Willie Clancy lived most of his later life in Miltown Malbay. He was the best known traditional musician in Ireland, especially noted for his beautiful rendering of slow airs on the uilleann pipes. He also excelled on the concert flute and the tin whistle. An Irish speaker, he had an extensive repertoire of Irish songs and stories and was well versed in the local folklore.
The Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is Ireland's largest traditional music summer school, held annually since 1973, in Miltown Malbay, in memory of the piper Willie Clancy. During the week, nearly a thousand students from every part of the world attend daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. In addition, a full program of lectures, recitals, dances (céilithe) and exhibitions are run by the summer school. All events are held in and near Miltown Malbay.
