The Jim Dowling Uilleann Pipes and Trad Festival is the most important arts/social event of the year in Glengarriff and surrounding areas. They capitalise on a unique claim - that they are the home of the late Jim Dowling, one of Ireland's finest Uilleann pipers. When he was alive many 'disciples' made the journey to Glengarriff to hear him play and observe his mastery of the making of the instruments.

The festival's main objectives are to ensure that the artistry of playing and making Uilleann pipes is preserved by attracting the finest traditional musicians to a great festival of music. The festival allows the joy of fine traditional music to be shared with new and upcoming musicians and lovers of the tradition.