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Gleneagle’s story began in 1957, when a young Killarney family opened their doors to guests and welcomed the first visitors into what was then a modest country house. What started as a small family-run hotel has grown into one of Ireland’s most recognised destination hotels, but the spirit of welcome that shaped those early days still defines it.

The original house, formerly known as Flesk House, was built in the 1830s. When Paddy and Sheila O’Donoghue purchased the property in 1956, they saw more than a building. They saw potential for a home filled with guests, music, conversation and community. Within a year, Gleneagle was registered as a licensed hotel, and its doors have never truly closed since.

12/29/2026

  • Bird on the Wire - The Songs of Leonard Cohen
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Bird on the Wire - The Songs of Leonard Cohen
20:30 - 22:30
Music

Bird On The Wire, a collaborative interpretation of The Leonard Cohen Songbook by singer Pauline Scanlon, Galway band The Whileaways and their band of joy, returns to Gleneagle Club this December. With tours in the UK and in Ireland along with their first European run of concerts. Bird On The Wire is a unique combination of outstanding singers exploring their own interpretations of the wonderfully rich music and words of the icon that is Leonard Cohen. They lead a masterful ensemble including Will Merrigan (bass), Dave Clancy (keys), Matthew Berrill (saxophone) and Eamon Murray (drums) with lush string arrangements bringing the elegance of the performance to life.

Pauline Scanlon galvanized the Irish music scene with her stunning debut album, Red Colour Sun, over ten years ago. As a solo artist and as a member of vocal duo LUMIERE, Scanlon has entranced audiences the world over with her distinctly delicate intensity. Pauline has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including Damien Dempsey, Sinéad O’Connor, John Spillane and is a member of several high-profile groups including Dónal Lunny’s Atlantic Arc Orchestra. Scanlon has presented several music-based television programmes for both the BBC and TG4 in recent years, and released her latest album Gossamer in 2016 to critical acclaim.

The Whileaways are three powerful forces in Irish roots music: Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce combine to create a beguiling tapestry of harmonies, tradition and beautifully crafted original songs. They have released three critically acclaimed albums, toured all over the world, and been nominated for Best Group and Best Album in the RTÉ Folk Awards. Plaudits have been heaped upon the band with The Irish Echo calling their sound ‘perfected simplicity’, and Hot Press saying that the trio ‘stake their claim to being among the finest singers in the country’. Bird On The Wire brings these accomplished singers together, and on stage they create an emotionally charged atmosphere enhanced by the wonderful lights and stage direction ofthe show. Fans have been blown away by the show in Ireland and audiences in the UK and Europe will undoubtedly have the same reaction.

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