Irish Youth Choirs

The only dedicated national youth choirs that offers training opportunities for conductors and singers from all over Ireland.

The Irish Youth Choirs (IYCs) offers exciting performance opportunities for conductors and singers between the ages of 14-28 years from all over Ireland.

Please note: Auditions are closed for IYC 2025. Check back in Autumn 2025 for details of how to be part of Irish Youth Choir 2026. 

Empowering Young Singers

The Irish Youth Choirs are run by Sing Ireland and principally funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Set up as a choir in 1982, IYCs now consists of two choirs; the Irish Youth Choir (18-28 year olds) and the Irish Youth Choir (14-17 year olds). 

IYCs meet annually for an intensive residential courses in the summer under the expert tuition of their conductors: Artistic Director, Bernie Sherlock (for 18-28 years), and Patrick Barrett (for 14-17 years).

Each conductor is joined by a team of vocal tutors to guide participants through the repertoire.  Each Residential course culminates in a number of performances by the choirs. 

Join Our Alumni 

Alumni of the Irish Youth Choirs have proceeded to become some of Ireland’s best conductors, choir founders, singers, teachers, and musicians. 

One of the highlights of my time in the Irish Youth Choir has been the wonderful variety of music that we have the privilege of studying and performing…we have been introduced to an exciting repertoire that has changed the way I perceive certain genres of music.

IYC is much more than a choir; it was the first time in my life I had the opportunity to meet and befriend people who loved to sing as much as I do. I’ve built some wonderful memories and made some fantastic friends for life, none of which would have been possible without this amazing group.

Participating in the Irish Youth Choir has been such an incredible experience for me. We have such acclaimed talent and devotion among the staff of our tutoring panel, and Greg brings great enthusiasm and an encouraging attitude, ensuring that the week is full of great work and fun pulled together for everyone. Having the great opportunity to perform as part of collaborations, travel around Ireland for concert tours, and perform at the BBC Proms in London are just among the highlights of the success we have had as members of IYC.

Supported by