It is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the bedrocks of traditional Irish music, song, dance, poetry, and culture. Hundreds of years ago the area was sparsely populated. After the Plantation of Munster in 1583 and the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, many dispossessed and consequently poverty stricken people moved into the area. The remote and less hospitable environment proved attractive to these migrants, as authorities were less likely to cause trouble here as the region was inaccessible and agriculture quality poor.

It was in such circumstance, that Sliabh Luachra music, poetry and dance evolved as a particular style. Children were reared literate, with many fluent in Irish, English, Latin and Greek and thought in Classical Schools along with Hedge Schools in Penal Times. The area was blessed with gifted music teachers whose names are legendary. While traditional music was played in the area for several hundred years, these gifted teachers such as Pádraig O’ Keeffe gave the music a ‘Draíocht’ and a feeling that came from the soul of its’ people. Other people of note from the area include Pádraig Ó’ Dúinnín – Lexicographer and Historian; Ned Buckley – poet; and Aogán O’ Rathaille – 17th century Irish Language Poet; amongst others. The region of Sliabh Luachra, through its history, people and sets of traditions form one of Ireland’s premier cultural treasures.