphrys – farmer and founder of the renowned West Cork Chamber Music Festival. It has grown into a suite of 3 world-class festivals, supported by formidable education and outreach activities.

But now, the festivals need a home so we can fulfil our ambitions for music and arts events, education, and community activities year-round. We have plans for a world-class arts venue and a Music Education Centre that will drive learning from beginner to elite levels to create the musicians and audiences of the future!

Learn more about our plans for a dedicated venue for West Cork Music. > https://bantrymusiccentre.ie