TradFest 2026 Programme

2026

21- 25 JAN

Heart and Ceol

Brought to you by

For 21 years our funders and partners have enabled TradFest grow and flourish across Dublin city and county. We greatly appreciate their vital support.

OUR PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

Welcome Fáilte Ireland’s largest celebration of traditional and folk music has grown into more than a festival; it’s a movement to redefine traditional music as a space for innovation, inclusion, and connection.

From solo singers to super groups, spoken word performances to family friendly céilís, TradFest continues the tradition of passing Irish culture from one generation to the next.

Since its inception in 2006, TradFest has consistently encouraged bold experimentation, with talent from both Ireland and beyond joining us for a trad takeover of Dublin city and county.

Traditional and folk music in Ireland has transformed dramatically over the years, so too have the spaces in which the music is performed. While sessions can be found in communities nationwide, TradFest brings them front and centre for all to enjoy.

SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS

TradFest lights up the dark days of January, bringing a sense of celebration through the medium of cultural expression and live performance, and by leveraging the universal power of traditional music, we aim to bridge cultural divides, amplify under-represented voices, and foster meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

Almost 32,000 people attended TradFest events in 2025, as the festival continues to showcase the capital as a hub for top quality traditional music, arts and culture.

By centreing accessibility and equity, we aim to create a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond the stage, and while the festival’s core programming focuses on Irish traditional music, it also reflects how Irish music has evolved into a global form that attracts international audiences.

OUR MEDIA PARTNERS

The Public Dance Halls Act of 1935 introduced a licensing system and a tax on dance halls around the country, and is believed to have been a significant factor in the decline in the practice of traditional music in Ireland.

When it was enacted, live performance nationwide began to dwindle, but over 90 years later, in the midst of a visible Gaelic revival, TradFest is proud to play its part in the movement to enrich the understanding of Irish identity in the 21st century.

Join us as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of music, celebrate the talents of our performers, and create unforgettable memories together at TradFest 2026.

About TradFest & TASCQ

TradFest Values

Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter CLG, trading as TASCQ or Temple Bar Company, is a community established non-profit company limited by guarantee.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental guiding principles of TradFest, and we became one of the first cultural organisations in Ireland to solidify this commitment through the appointment of a dedicated full-time EDI officer and researcher.

It was initially established as a representative, management, curatorial and promotional body for Dublin’s Cultural Quarter Temple Bar in 2003.

Over the last 20 years, the company has evolved and developed a wide-ranging remit including initiating and curating festivals such as TradFest, Festival of Politics and Unison Festival, as well as curating outdoor markets and producing cultural TV shows such as Ireland in Music and The TradFest Sessions, which are distributed nationally and internationally.

We’ve an experienced board of directors with strong backgrounds in the areas of marketing, business, arts, and public affairs. Our executive team has extensive experience in public affairs, event management, marketing, communications, as well as management and administration.

We have three key aims for TradFest:

Develop platforms for artists Deepen our relationship with our audiences Diversify our audiences Increase our audiences

TradFest 2026 is the largest and most diverse programme we’ve presented to date, with significant strides made in amplifying the voices of all genders, ability and background.

Our EDI policy is based on the vision of being an inclusive space, where everyone is encouraged to be themselves knowing they’ll be accepted and treated with dignity and respect.

“Embracing EDI makes the festival a richer and more welcoming experience for everyone.

It allows us to celebrate the many voices that have shaped traditional and folk music while ensuring the festival is open to people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.”

“By honouring diversity, the festival preserves the deep roots of Irish traditional music while celebrating its global and modern influences, keeping the tradition vibrant and meaningful for generations to come.”

- Emma Grove, TradFest’s EDI Researcher & Advisor In 2025, women’s representation rose to 47% of headline acts (119), up from 30%, with analysis also showing women’s representation continues to grow in traditionally maledominated instrumental roles (banjo, uilleann pipes, guitar, etc).

As part of TradFest 2026, TradFest Ambassador Fionn Angus of Fionnathan Productions has curated Fionnathan & Friends at the historic Cobblestone Pub in Dublin City Centre, which brings together musicians from Ireland and Scotland as they continue to take steps in dissipating the stigma that surrounds intellectual disabilities.

TradFest actively pursues partnerships with artists, creatives, and advocates to continually change and enhance the festival, as well as the music industry more broadly.

A central vision of TradFest is to deepen key partnerships to ensure marginalised communities are not just represented but empowered.

The Story of TradFest The first TradFest concerts were held on January 26th, 2006, with around a dozen artists performing at two venues - The Temple Bar Music Centre and The Bank of Ireland Arts Centre.

The festival was initially called ‘Temple Bar Trad - Festival of Irish Music & Culture’ and was somewhat of a niche event in the heart of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter.

TradFest’s aim for over two decades is to provide a musical interlude in late January, a time of the year devoid of any festivals, and when Oscar-nominated actors Brendan Gleeson and Stephen Rea became festival patrons, TradFest began to find its feet as a leading Irish festival.

2009 brought about yet another name change, this time to the less-wordy ‘Temple Bar TradFest’ as it continued to have a positive impact across the city, with awareness of the festival’s presence continuing to grow.

Three years later, it had evolved dramatically and established itself as a focal point for trad and folk music, in no small part thanks to the legendary names in Irish trad and folk music coming on board.

Moya Brennan, Frankie Gavin, and The Dubliners all performed in 2012, with hundreds of highlights to follow in the years to come, like Clannad’s reunion, and Hozier making a surprise appearance during Allison Russell’s performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Performances from Dervish, Altan, Eleanor McEvoy and Mike Hanrahan, live from Dublin Castle, allowed fans to enjoy the TradFest experience in the comfort of their own home, with the festival’s embracing of digital platforms delighting audiences worldwide.

TradFest, in association with production company Born Optimistic, created ‘Ireland in Music’ - a programme which showcases traditional folk music and original material

by Irish musicians at iconic locations around the country.

It was first broadcast on RTÉ One in Ireland, and has been subsequently broadcast on 19 television stations in 41 countries around the world via our international media partners, pointing to the global reach of the festival as well as Irish arts, culture and music.

Key partnerships with Dublin’s local authorities - Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council have allowed TradFest to grow from a city-wide festival to a county-wide festival.

From humble beginnings on the cobbles of Temple Bar in 2006 to Ireland’s largest celebration of trad and folk music in 2026, TradFest’s growth and reach can be encapsulated in the old Irish proverb - “ní neart go cur le chéile” - “there is no strength without unity.”

TradFest was on the crest of the wave as the 2010s continued, bringing in local, national and international visitors to experience the finest traditional music on offer, and had become a firm fixture in the Irish festival calendar.

But TradFest as a whole was forced to be completely reimagined in order to deal with restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19. At a time when social connections were limited to non-existent, TradFest filled the gap with a fully online festival.

“ní neart go cur le chéile”

Contact Us

Our Team Noel Dempsey

CHAIRMAN

Martin Harte

CEO & FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Claudine Murray

COO & FESTIVAL MANAGER

@TradFest

Kieran Hanrahan

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

@trad_fest

Michaela Courtney

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MARKETING

Seán O’Regan

COPYWRITER

Kellie Jordan

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MARKETING

Medana Socaciu

FESTIVAL ADMINISTRATOR

Ashley Orrell-Jones

OFFICE & COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATOR

Heather Lawrie

ASSISTANT PROGRAMMER

Emma Grove

EDI RESEARCHER/ADVISOR

Ania Schuler

BOX OFFICE MANAGER

Brian Fluskey

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kevin Farrell

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR - SMITHWICK’S SESSIONS

Mr + Mrs Stevens

BRAND CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN

Sinead O’Doherty

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Stephen Rea

FESTIVAL PATRON

For information & to buy tickets visit tradfest.com or mail tickets@tradfest.com For all media inquiries contact sinead@odohertycommunications.com Follow us on social media for up-to-date information and news.

@tradfest_dublin @tradfest

Accessibility & Assistance Please contact TradFest if you require special assistance such as early access, wheelchair access or you have any other additional needs. Advance notice is required so that we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.

Please email tickets@tradfest.com

Fionn Crombie Angus FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR

IN DUBLIN

CITY

Wed Jan 21 - 1pm The Cobblestone €14.99

Wed Jan 21 - 8.30pm St Patrick’s Cathedral € 29.99

Colm Broderick

Women of Note

Colm Broderick immersed himself in traditional music from a young age, learning from local musicians in his native Carlow.

He has gone on to become one of the most skilled pipers of his generation, with him now one of Ireland’s leading pipers.

with Aoife Scott & Friends Women of Note, curated and presented by Aoife Scott, is a celebration of artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures. On a quiet night in January each year, the vaulted ceiling of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral is filled with the sound of stunning female voices. Artists joining Aoife this year including Moya Brennan, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Martha Tilston.

Wed Jan 21 - 7.30pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Thu Jan 22 - 1pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Dublin Trio:

Ellen O’Brien

Kevin Conneff, Joe McKenna & Tony Byrne Kevin Conneff, formerly of The Chieftains, teams up with fellow Dubliners Joe McKenna and Tony Byrne for a celebration of life in all its local colour. The three internationally acclaimed touring and recording artists share a passion for traditional Irish music.

Hailing from Cavan, Ellen O’Brien’s style of music is eclectic, encompassing traditional, classical and contemporary genres. She won the All-Ireland Senior Flute Competition in 2024. Whether it’s on the flute, whistle or piano, you’ll hear her playing anything from Matt Molloy and Debussy to The Cure.

Thu Jan 22 - 7.30pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Thu Jan 22 / Fri Jan 23 - 7.30pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Danú

Fionnathan & Friends

Danú has been one of Ireland’s leading traditional music ensembles for the past three decades, and in 2025 they celebrated their 30th anniversary with the release of ‘The Pearl Album’ - an album of 30 carefully curated songs from recent tours across Europe and North America.

Fionn Crombie Angus is a left-handed fiddle player and a TradFest Ambassador, who has curated a night of music at the historic Cobblestone Pub. Alongside The Strachan Sisters, Magnus Turpie Combo and Aimée Richardson, Fionn strives for a world where music is accessible to all.

Thu Jan 22 - 7.30pm National Stadium € 29.99 / Family Ticket €79.99

Thu Jan 22 - 8.30pm The Button Factory € 17.99

Hothouse Flowers

Dublin Pride Géilí

& Special Guests Hothouse Flowers have combined traditional Irish music with influences from soul, gospel and rock since the group formed in 1985. They will be joined on the night

by Something Happens, Steve Wall, Susan O’Neill and The Discovery Gospel Choir.

with Trad Is Amach

Trad is Amach is a vibrant community of LGBTQ+ traditional Irish musicians, singers, dancers, and allies, that organises events such as music sessions, céilithe, and concerts to foster an inclusive environment and celebrate LGBTQ+ artists in Irish traditional music and dance.

Thu Jan 22 - 8.30pm The Grand Social € 19.99

Jamie Lawson

Fri Jan 23 - 1pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Aoibhe Kettle

Seán Collins

Jamie Lawson is an English songwriter and musician who this year celebrates the 10th anniversary of his self-titled UK number one album. He’ll be joined by Dubliner Seán Collins, who channels the spirit of Irish folk through a modern lens.

Aoibhe Kettle is an accomplished harper and fiddle player from County Laois, who has a number of All-Ireland accolades to her name. She has played notable venues like Farmleigh House in Dublin, and Barryscourt Castle in Cork, and regularly performs with her siblings.

Thu Jan 22 - 8.30pm St Patrick’s Cathedral € 29.99

Fri Jan 23 - 4pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Chords & Timbre, Strings & Reeds

Noel Hill

Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Paddy Glackin, Derek Hickey and Mike McGoldrick are set to be embraced by The TradFest Chamber Orchestra with music arranged, composed and directed by Neil Martin, with readings of poetry by Oscarnominated actor Stephen Rea.

Noel Hill was born into a musical family in County Clare and started playing the concertina at the age of eight. He has since been credited with elevating the instrument’s popularity, and is one of Ireland’s most respected music teachers and players.

Fri Jan 23 - 7.30pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Fri Jan 23 - 8.30pm The Button Factory € 21.99

Niamh Regan

George Murphy

Niamh Regan has cemented herself as one of Ireland’s most distinctive songwriters, first catching the attention of listeners with her 2020 debut album ‘Hemet.’ It paved the way for a whirlwind of performances across Ireland, the UK, Australia and beyond.

Fri Jan 23 - 7.30pm National Stadium € 29.99 / Family ticket €79.99

Féile Kíla Kíla is an Irish folk music group which formed in 1987, that boasts explosive melodies that continue to ignite stages across Ireland and around the world.

Kíla concerts are a blend of freewheeling instrumentals and rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music.

They will be joined by afro beat group, Yankari and The Paul Frost Brass Band.

& The Rising Sons George Murphy is a singer-songwriter who the late Ronnie Drew described as having a “voice beyond his years.” He formed George Murphy & The Rising Sons after moving to the US, with their performances featuring original songs as well as fresh interpretations of classic folk tunes.

Fri Jan 23 - 8.30pm The Grand Social € 19.99

Seamas Hyland Seamas Hyland is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who focuses on both traditional and experimental music. He enjoys exploring the varied sonic capabilities of the button accordion and creating tonal landscapes using field recordings he collects.

Fri Jan 23 - 8.30pm St Patrick’s Cathedral € 29.99

Sat Jan 24 - 4pm Pepper Canister Church € 19.99

Julie Fowlis, Zoë Conway, Éamon Doorley & John McIntyre

Varo

‘Cuimhne’ (memory) is the most recent album by Julie Fowlis, Zoë Conway, Éamon Doorley and John Mc Intyre. Together, they create a contemporary chamber group sound deeply rooted in their collective cultures of Scotland and Ireland while pushing the boundaries of traditional music. They will collaborate with the stunning Esposito Quintet especially for TradFest 2026.

VARO are Dublin-based singers and fiddle players Lucie Azconaga (from France) and Consuelo Nerea Breschi (from Italy) who perform Irish traditional songs and tunes with arrangement influences from the folk, baroque and classical traditions.

Sat Jan 24 - 1pm Pepper Canister Church € 14.99

Sat Jan 24 - 7.30pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Red Sky July

Luka Bloom

Red Sky July are husband and wife duo Ally Mcerlaine and Shelly Poole, along with esteemed vocalist Haley Glennie-Smith. The band’s sound is a blend of alt-folk, country and Americana, with its music described “as atmospheric as it is emotional.”

Luka Bloom is a folk singer-songwriter from Newbridge in County Kildare, whose career in music started back in 1969.

Armed only with an acoustic guitar and a sensational voice, he has travelled the world, capturing the beauty of the tunes, and the imaginations of audiences.

Need High Res Image

Sat Jan 24 - 7.30pm National Stadium € 29.99 / Family Ticket €79.99

Sat Jan 24-7.30pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Transatlantic Women

The McCarthy Sisters

Transatlantic Women is a night of music and dance, curated by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, with an incredible lineup of women in music from both sides of the Atlantic, including Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Peggy Seeger, Sharon Shannon, Eleanor McEvoy, Katherine Priddy, Kaia Kater, Aishling Jarvis, Caoimhe Hopkinson, Edwina Guckian, Natalie Ní Chasaide and Nia Byrne.

The McCarthy Sisters were born in London to Irish parents who emigrated in the early 1950s. With Jacqueline on the concertina, Marion on the uilleann pipes and whistle, and Bernadette on the fiddle and piano, the McCarthy’s have firmly created their own familial sound.

Sat Jan 24 - 8.30pm The Button Factory € 21.99

Sat Jan 24 - 8.30pm The Grand Social € 19.99

Ispíní na hÉireann

Cruachan

Ispíní na hÉireann is a dynamic trad-rock collective from Dublin, formed in 2018.

Drawing from deep roots in Irish traditional music, the group features a rotating lineup of exceptional musicians, who blend original compositions with inventive reimaginings of classic tunes.

Cruachan is recognised as one of the creators of the folk metal genre, blending traditional Irish music with heavy metal since 1992.

Over the years, Cruachan has evolved, incorporating various musical styles and unique sounds, while staying true to their Celtic roots.

Sat Jan 24 - 8.30pm St Patrick’s Cathedral € 29.99

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Pepper Canister Church € 14.99

a lazarus soul

Ríoghnach Connolly

a lazarus soul has been performing since 2001, with its current lineup consisting of Brian Brannigan, Anton Hegarty, Julie Bienvenu and Joe Chester. The group’s music combines elements of alternative rock, postpunk, Irish folk, electronic pop, and indie rock.

Rioghnach Connolly grew up in a rich musical familial heritage, with early exposure to traditional music leading her to become a professional vocalist, flautist, lyricist, workshop facilitator and musical activist. She currently holds the title of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the Year.

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 4pm The Cobblestone € 14.99

Louise Mulcahy:

Last Call -

Celebration Of Women In Uilleann Piping

Louise Mulcahy: Celebration of Women in Uilleann Piping traces the story of women in piping dating from the 19th century to the present day. Alongside her incredible musicianship, Louise’s groundbreaking research on women in uilleann piping has received worldwide critical acclaim.

Declan O’Brien A group of traditional players have teamed up with novelist Nicole Galland to write and perform an original work that blurs the lines between theatre and a traditional Irish session. This immersive production honours the Irish yearning for a romanticised past and an idealised future. The show is set in a rural pub that’s about to be closed down, and soon to be re-opened as a shamrockthemed cog in the machinery of touristic development. The regulars have gathered for one final open trad session, where the craic is bittersweet, but the music is brilliant.

Sun Jan 25-6pm Pepper Canister Church € 24.99

Sun Jan 24 - 8.30pm The Button Factory € 19.99

Niall Breslin

Steo Wall presents

Niall Breslin, also known as Bressie, is a multi-faceted Irish artist, author, academic and mental health campaigner whose work transcends traditional creative boundaries.

He formed the group The Blizzards with childhood friends in 2004, before launching a solo career in 2011.

Sun Jan 25 - 8pm The National Stadium € 19.99

An Sesh Mór:

Clada, Supercéilí, Moxie, Cailíní Lua Sesh Mór brings explosive live energy from Moxie, Cailíní Lua, Clada and Super Céilí — a high-octane trad party hosted by Helen Galgey (2FM) and Sam Kelly. Big tunes, big energy and serious craic. The ultimate TradFest night out.

the Pavee Club w/Toshin,

Doran Brothers)

The Pavee Club at The Button Factory, presented by Steo Wall, promises to be a collision of musical styles courtesy of musicians and artists from a variety of backgrounds. For one night only, TradFest brings the Irish travelling community and the African/Irish community together.

AbleFest @ Tradfest Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan The National Stadium €10 / €20 family ticket (2 adults & 4 childen under 16) 1 FREE Carer per attendee

TradFest will once again partner with AbleFest to program 2 days of fully accessible events in The National Stadium with complete wheelchair access, seating adaptations, a sensory room, fully accessible toilets and a dedicated space for caregivers to relax and recharge.

AbleFest led by Shay Casserly and Kevin Farrell is not just a festival; it’s a movement that embraces diversity, celebrates difference and encourages inclusivity, and since its inception in 2018, it has become Ireland’s largest inclusive music and arts festival, designed to cater to neurodiverse children, adults, and their families.

The relationship between TradFest and AbleFest is more than just a partnership. It’s an alliance based on the vision of our festivals being inclusive spaces to amplify the voices and experiences of people of all abilities, genders and backgrounds.

SATURDAY 24

2 days of family inclusive events at THE NATIONAL STADIUM SAT 24 & SUN 25 JAN 12-4 PM €10 each /€20 family

12pm Fionnathan 12.30pm Cumas

1pm K & A Dance Class 2pm Fionnathan

2.30pm Shay Workshop’s

3 - 4pm Aoife and Daniel Duo

SUNDAY 25

12pm Equal Vibes & Alannah & Rìona 12.30pm Shay Workshop’s 1pm K & A Dance Class

2pm Equal Vibes & Alannah & Rìona 2.30pm Shay Workshop’s

3 - 4pm Aoife and Daniel Duo

Acoustic Music

(2 adults and 4 children under 16) 1 FREE Carer per attendee

Arts &Craft Sensory Workshops

Sens Podsory

Toys

Drop-off and pick-up parking options available...

Accessoloo will be available!

Please contact us in advance using social media or email tickets@tradfest.com

The Smithwick’s Sessions Temple Bar - Daily Schedule THURSDAY JAN 22

6:00 PM

The Bad Ass Café

6:00 PM

The Bad Ass Café

6:30 PM

The Old Storehouse Paddy Casey

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

O’Riordans

4:00 PM

The Auld Dubliner

Reylta

The Norseman

Paddy Casey

Gladstone

Fitzsimon’s Gogarty’s The Exchange O’Riordan’s The Auld Dubliner The Bad Ass Café Bad Bobs The Fleet Hotel The Morgan The Norseman The Old Storehouse The Porterhouse The Temple Bar

6:00 PM

The Norseman

Liffey Crossing

The Porterhouse

The Fogues

The Temple Bar

The Knockadollys 6:00 PM

The Temple Bar

Buskin Bandits

Celtic Rock

The Exchange

The Morgan Hotel Gogarty’s

Bad Bob’s

Fada

4:00 PM

Buíoch

4:00 PM 4:00 PM

Blue Fish Diamond 6:00 PM

The Fleet Hotel

Lisa Murray

6:00 PM

The Morgan Hotel Blue Fish Diamond 4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Bad Bob’s

7:30 PM

Ronan Gallagher 6:00 PM Buskin Bandits

FRIDAY JAN 23 Fitzsimons Secret Cellar Drops of Green

6:00 PM

The Bad Ass Café

6:00 PM

The Auld Dubliner

Paddy Casey

The Norseman

Buskin Bandits

Fada

The Old Storehouse Seamie O’Dowd The Porterhouse

4:00 PM

The Murphy Sisters 4:00 PM

6:00 PM

The Exchange

Sponsored by Diageo Ireland since 2012, and with the support of local businesses, The Smithwicks Sessions feature the best of established and emerging artists from around Ireland.

The Auld Dubliner Seán Collins

Dear Willow

The Fleet Hotel

The iconic pubs, restaurants and hotels of Temple Bar offer an intimate alternative to TradFest’s headline concerts around the county, with all events free and unticketed.

6:00 PM

The Porterhouse O’Riordans

But TradFest’s allegiance to its roots is unwavering, and The Smithwicks Sessions, a series of over 50 free trad and folk concerts in Temple Bar is a special aspect of the festival.

Fitzsimons Secret Cellar Billy Treacy & The Scope 4:00 PM

Fitzsimons Secret Cellar Billow Wood

The Old Storehouse The Ramparts

Temple Bar in Dublin City Centre has been the beating heart of the capital’s arts, culture and music scene for decades, so it was unsurprising that TradFest would start in the area in 2006.

Regardless of the time of day, you’re likely to find music bellowing out of the pubs and onto the cobbled streets and lanes of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. As TradFest began to grow in the late noughties, more venues came on board, with concerts moving out of Temple Bar and into previously untapped areas of the city.

SATURDAY JAN 24

6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM

The Murphy Sisters 6:00 PM

Gogarty’s

Molly O’Mahoney 4:00 PM The Labourers

4:00 PM

Conor Moriarty

4:00 PM

Dear Willow

SUNDAY JAN 25

4:00 PM

Fitzsimons Secret Cellar The Labourers

3:00 PM

The Bad Ass Café

3:00 PM

The Auld Dubliner Seamie O’Dowd The Norseman

Paddy Casey

Liffey Crossing

3:00 PM 3:00 PM

The Old Storehouse The Murphy Sisters 3:00 PM The Porterhouse

Drops of Green

3:00 PM

6:00 PM

The Temple Bar

Sean Collins

3:00 PM

The Exchange

Billy Treacy & The Scope 6:00 PM

The Exchange

Gogarty’s

Seán Collins

Gogarty’s

O’Riordans

Seán Lyons & Adrienne O’Shea

6:00 PM

O’Riordans

6:00 PM

The Fleet Hotel

The Morgan Hotel Ukulele Tuesday

6:00 PM

The Morgan Hotel Molly O’Mahoney 3:00 PM

Bad Bob’s

6:00 PM

Bad Bob’s

The Temple Bar The Fleet Hotel

Gladstone

Lisa Murray

The Knockadollys

6:00 PM

Dear Willow

Chris Wilson Buíoch

The Fogues

Conor Moriarty

3:00 PM

3:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM

Billow Wood

Blue Fish Diamond

Thu Jan 22 Fitzsimons Secret Cellar - 6pm

Thu 22 Jan The Fleet Hotel - 6pm Sat 24 Jan The Morgan Hotel - 4pm

Billow Wood are a vibrant Irish folk band known for their rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful storytelling. Hailing from the west of Ireland, the five-piece ensemble features Mark O’Donnell, Harry Lawlor, Emily Donoghue, Andy Dempsey, and Aodan Cronin.

Billy Treacy & The Scope Fri 23 Jan The Exchange - 6pm Sat 24 Jan Fitzsimons Secret Cellar - 4pm

Billy Treacy & The Scope play a mixture of original songs, old time classics and of course, traditional tunes. They’re all full time musicians, and can be found playing in and around Temple Bar in Dublin. Billy, Dave, Michelle and Peter have also played both nationwide and across Europe.

Blue Fish Diamond are an Irish folk rock band who have been described by Hot Press magazine as “a bit of a super-group for those in the know in the capital.” They’ve released three albums to date, with their main influences including Tom Petty, The Beatles, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen.

Buíoch Sat 24 Jan O’Riordans - 4pm Sun 25 Jan The Exchange - 3pm

Buíoch is an Irish traditional music group from the Midlands of Ireland, that composes, arranges and writes all of its own melodies. Buíoch is the Irish word for ‘thankful’, with this group typifying the meaning behind their name - they’re deeply grateful to play music.

Buskin Bandits

Chris Wilson

Thu 22 Jan Bad Bobs - 6pm Fri 23 Jan The Norseman - 6pm Sat 24 Jan The Temple Bar - 4pm

Sun 25 Jan Fleet Hotel - 3pm

The Buskin Bandits are an Irish band known for playing live pub music, often in Dublin’s Temple Bar area. They perform a mix of popular and traditional-style music at small, intimate venues, as well as at larger events, such as the Crown Fleadh Village in Wexford.

Chris Wilson is an artist based in Dublin City, influenced by 90’s rock and 1960s folk music greats such as John Martyn, Neil Young and Air. With a signature sound that blends his beautiful voice with a high standard of unique guitar playing he has sold out a headline show at Little Whelans and recently opened for acts such as Nouvelle Vague, Sign Crushes Motorist and Girl Puppy.

Celtic Rock

Conor Moriarty

Thu 22 Jan The Exchange - 7:30pm

Sat 24 Jan Gogarty’s - 4pm Sun 25 Jan Bad Bob’s - 3pm

Trad, folk and rock come together with Celtic Rock. Their set list features iconic bangers we all have on our playlists such as ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’, ‘The Fields of Athenry’ and ‘Whiskey in the Jar’. Add a Celtic Anthems Session to your TradFest weekend for a night of nostalgic hits.

Conor Moriarty is one of Ireland’s leading accordion players, and began learning from musicians in Kilkenny at the age of seven.

In 2009, Conor was crowned All Ireland Champion on Melodeon at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, and has since toured Europe, Canada and South America.

Dear Willow

Fada

Thu 22 Jan The Porterhouse - 6pm Sat 24 Jan Bad Bob’s - 4pm Sun 25 Jan O’Riordan’s - 3pm

Thu 22 Jan O’Riordans - 6pm Fri 23 Jan The Bad Ass Café - 6pm

Dear Willow is an Irish folk and trad band consisting of lead singer Katie Phelan, Dave McCabe and guitar/vocals, Eoin Brosnahan on banjo, and Ian Bailey on drums. They’ve amassed a huge following on social media, with their fresh music style appealing to audiences of all ages.

Drops of Green Fri 23 Jan Fitzsimons Secret Cellar - 6pm Sun 25 Jan The Porterhouse - 3pm

Drops of Green are a band of five Irish men hailing from Laois, Kilkenny and Waterford, who formed in 2015. The lads bring their own unique and modern style to classic Irish ballads, combining vast instrumentation with blissful four part harmonies.

Fada are an up-and-coming band bringing an electrifying blend of folk, traditional Irish music and classic ballads to the stage. They capture the true essence of Irish culture through a modern and exciting style of traditional music.

The Gladstone Band Thu 22 Jan The Bad Ass Café - 6pm Fri 23 Jan The Temple Bar - 6pm

The Gladstone Band are a trad and folk trio formed in Dublin in 2024, made up of brothers Adam and Patrick Hutton, and friend Timmy Sheridan. Their stripped-back, high-energy sound harkens back to that of the early Dubliners, with them playing trad and folk standards alongside their own original repertoire.

Liffey Crossing

Molly O’Mahoney

Sat 24 Jan The Bad Ass Café - 4pm Sun 25 Jan The Norseman - 3pm

Sat 24 The Fleet Hotel - 4pm Sun 25 The Morgan Hotel - 3pm

Formed in Dublin during the summer of 2023, Liffey Crossing features Jordan Lively on guitar and vocals and Kevin Meehan on tin whistles. The dynamic folk duo play old and modern folk songs and Irish tunes in an exciting and contemporary style. The band has recently expanded, adding accordionist Brendan McCarthy and fiddle player Tomás Ó Dálaigh to its ranks.

Molly O’Mahony released her debut album ‘The House of David’ in 2022, after writing, recording and honing the music she composed during lockdown. The Cork native compliments her incredible vocals with spine-tingling harmonies and texture.

Lisa Murray

Paddy Casey

Thu 22 Jan The Morgan Hotel - 6pm Fri 23 Jan The Fleet Hotel - 6pm

Thu 22 Jan The Norseman - 6pm Fri 23 Jan The Auld Dubliner - 6pm Sat 24 Jan The Old Storehouse - 4pm Sun 25 Jan The Bad Ass Café - 3pm

Lisa Murray has created a sound that fuses polished pop with Ireland’s native language.

Her self-produced debut singles have led to Lisa being embraced on TikTok as “Gaeilgeoir Swift,” with her Irish language music content surpassing 1.5 million views.

Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene since his multi-platinum selling debut album ‘Amen (So Be It’, Paddy Casey’s career has taken him across the globe, performing with artists like Blondie, Tracy Chapman and R.E.M.

Reylta

Seamie O’Dowd

Thu 22 Jan The Auld Dubliner - 6pm

Fri 23 Jan The Old Storehouse - 6.00pm Sun 25 Jan The Auld Dubliner - 3pm

Reylta’s music combines sweet and lamenting sounds with a complex alternative view providing the ultimate juxtaposition.

She’s deeply connected with Irish traditions and heritage - the poetry, the music, the landscape and the storytelling, with these influences illuminated through poetic lyrics.

Seamie O’Dowd is a guitarist and singer/ songwriter who has travelled the world playing music and sharing his stories. Also highly skilled on the fiddle, harmonica and mandolin, Seamie has shared the stage with many great musicians including; Christy Moore, Dervish and The Chieftains.

Ronan Gallagher

Seán Collins

Thu 22 Jan Gogarty’s - 6pm

Fri 23 Jan Gogarty’s - 6pm Sat 24 Jan The Auld Dubliner - 4pm Sun 25 Jan The Temple Bar - 3pm

Described as gritty, passionate, raucous and lyrical, the songs of Ronan Gallagher tell the stories of everyday life. He only learned how to sing and play the guitar in his mid-50s, but has made up for lost time, releasing two albums in 2019 and 2021.

Seán Collins is a singer/songwriter from Dublin, who is carving out his own path, rooted in tradition, yet reaching for something entirely his own. He released his debut single in May 2025, capturing audiences with the honesty of his lyrics and his heartfelt melodies.

Seán Lyons & Adrienne O’Shea Fri 23 Jan O’Riordan’s - 6pm

Seán Lyons’ music has been influenced by jazz and the broader folk genre, but yet deeply rooted in Irish traditional music. The County Clare native comes from a musical family, with his father John a singer and accordion player, and his mother Ann a singer and bodhrán player.

The Knockadollys Thu 22 Jan The Temple Bar - 6pm Fri 23 Jan Bad Bobs - 6pm

The Knockadollys are a lively two-piece traditional Irish band known for their infectious energy and loud sound. With skillful musicianship and a love for sharing the craic, this band revives the timeless tunes of Irish music while infusing them with a contemporary, upbeat twist.

The Fogues

The Labourers

Sat 24 Jan The Porterhouse - 4pm Sun 25 Jan Gogarty’s - 3pm

Sat 24 Jan The Exchange - 4pm Sun 25 Jan Fitzsimons Secret Cellar - 3pm

The Fogues burst onto the music scene in North Cork eight years ago, with cousins Micheál, William and Jack Fogarty, along with their friend Ted O’Brien, creating a sound which pays homage to their traditional Irish roots, while looking towards the future and further afield.

Formed in 2023 by Conor Bogue and Michael Hickey, The Labourers began writing and performing across London before they recruited Dylan O’Shea and Euan Hickey when they returned home. Since then, they’ve released numerous singles and performed nationwide.

The Murphy Sisters

Ukulele Tuesday

Fri 23 Jan The Porterhouse - 6pm Sat 24 Jan The Norseman - 4pm Sun 25 Jan The Old Storehouse - 3pm

Ukulele Tuesday started out as a small jam session in The Stag’s Head in Dublin, but has since gone on to perform at festivals across Ireland and the world. Harnessing the power of social media, they’ve had a number of viral hits which has raised their international profile.

Hailing from the west coast of Ireland, The Murphy Sisters are a dynamic trio of musicians and songwriters whose music encompasses folk, country and pop influences. Their unique blend of harmonies, lively music and humour captures the essence of their close family bond.

The Ramparts Thu 22 Jan The Old Storehouse - 6:30pm

The Ramparts are an all-male Dublin based acappella group, founded in 2016, with their setlist a total variety show, featuring a wide range of traditional Irish folk songs, classic hits, old school barbershop ballads, contemporary classical and sacred music.

Fri 23 Jan The Morgan Hotel - 6pm

Extra Events in Dublin City

Wed Jan 21 - 6.20pm Irish Film Institute € 14.50 / €11.50 concession

Celtic Utopia Celtic Utopia explores Ireland’s vibrant folk music renaissance, where artists from punk, hip-hop, and beyond revive ancient traditions in bold new ways. Through ballads, stories, and archive footage, the production reflects on colonial wounds, linking past and present as Ireland navigates its first century of partial independence.

Fri Jan 23 Dublin Airport Terminals 1 & 2

Live at Dublin Airport Experience an Irish Welcome this January when you land in Dublin Airport with our TradFest Aiport Sessions. Our musicians and dancers will help kick off your festival weekend in Dublin. Follow us on social media for more details. @TradFest

Wed 21 & Fri 23 Jan 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm National Museum Collins Barracks

Pop-Up Trad Collins Barracks As you learn about the history and culture of Ireland, and its place in the wider world while visiting the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, take a moment to enjoy live performances from acclaimed trad musicians harpist Rachel Duffy and uilleann piper Tim Doyle.

@trad_fest @tradfest_dublin @tradfest

Thu 22 5 - 7pm Sat 24 12 - 2pm Ilac Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre

The Dublin Sessions Take a moment from your shopping to stop and listen to some of our rising stars of Trad and Folk musicians perform in our Dublin Shopping Centres. Follow us on social media for more details. @TradFest @trad_fest @tradfest_dublin @tradfest

Thu 22, Fri 23 & Sat 24 Jan 11:15 am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15m, 4.15pm

Pop-Up Trad GPO Step inside the iconic GPO Museum and witness the events of the 1916 Easter Rising that transformed a nation. Experience The Rebel Rising Tour as you encounter live performances from acclaimed trad musician’s harpist Eilís Lavelle and uilleann piper Dáire Ó Maolderig.

Sat Jan 24 - 1.30pm Irish Film Institute € 13.50 / €10.50 concession

Trad Donegal teen Shóna McAnally, conflicted about her fiddle talent, journeys with her brother Mickey and roaming musicians across Ireland in Trad. Winner of Galway Film Fleadh’s audience award, the film celebrates Irish music with Megan Nic Fhionnghaile’s standout performance and vibrant soundtrack featuring Declan and Eugene Quinn.

Lance Daly / 2025/ 95 mins

Markets Enjoy live trad sessions while you browse our outdoor markets in the heart of Dublin City.

Craft Market:

Thu 22, Fri23, Sat 24 Jan 12 - 6pm Temple Bar Square

Local artists, handmade jewellery & more.

Temple Bar Food Market: Sat 24 Jan 9:30am - 3.30pm Meeting House Square

Hot food, Irish cheese, coffee, pastries & more.

Barnardo Square: Sat 24 Jan 10:30am - 5pm Meeting House Square

Books, prints and music ephemera.

Sun 25th Jan 1.30pm €13.50 / €10.50 concession

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan 12pm & 3.30pm On the streets of Temple Bar

In Time Donal Lunny

Clew Bay Pipe Band

Dónal Lunny, founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts, helped transform Irish folk music. Nuala O’Connor’s portrait traces his creative journey alongside Ireland’s cultural shifts, blending joy and sorrow. Featuring rare performances and a moving reunion with Christy Moore, the film celebrates Lunny’s enduring legacy.

TradFest is delighted to welcome back the Clew Bay Pipe Band. Founded in 2012, the band has excited audiences all over Ireland and beyond. This exceptionally talented young group are led by renowned musician Des Cafferkey (Pipe Major) and Peter Carney (Pipe Sergeant). Join them as they parade through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar entertaining the crowds.

TradFest Fun For the Kids Tracks in the Snow: In Concert The Henry Girls return with a magical winter concert of Tracks in the Snow. Join their exquisite harmonies and playful charm as they bring songs from the much-loved show to life.

A heartwarming celebration of winter’s beauty, wonder, and mystery for all ages.

Fri 23 Jan 10:30 & 12:30 (Schools) Sat 24 Jan 2:30 & 4pm €18.50 full price / €14 concession Schools: €7/€5 Teachers go free!

Creative Kaleidoscopes Join artist Róisín de Buitléar to explore glass, mirrors, and light in this hands-on workshop for ages 5–12. Create your own colourful kaleidoscope and discover the magic of reflection and pattern in a fun, creative celebration of light, imagination, and Irish artistry.

Thu 22: Schools: 10.15am & 12.15pm Fri 23: Schools: 10.15am & 12.15pm (1st to 6th class) as gaeilge Schools: €7/€5 Teachers go free!

Fabulous Felted Bookmarks Join artist Gabi Mc Grath to design your own colourful felted bookmark inspired by stories, folklore, and imagination. Using wool, soap, and water, children will learn traditional felting techniques in this fun, sensory craft workshop.

Sat 24: Public: 11am (5 - 7 yrs) & 2pm (8 - 12 yrs) Sun 25: Public: 11am (5 - 7 yrs) & 2pm (8 - 12 yrs) €14/€11 Schools: €7/€5 Teachers go free!

All events above are at The Ark, children’s cultural hub, 11 Eustace St, Temple Bar

Thu Jan 22 - 8pm Draoicht € 25.00

Fri Jan 23 - 7.30pm St Macullins Centre € 14.99

Freddie White

Éamonn Galldubh

Freddie White has been part of the fabric of the live music scene in Ireland since the 1970s, with his loyal fanbase bolstered by those who have recently discovered his talents. He’s also one of the founding members of Scullion, along with Philip King and Sonny Condell.

Éamonn Galldubh began playing traditional music on the tin whistle at the age of eight, before moving on to the uilleann pipes, flute, whistle, guitar, ukulele and saxophone. His concert as part of TradFest will celebrate the historical links between baroque music and the uilleann pipes.

Thu Jan 22 - 7pm Seamus Ennis Arts Centre FREE - but booking essential

Fri Jan 23 - 8pm Draiocht € 25

Singing Session

Altan

We’re opening TradFest 2026 with a magical Singing Session featuring Inni-K, celebrated for her fearless folk and fresh sean-nós style.

Expect shared songs, spontaneous moments, and deep connection in a true singing circle. Join in person or online via Zoom as tradition comes vibrantly alive.

Altan, a leading force in traditional Irish music for over 40 years, was founded

by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy. Altan’s music, ranging from energetic dance tunes to soulful songs, reflects the depth of Irish heritage, solidifying their status as Celtic music pioneers.

with Special Guest Inni K

Fri Jan 23 - 8pm Donabate Community Centre € 24.99 / Family ticket € 54.99

Sat Jan 24 - 1pm Swords Castle €14.99

The Dublin Legends

Niamh Bury

& Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones The Dublin Legends are a quartet of icons of the Irish folk scene, with the group continuing the legacy of Ireland’s most influential group, The Dubliners. They’ll be joined by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones for a special performance at the Donabate Community Centre.

Niamh Bury’s repertoire consists of traditional ballads and self-penned songs which explore myth, folklore and human empathy. Her debut album was released in 2024. Niamh has recently signed to Ireland’s iconic folk label, Claddagh Records.

Fri Jan 23 - 8pm Seamus Ennis Arts Centre €19.99

Sat Jan 24 - 5pm Swords Castle €14.99

Peggy Seeger

Emma Langford

in conversation

Folk icon Peggy Seeger joins us for an exclusive interview on her incredible career.

2025 saw Peggy release her final album.

She also turned 90 years of age last year and continues to entertain crowds both at home and abroad. Join Peggy for this intimate night in The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre where she discusses her remarkable life in music.

Emma Langford blends folk, traditional and contemporary sounds and styles, offering an insight through her work into Irish folklore and history. She has shared stages with some of the island’s best loved songwriters like Declan O’Rourke, Mary Coughlan, Mick Flannery and Wallis Bird.

Sat Jan 24 - 5pm Malahide Castle € 14.99

Sat Jan 24 - 8pm Donabate Community Centre € 24.99

Padraig Jack

Stocktons Wing & Ralph McTell

Padraig Jack is a bilingual folk, celtic, and contemporary singer-songwriter from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.

His engaging shows at national and international festivals are performed in both English and Irish, as he proudly maintains his Gaeltacht roots.

Sat Jan 24 - 7.30 pm St Macullins Centre € 14.99

Sean Ó Sé at 90 Join us for an extraordinary night as Seán Ó Sé, one of Ireland’s most cherished and influential singers, celebrates his 90th birthday in the magnificent St Macullins Centre. Few voices have travelled so deeply into the heart of Irish tradition. From his iconic work with Seán Ó Riada — including the unforgettable An Poc ar Buile — to collaborations with Donal Lunny, Dermot O’Brien, and Peadar Ó Riada, Seán’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our musical story. This is more than a concert; it is a celebration of culture, memory, and a lifetime of song from a true master.

Stockton’s Wing was formed in 1977 by four All-Ireland champions musicians, with its style described as including Irish folk, melancholic ballads, upbeat jigs, and modern pop. They’ll be joined on stage by iconic folk singer Ralph McTell, one of music’s great storytellers.

Sat Jan 24 - 5.30pm WhereElse Cafe, Round Tower, Clondalkin € 14.99

Last Call A group of traditional players have teamed up with novelist Nicole Galland to write and perform an original work that blurs the lines between theatre and a trad session.

This immersive production honours the Irish yearning for a romanticised past and an idealised future. The show is set in a rural pub that’s about to be closed down and re-opened as a shamrock-themed cog in the tourisim machine The regulars have gathered for one final open trad session, where the craic is bittersweet, but the music is brilliant.

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Swords Castle € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Ardgillan Castle € 10 family ticket

Fingal Gospel Choir

Gléas - IIMS Youth

The Fingal Gospel Choir is a multi-award winning community choir founded in 2013 in North County Dublin. It’s a powerhouse of community spirit, with members boasting soulful voices and infectious energy. Their concerts leave audiences both inspired and uplifted.

The Irish Institute of Music and Song’s teenage traditional ensemble, ‘GLÉAS’, is for dedicated young traditional musicians to learn, play and enjoy music and friendship together. Working under the direction of leading traditional musicians Dr. Seán McElwain, Carol Keane and Niall Preston, the GLÉAS ensemble presents teenage traditional musicians from North County Dublin with exciting performance and workshop opportunities.

Sun Jan 25 -1pm Malahide Castle € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 4pm Argillan Castle € 10 family ticket

Donal Clancy Dónal Clancy is a guitarist, singer and performer, who grew up in a household and community steeped in music, with his father being the legendary Liam Clancy. Dónal is a founding member of the group Danú and spent time touring the US in the early years of his career.

Trad Ensemble

IIMS Harp Ensemble The Irish Institute of Music and Song’s Harp Ensemble caters for traditional harpers in both the 9-12 and 13-18 age categories, offering young harpists the opportunity of performances and workshops as they hone their skills, presenting teenage traditional musicians from north Co. Dublin with exciting performance and workshop opportunities.

Sun Jan 25 - 5pm Swords Castle € 14.99

Áine Tyrrell Áine Tyrrell is a powerful multiinstrumentalist and songwriter whose performances foster community and connection. She has played worldwide, hosted online sessions, and in 2021 joined President Michael D. Higgins in honouring Irish women. Her chart-topping success on RTÉ’s Independent Music Charts highlights her lasting impact.

Sun Jan 25 - 7pm Little Theatre € 14.99

TRÚ TRÚ is a critically-acclaimed alt-folk trio from the North of Ireland. The group brings a contemporary edge to traditional material, taking inspiration from their namesake. The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians in ancient Ulster.

Sponsored by Diageo Ireland pull up a bar stool and enjoy FREE trad and folk music in the pubs of Fingal this January. The Smithwick Sessions Fingal brings musicians and locals together, through shared rhythm, spontaneity, and community energy.

Abbey Tavern - Howth Cock Tavern - Swords Dempsey’s - Balbriggan Forty Four - Swords Joe Mays - Skerries Keelings - Donabate Milestone - Balbriggan The Brook - Portrane The Strawberry Hall - Chapelizod Wrens Nest - Chapelizod

THURSDAY JAN 22

The Brook Tom Canning & Friends

FRIDAY JAN 23 Cock Tavern Eoghan Scott & Brian Garvin

9PM

9PM

Keelings Stephen Fagan & Anna Mary Donaghy 9PM Milestone Stephen Brennan & Declan Quinn 9PM Wren’s Nest Gerry & Aedín Nolan

9PM

SATURDAY JAN 24

The Abbey Tavern Trad Session led by Dave McChesney

FortyFour Stephen Fagan & Claire Sherry

9PM

& friends

9PM

Joe Mays Session with Helen & Aido Lawlor

The Strawberry Hall Gerry & Aedín Nolan 9PM

SUNDAY JAN 25

Keelings Stephen Brennan & Declan Quinn 8PM The Brook Éamonn Galldubh & friends

Dempsey’s Eoghan Scott & Brian Garvin

8PM

Dave McChesney

9PM

The Abbey Tavern Trad Session led by 9PM

8PM

Tradfest’s

Féile Barney Barney McKenna, also known as Banjo Barney, was born in 1939 in the North Dublin suburb of Donnycarney, and worked as a glassblower before his first moves into music.

He initially played with The Chieftains, but in O’Donoghues Bar in 1962, he founded the most influential folk group in Irish history alongside Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly and Ciarán Bourke.

The legacy of The Dubliners is the group’s role in popularising Irish folk music, transforming it from pub music to a worldwide phenomenon, while McKenna is widely credited with redefining the role of the banjo.

His distinctive playing style, coupled with his unique storytelling, enthralled audiences globally, with his extraordinary talents heard on countless tunes, including Black Velvet Band and McAlpine’s Fusiliers.

Although he was never the lead vocalist, Barney occasionally sang ‘I Wish I Had Someone To Love Me’ and ‘I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday’ to his own banjo accompaniment.

He also had a deep love of the sea and seafaring, with his vocal repertoire including nautical ballads, but it was the manner in which he played the tenor banjo that revolutionised the instrument itself.

His technique of playing, known as ‘The McKenna Grip’, was enormously influential and his GDAE tuning was copied by countless banjo players in Ireland and beyond, making it the standard for Irish music.

Only weeks after performing at Christchurch Cathedral as part of TradFest 2012, Barney McKenna passed away, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of musicianship and ‘Barneyisms’ - verbal gems that would reduce everyone present to a bemused silence.

As part of TradFest 2026, Féile Barney will celebrate the life and career of the legendary Barney McKenna in Howth - the North Dublin seaside town in which he made his home.

5th - 25 Jan 9.30am - 4.30pm Howth Tourist Information Centre (The Old Courthouse) FREE

FÉILE BARNEY

Barney McKenna in Photos The Courthouse in Howth is the backdrop for a unique TradFest photo exhibition from the McKenna Family’s own private collection. From humble beginnings in the North Dublin suburb of Donnycarney, to single-handedly revolutionising how an instrument is played, Banjo Barney lived an incredible life.

Fri Jan 23 - 8.30pm Abbey Tavern € 19.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Phelim Drew

& the Songs of the Dubliners Phelim Drew is a Dublin singer, songwriter and actor, and the son of the legendary Ronnie Drew, who was one of the founding members of The Dubliners. As he shares their songs and stories. For Phelim, The Dubliners were a force of nature. As he shares their songs and stories, he continues to add to their legacy through his music.

Sat Jan 24 - 1pm The Boat Room, Abbey Tavern € 19.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Banjo Masterclass

with Kieran Hanrahan & Gerry O’Connor Join us for this exclusive Banjo Masterclass with Ireland’s leading tenor banjo players Gerry O’Connor and Kieran Hanrahan.

This one-hour class will see Gerry and Kieran explore some of Barney McKenna’s iconic tunes and demonstrate Barney’s interpretation. You’ll need your banjo for this one!

Sat Jan 24 - 3pm Abbey Tavern € 14.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Burnchurch Emerging From Kilkenny, Burnchurch are a dynamic expression of modern Irish music.

The family-based group began busking as teenagers and have gone on to electrify audiences all around Ireland on stages at Marlay Park, Collins Barracks, and Electric Picnic. A Burnchurch show promises unmatched energy and a unique bilingual experience of blues- pop Irish music.

Sat Jan 24 - 8:30pm Abbey Tavern € 24.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Gerry O’Connor Trio Legendary Irish tenor banjo player Gerry O’Connor and his trio will celebrate the life and music of the great Barney McKenna.

Opening the night will be McKenna’s Mutineers. All four members knew Banjo Barney well and played at house parties and sessions with the Legend over the years.

Sun Jan 25 - 2:30 Pm Abbey Tavern € 19.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Barney’s Banjo Brunch Kieran Hanrahan, Gerry O’Connor & Kaia Kater

Barney’s Banjo Brunch celebrates the music and influence of the iconic banjo-player Barney McKenna of the Dubliners. Join Gerry O’Connor, Elaine Reilly, Kaia Kater, Paddy Kiernan, Kieran Hanrahan, and Mike Hanrahan at The Abbey Tavern for an unforgettable feast of banjo playing and banjo collaborations.

Sun 25 Jan - 5pm Howth Sea Angling Club FREE

FÉILE BARNEY

Barney McKenna Bursary Six young banjo players will compete for the inaugural Barney McKenna Bursary honouring the legendary musician. Barney inspired generations of banjo players, and his legacy continues through this special event celebrating emerging talent and the vibrant banjo traditions he championed in Irish music today.

Sun Jan 25 - 8pm Abbey Tavern € 14.99

FÉILE BARNEY

Madra Salach Madra Salach is a six-piece folk band from Dublin, with its members studying the bodies of work which brought them together before reassembling them as new post-rock creations. They officially came together in 2023, consistently performing across Ireland and beyond. The sounds of Paul Banks, Adam Cullen, Dara Duffy, Jack Martin, Maxime Arnold and Jack Lawlor, are steeped in the Irish folk tradition, but driven by experimentation.

Fri 23rd - 7.30pm & Sun 25 - 8pm Middle Bar - Joe Mary’s FREE

Extra Events in Fingal

Fri Jan 23 - 8:00pm Sat Jan 24 - 2:30pm / 8pm The Millbank Theatre € 8.50

Stephen Rea

A Film Retrospective Celebrating the film career of award-winning actor Stephen Rea, with screenings of 3 of his most renowned movies including The Butcher Boy. In 1960s rural Ireland, 12-year-old Francie Brady creates a fantasy world to escape his violent, alcoholic father and unstable mother.

The film will feature an introduction by Stephen Rea himself. More screenings to be announced.

Tune Sessions & Pop-Up Gaeltacht Get into the middle bar of Joe May’s in Skerries early to enjoy the talents of local musicians, many of whom are regular players at Skerries Traditional Music Weekend every June.

Sat Jan 24 & Sun Jan 25 12 - 4pm Lusk Community Cultural Centre FREE

Thomas Ashe Photo Exhibition Born in 1885, Thomas Ashe was part of a family steeped in Irish culture, with the exhibition documenting his early years in County Kerry, up to his time as a community leader and teacher in Lusk, his role in founding the Black Raven Pipe Band, his deep commitment to education and cultural heritage, and his evolution as an Irish nationalist.

Sat Jan 24 - 1pm Lusk Village Square FREE

Sun Jan 25 - 12pm Little Theatre FREE

The Black Raven Pipe Band

Pop-Up Gaeltacht for all

The Black Raven Pipe Band will perform at the village square in Lusk. Founded in Lusk in 1910 by Thomas Ashe and John Rooney, they have a rich history of competition and performance. They continue its legacy through the Black Raven School of Piping and Drumming, welcoming new learners and engaging the growing community.

Skerries Folk Club’s monthly Pop-Up Gaeltacht is for learners and speakers of all ages and abilities. It’s the perfect place to learn a new language and meet new friends, hosted by Adam Hutton from The Gladstone Band.

Sat Jan 24 - 5pm The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre € 20

Sun Jan 25 - 4pm The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre FREE

‘The Garden Where The Praties Grow’ Documentary & Q&A

The Black Raven Pipe Band & Family Céilí

Explore the poignant history of the potato in a compelling documentary which uncovers how the potato became a symbol of both hardship and hope. The vision of renowned Irish musician and producer Tommy Hayes, ‘The Garden Where The Praties Grow’ is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and emotion, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Irish people.

With live traditional music courtesy of Paudie O’Connor, Aoife Ní Chaoimh and Mary Corcoran, dance lessons from Jerry O’Reilly and Rosie Davis, and a performance

by The Black Raven Pipe Band, experience the joy of Irish culture at The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre this January.

Sun 25th - 2pm Lusk Community Cultural Centre FREE

Sun 25 - 7pm The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre FREE

Open Session

Slow Session

A free open session led by local trad musicians the Palmer Family. Come along, join in and play some lively tunes.

Their spirited playing creates an inclusive atmosphere where all are welcome, celebrating community and the joy of Irish music coming alive in the moment.

Sun 25th - 4pm Upstairs Joe May’s FREE

Skerries Folk Club Singing Session Skerries Folk Club has been running its singing session on the last Sunday of the month since 2022. Singers and listeners of all abilities are welcome.

with Paudie O’Connor Join us for a relaxed evening of traditional Irish music, where tunes are played at an easy pace and everyone is welcome, whether you’re learning, listening, or simply love the sound of a good reel. Led by accordion player, Paudie O’Connor, in a warm, informal setting, this is the perfect space to connect with others, build confidence, and enjoy the beauty of Irish music.

New 2026 TradFest Merch

buy on tradfest.com

Wed Jan 21 - 8.30 pm Áras Chrónáin €19.99

Thurs Jan 22 - 8pm St Maelruains Church € 19.99

Mike Hanrahan & Eleanor Shanley

Brian Kennedy

Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley are two of Ireland’s most respected musicians and vocalists, who together will present an intimate evening of music and stories at Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin, drawing from their impressive respective back catalogues.

Brian Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most revered ambassadors of music, with worldwide tours resulting in an ever-growing fan base over three-decades. Originally from Belfast, he has had an extraordinary career in music, and maintains that ”music is the language of emotion.”

Thu Jan 22 - 8.30pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Fri Jan 23 -8pm St Maelruai ns Church € 19.99

Frankie Gavin Trio

Liam Ó Maonlaí

Frankie Gavin’s name is synonymous with De Dannan, the globally celebrated band he founded in the mid-1970s. Catherine McHugh, widely regarded as Ireland’s foremost piano accompanist and flute player Conor McDonagh will join Frankie for a special night of music in South Dublin.

Liam Ó Maonlaí is the legendary frontman of The Hot House Flowers, and following a career of over three decades, he returns to the stage for a one-off show at St. Maelruains Church in Tallaght. His passion for music has seen success in both the rock and traditional forms.

Fri Jan 23 - 8.30pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Sat Jan 24 - 1pm Rathfarnham Castle € 14.99

The Mulcahy Family

Gráinne Hambly

The Mulcahy Family, consisting of Mick, Louise and Michelle, play a dazzling array of instruments between them, but it’s the sweetness and tunefulness of their ensemble playing that’s most striking. Their latest album ‘The Real Notes’ has received worldwide acclaim.

Gráinne Hambly is an internationally recognised exponent of the Irish harp. She has attracted glowing praise for her live performances and recorded material, which brilliantly showcase what has been described as her ‘absolute mastery of the Irish harp.’

Thu Jan 22 - 8.30pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Sat Jan 24 - 4pm Rathfarnham Castle € 14.99

LEÍ Sibéal with Niadh

Louise Mulcahy

& Róisín Ní Chasaide

LEÍ featuring Sibéal with Niadh & Róisín Ní Chasaide are sisters who are native Irish speakers, reared in the musical and cultural environment of the Gaeltacht of Ráth Chairn. Sibéal gained prominence for her rendition of “Mise Éire” during the 1916 commemorations. Together with her sisters they blend harmonies consisting of sean nós and contemporary songs.

Louise Mulcahy possesses incredible talent and musicianship, and has carried out groundbreaking research work on women in uilleann piping. She also holds the honour of being the only person in Fleadh Cheoil history to have won four senior All-Ireland titles in one day.

Sat Jan 24 - 4pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Sat Jan 24 - 5pm Court Of Petty Sessions € 14.99

Celebrating the Harp

Mark Redmond

with Stephen Rea, BRÍDÍN and TU Dublin Harp Ensemble Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea, TradFest’s patron, has been an advocate for Irish music, arts and culture throughout his career. As part of TradFest 2026, Stephen will celebrate the harp - Ireland’s official state emblem and national instrument. He’ll be joined by BRÍDÍN, a harpist, singer and composer from County Sligo, and the TU Dublin Harp Ensemble.

Mark Redmond from County Wexford is an uilleann piper who has made a name for himself both at home and abroad. On the international freelance circuit, he has worked with Riverdance, Celtic Woman, Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Westlife, The National Symphony Orchestra and US rapper Macklemore.

Sat Jan 24 - 5.30pm Wherelse Café, Round Tower Clondalkin € 14.99

Sat Jan 24 - 8.30pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Last Call

Wickerlight

A group of traditional players have teamed up with novelist Nicole Galland to write and perform an original work that blurs the lines between theatre and a trad session.

This immersive production honours the Irish yearning for a romanticised past and an idealised future. The show is set in a rural pub that’s about to be closed down and re-opened as a shamrock-themed cog in the tourisim machine The regulars have gathered for one final open trad session, where the craic is bittersweet, but the music is brilliant.

Wickerlight is an electrifying four-piece band fusing Irish traditional music with rock, dance and Eastern European rhythms. Their fully original set showcases diverse influences, creating a distinct and captivating sound. With raw energy and eclectic style, they’ve carved a unique niche in Ireland’s vibrant music scene.

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Áras Chrónáin € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Rathfarnham Castle € 14.99

Tara Breen

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin

Tara Breen is a fiddle player who Music Network described as a “musical wizard.”

She has won eleven solo All Ireland Fleadh titles, and has toured the world with The Chieftains. Closer to home, she was chosen to play at Dublin Castle for the 2011 State visit to Ireland of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin is a Dublin-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with his musical roots in sean-nós singing.

For TradFest 2025, he’ll be joined by Lebanese-Irish singer Niamh Keady-Tabbal, and together they will sing a mix of Irish and Arabic songs.

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Court Of Petty Sessions € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 4pm Rathfarnham Castle € 14.99

Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne

MacDara Ó Raghallaigh

Niamh Parsons is known as one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music, with her talents compared to that of Dolores Keane and June Tabor. She has been playing in a duet with her partner Graham Dunne since 1999.

MacDara Ó Raghallaigh is a fiddle player from County Meath who boasts a powerfully rhythmic, yet melodic style. He has enjoyed plenty of success at county, provincial and All-Ireland level as a solo artist, in a duet and céilí bands.

Sun Jan 25 - 5pm Court Of Petty Sessions € 14.99

Sun Jan 25 - 8.30pm Áras Chrónáin € 19.99

Michéal Ó Raghallaigh

Mundy

Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh is one of the foremost concertina players of his generation. He has performed from a young age alongside his family, as a soloist, and as a member of various ensembles, with two solo albums to his name.

Sun Jan 25 - 5pm Civic Theatre Tallaght € 19.99

The National

Folk Orchestra of Ireland

The world premiere of Dúchas na Dothra, celebrating Tallaght’s story. Before Tallaght had streets, there was An Dothra (The Dodder River). Dúchas na Dothra flows beside that river through centuries of light, laughter and resilience. Newly composed

by Tom Doorley, performed by Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra the work moves from monastery bells to folk song houses, from mill wheels to stadium cheers.

Mundy has been a firm fixture of the Irish music scene since the mid-1990s, with his debut single appearing on the soundtrack of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’, which introduced him to the world. The Offaly native mastered his craft on the Dublin busking circuit.

Sat Jan 17 - 12pm North Clondalkin Library FREE

FAMILY

Trad Session

Extra Events in South Dublin

Wed Jan 14 - 6:30pm Castletymon Library FREE

The Tymon Sessions South Dublin County Council is hosting a traditional music session in Castletymon Library in Tallaght, which promises to be a memorable evening. All are welcome and booking ahead isn’t necessary.

Join a free session of Trad songs and tunes at North Clondalkin Library.

Sat Jan 17 - 1pm North Clondalkin Library FREE

Traditional Harp Playing An enchanting afternoon of traditional harp music with local harpist Ann Tuite. Enjoy soothing melodies, lively tunes & warm craic in an intimate setting. All welcome! Come solo or bring a friend and let the music transport you to bygone times.

Wed Jan 21 - 6pm Clondalkin Library FREE but ticketed

Sat Jan 24 - 2:30pm Tallaght Library FREE but ticketed

Fri Jan 23 - 1pm Round Tower Visitor Centre FREE but ticketed

Try the Pipes FAMILY

Trad Session

Join us for a ‘Try the Pipes’ session in Tallaght library, a short uilleann piping recital followed by a chance for attendees to get hands on and try the instruments out for themselves. This workshop is suitable for adults, teens or children age 8+.

Join us for a lively Irish traditional session led by renowned Tallaght fiddler Paul Kelly.

With decades of experience performing with The Fleadh Cowboys, Sharon Shannon, Eleanor Shanley, The Dublin Legends, and The Dixie Micks, he brings energy and craic to this inclusive, relaxed afternoon of shared tunes. Remember to bring your instrument!

Wed Jan 21 - 6:30pm Ballyroan Library FREE

Fri Jan 23 - 7pm Aon Scéal Café FREE

Ceol Agus Craic

Danai Ó Céileachair

with Na Píobairí Uilleann

with Martin Nolan & Mick Dunphy

Ballyroan Library, a state-of-the-art facility, will open its doors to TradFest for ‘Ceol agus Craic with Martin Nolan on uilleann pipes and Mick Dunphy on guitar and songs. An interactive music session in South Dublin.

All ages are welcome and no booking is needed.

led by Paul Kelly

Danaí Ó Céileachair is a contemporary Irish singer-songwriter, who will perform original new songs through Irish for TradFest 2026.

Aon Scéal Café is the backdrop for a evening of music as Gaeilge.

Fri Jan 23 - 7pm The Studio - The Civic Theatre Tallaght FREE but ticketed

Sat Jan 24 - 12pm Tallaght Library FREE but ticketed

TradFest X The Night Belongs To Us

Children’s Bodhrán Workshop

This collaboration between TradFest, NOISE Music and SubSounds brings a new generation into the spotlight, blending contemporary sounds with the traditions that inspire them. The evening will feature live DJ sets and performances from emerging young artists, singer-songwriters, and DJs who are redefining Irish music - fusing trad, folk, indie, electronic, and acoustic styles.

Sat Jan 24 - 11am Ballyroan Library FREE

FAMILY

Ceol na nÓg

Musicians from Craobh Naithí Comhaltas

An open music session for teenage musicians hosted by Craobh Naithí Comhaltas. It was established in 1976 by local musicians in South Dublin and has flourished since its early days, inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of its members, young and old.

KIDS

Have a go at playing the bodhran in an interactive workshop for children aged 8+

Sat Jan 24 - 2pm Tallaght Library FREE but ticketed

KIDS

Make An Instrument

from Recycled Materials A creative, interactive workshop for ages 8+ with Rediscovery. Children will learn how to make musical instruments with recycled materials.

Sat Jan 24 - 3pm Glenasmole Community Centre €5

FAMILY

Family Céilí Get your dancing shoes on and join us for a fun afternoon of céilí dancing and music.

This family-friendly céilí takes place in the Glenasmole Community Centre, located in the picturesque Dublin Mountains with breathtaking views of the Glenasmole Valley.

Everyone is welcome, whether it’s your first or you’re an old hand. Our céilí caller Jim Moynihan will have you dancing across the floor like a pro with explanations along the way and plenty of easy and fun dances.

Sun Jan 25 - 12pm AonSceal Café FREE

Ceol Beo

with “Cleachtadh” Traditional Irish Music Cleachtadh began playing in Aon Scéal four years ago. All took off properly over zoom during covid, when lock-down ended they were welcomed to Aon Scéal. Music, poetry, stories and songs are all on the menu when they get together.

Thurs Jan 22 - 7:30pm The Purty Kitchen €27.79

Fri Jan 23 - 8pm The Purty Kitchen €25

Ger O’Donnell & Trevor Sexton

Black Bank Folk

support Sweet Jayne Ger O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s finest folk singers and multi-instrumentalists, while the work of Trevor Sexton is created with intent, crafting songs through storytelling to give voice to his life experiences. They’ll be joined by Jayne Pomplas, or Sweet Jayne, for an unforgettable night of songs and stories at The Purty Kitchen.

support Tola Custy & Laoise Kelly Black Bank Folk are a four-piece band from Dublin that bring together a plethora of musical influences from Indie rock and Americana to Irish folk and traditional.

They debuted in 2016 with the critically acclaimed album Rising, a 1916 concept album, which also saw a collaboration with Irish legend Damien Dempsey. They’ll be joined by Tola Custy (fiddle) and Laoise Kelly (harp) - two outstanding musicians in their own right.

Fri Jan 23 - 7:30pm Walters €22.42

Sat Jan 24 - 8pm Walters €27.79

Sonny Condell & Robbie Overson

Duke Special

(Scullion)

Sonny Condell and Robbie Overson are two legends of the Irish music scene, best known as members of Scullion. Both men have been an integral part of the Irish music scene since the 1970s, and after performing with everyone who’s anyone over the years, they perform together at Walters in Dún Laoghaire for TradFest 2026.

support Brona Keogh Whether he performs solo, as a duo, with a full band, a string quartet or an orchestra, a Duke Special show is always a unique experience. For TradFest 2026, he’ll be joined by Bróna Keogh - a soulful, indie folk singer from Dublin who draws inspiration from folklore, pop culture, R&B, neo-soul, Americana, jazz, blues and the magic of the natural world.

Sun Jan 25 - 1pm Maritime Museum € 29.99

Ocean Child

with Stephen Rea Ocean Child, written and composed by Neil Martin, is wrought from the tragic sinking of the RMS Tayleur off Lambay Island on January 21st, 1854. A deeply moving performance, a spoken narrative and original music score, drawn from contemporaneous newspaper reports and witness accounts, featuring Oscar nominated actor Stephen Rea The West Ocean String Quartet, Michelle Mulchany, Mick O’Brien and Neil Martin.

Sun Jan 25 - 5pm Maritime Museum € 29.99

Ralph McTell One of music’s great storytellers, Ralph is celebrating more than 50 years on the road.

He made his debut in 1968 with the album ‘Eight Frames a Second’, and in 1974 the release of ‘Streets of London’ earned him an Ivor Novello Award. Ralph’s music continues to resonate with fans of all generations. His lyrics have transcended the test of time, with TradFest honouring him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Sun Jan 25 - 1:30pm Walters €19.74

Leo O’Kelly (Tír na nÓg)

support The Velvet Tide Leo O’Kelly is an Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who is also the co-founder of the Irish folk duo Tír na nÓg, one of the leading lights of the early 1970s folk scene. For TradFest 2026, he’ll perform alongside The Velvet Tide, an indie-folk group which explores a spectrum of musical directions and genres

Save The Date!

Music & Arts Festival

2026

Saturday July 25th Fairyhouse Racecourse Ratoath, Co. Meath Follow us on Facebook for updates facebook.com/ablefest

TradFest’s Lifetime Achievement Awards Celebrating and honouring those who’ve made immense contributions to culture and music is something we at TradFest firmly believe warrants recognition.

Our inaugural TradFest Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to folk legends Janis Ian and Ralph McTellin in 2024, acknowledging their work in music transcending generations and standing the test of time. In 2025 we recognised the incredible talents and contributions of music legends Maura O’Connell and Tom Paxton.

The 2026 edition will be no different, with two more acclaimed artists being honoured with TradFest Lifetime Achievement Awards.

TRADFEST LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

TRADFEST LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Peggy Seeger

Seán Ó Sé

Peggy Seeger was born in 1935 in New York City, and attended Radcliffe College in Massachusetts, where she majored in music and began singing folksongs professionally.

Seán Ó Sé won the traditional singing competition at Feis na Mumhan in 1959, before working with composer Seán Ó Riada and the group Ceoiltórí Chualann.

Born near Ballylickey in West Cork, he studied singing under John T Horne at the Cork School of Music, and grew up in a musical family, with songs and stories playing an important part in his life from the start.

At the age of 20, she moved to The Netherlands before taking off on a spontaneous world tour which saw her visit Russia, China, Poland and most of Northern Europe.

It was in 1959 that she settled in London with Ewan MacColl, the British dramatist, singer and songmaker, and the work they produced together was seminal.

The pair initiated innovative work in the British folksong revival, incorporating folk techniques in film music and songwriting and emphasising the connections between traditional artistic forms and political content.

After Ewan MacColl’s death in 1989, Peggy formed the duo No Spring Chickens with Irish traditional singer Irene Pyper-Scott.

As she continued to tour and release music, the impact her lyrics and vocals had on audiences was clear, with BBC Radio 2 producing a five-part series on her remarkable life, the first of which won the Sony Silver Award in 1995, before a sixth and seventh part were released in 1996 and 1997.

In September 1994, she moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where she lived until she moved to Boston in 2006 to take up a teaching position at Northeastern University. She moved to Oxford, England in 2010, and spends a good portion of her year singing and lecturing throughout the UK. Peggy Seeger has released 23 solo discs, has taken part in more than 100 recordings with other performers, and is considered to be among North America’s finest female folksingers.

She turned 90 years of age in June of last year, and continues to entertain crowds both at home and abroad including a special performance at this year’s TradFest with Transatlantic Women in the National Stadium.

Peggy Seeger is this year being honoured with the 2026 TradFest Lifetime Achievement Award.

He trained as a teacher and became the principal in Knocknaheeny on Cork City’s northside. For the first six years of his life, his parents never spoke any English to him, providing Seán with a different perspective on the world through Irish, with him saying he both prays and dreams as Gaeilge.

‘An Poc ar Buile’, was recorded by Seán Ó Sé in 1969 on the Gael Linn label, becoming the first Irish-language song to achieve mainstream chart success. It marked a watershed moment prompting Raidió Éireann to begin championing folk and traditional music for the first time, while still resonating with younger generations nationwide.

The song tells the humorous tale of a billy goat who defied Oliver Cromwell and ran down the mountain to warn the people of Killorglin in County Kerry of the invading army. Seán’s singing of ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ led to his affectionate nickname ‘The Pucker’, a moniker which has stuck with throughout the decades.

In more recent times, he has recorded a number of songs with Peadar Ó Riada, the son of Seán Ó Riada, with the pair of them endeavouring to compile the ultimate collection of classic Irish songs, in both Irish and English, with some of them bi-lingual.

His enduring voice and boundless talents helped blaze a new trail for Irish traditional music and song, with him being a consistent inspiration for the next generation of traditional artists.

Seán Ó Sé is this year being honoured with the 2026 TradFest Lifetime Achievement Award.

TradFest Celebrates 30 Years Of Céilí House After 30 years of hosting one of the most popular programmes of traditional Irish music and song, Kieran Hanrahan stepped away from Céilí House on RTÉ Radio One last year.

The show has been on the national airwaves since the 1950s, initially hosted by Seán Ó Murchú, before Breandán Ó Duill, who was then followed by Peter Brown.

Kieran Hanrahan, formerly of Stockton’s Wing and currently TradFest’s Artistic Director, joined RTÉ in 1992, presenting Fleadh Club and Both Sides Now. A career in radio was never on his radar, but a former manager was impressed with the tone of his voice and urged Kieran to get himself on the air.

“The reason I got into it at all, we had a manager in Stockton’s Wing when I played with them, Oliver Barry, and he heard me doing an interview with somebody and he said there’s great timber in your voice you know.”

“That was a Corkman’s version of timbre”, Kieran added, and when there was a vacancy on Céilí House in 1995, he became the fourth host of Ireland’s most iconic trad and folk show.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into to be honest”, Kieran said. “All I knew was that I would be back where my musical roots were, amongst the grassroots of traditional music, and it’s a place that’s alive with music and I loved that prospect.”

Céilí House is broadcast nationwide every Saturday night between nine and ten, offering a platform to both established and emerging artists, with shows coming live from community centres, parish halls, pubs, and festivals over the years.

Kieran’s final Céilí House came from the quays of Wexford Town at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last August, in front of an audience of thousands, but for Kieran, it was business as usual.

“I just imagine there’s somebody there on the other side, one single person, listening to the programme that is kind of connecting with me.”

Speaking on his retirement, Kieran said, “It has been an honour and a joy to present Céilí House for the last thirty years. For me, every night was a highlight and I am deeply grateful to our loyal listeners, and to the countless musicians, singers and dancers, whose talent and generosity brought the music to life.”

“Thank you for making this phase of my life so rich, rewarding, memorable, and truly special.”

Kieran was inducted into the Folk Radio Hall of Fame at the 2026 Folk Alliance in New Orleans.

Our Dublin CityVenues The Button Factory

The Grand Social 35 Liffey St. Lower, North City, Dublin 1

Since it first opened in the autumn of 2010, The Grand Social has built a reputation of being one of Dublin’s best music venues. Much like the Ha’Penny Bridge which it overlooks, it has become a landmark in the capital, hosting some of the biggest names in music.

Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

With state of the art sound and lighting, The Button Factory in the heart of Temple Bar has hosted thousands of unforgettable live music shows. It’s one of Dublin’s most popular and well-known music venues, and is also home to the Irish Rock N’ Roll Museum.

The Pepper Canister Church Mount Street Upper, Dublin 2

The Cobblestone 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, 7

The Cobblestone has been a beloved family-owned pub for the past 35 years, serving as a vibrant hub for music, dance, and culture. It’s a haven for musicians on Smithfield Square, and a cherished establishment dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of Irish heritage.

St. Stephen’s Church, also known as The Pepper Canister Church thanks to its spire, was the last of a series of Georgian churches built by the Church of Ireland in the early 1800s. Since major works were completed in 2010, it has hosted a variety of concerts and events.

The National Stadium 145 S Circular Rd, Dublin, D08 HY40

Collins Barracks National Museum

The National Stadium holds the incredible title of being the only purpose built amateur boxing arena in the world. It’s a 2000 seater stadium, and as well as being the backdrop for iconic sporting moments, it has become a venue for all kinds of music and shows.

Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

Named after Michael Collins, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State Army, Collins Barracks was an army base for 200 years, before being renovated into a museum. There you can dive into multiple collections on Irish history and culture.

St Patrick’s Cathedral The GPO Museum O’Connell Street, North City, Dublin 1

The award-winning GPO Museum is a must-see on any visit to Dublin. the muesuem is located within one of Ireland’s most famous buildings the General Post Office, on the main thoroughfare of the Capital.

St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8

Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick’s Cathedral dates back to 1220 and is one of the country’s most popular attractions.

It’s said St. Patrick himself baptised converts in the park next to the cathedral while on a visit to Dublin.

Our Fingal Venues Ardgillan Castle

Ardgillan Demesne, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, K34 C984

Malahide Castle Broomfield, Co. Dublin

King Henry II gifted Malahide Castle to the Talbot family in 1185, with it playing an important part of Ireland’s political and social landscape. The last of the Talbots moved out in 1973, and since being sold to the Irish State, it has hosted some of the biggest names in world music.

Sitting on 194-acres of spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea, Ardgillan Castle has been part of the North County Dublin landscape since 1738. Although it’s referred to as a castle, it’s actually a large country-style house, only half an hour from the city centre.

St Macullins Centre Church Rd, Lusk, Co. Dublin

Donabate-Portrane Community Centre

Donabate Portrane Community Centre, 3 Portrane Rd, Donabate, Co. Dublin

St. Macullins Centre sits in the heart of medieval Lusk and is beside the round tower national monument which dates back to the 9th century. This multipurpose space strives to be a positive place for the community to get involved in a range of activities and events.

The Donabate-Portrane Community Centre provides a range of recreational, educational, and social activities and services. Its dedicated team offers a safe and welcoming environment to people of all ages and abilities.

Swords Castle

Bridge St, Townparks, Swords, Co. Dublin

Draíocht

Blanchardstown Rd Sth, Blanchardstown

Draíocht means ‘magic’ in Irish, and since opening in 2001, Draíocht in Blanchardstown has provided a space where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and be enriched by the arts. The purpose-built facility boasts two theatres, two galleries, an artist’s studio and workshop.

Lusk Community Cultural Centre Church Rd, Lough Common, Lusk, Co. Dublin

The Lusk Community Cultural Centre is a focal point for residents to meet and partake in a variety of activities and exhibitions. After a 17-month refurbishment, it was transformed from a state of dereliction to a state of the art space to welcome the entire community.

The Chapel at Swords Castle has sat at the bottom of the town’s main street for over 800 years, with the castle itself the former residence of the Medieval Archbishop of Dublin. After renovations in the 1990s, it has been used as a film location, and is popular with tourists.

The Abbey Tavern 28 Abbey St, Howth, Dublin, D13 E9V4

The Abbey Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, located in the charming and quaint fishing village of Howth. It’s nestled against the ancient ruins of Howth Abbey, and offers a genuine atmosphere of old Ireland..

The Howth Sea Angling Club 15A West Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 YP23

The Howth Sea Angling Club was formed in 1970 and since then, it has developed into one of the foremost Angling Clubs in Ireland.

The Howth Tourist Office The Old Courthouse, Harbour Rd, Howth, Dublin, D13 AE22

Situated in The Old Courthouse the knowledgeable information team are dedicated to giving visitors the best experience possible and showcasing the unique beauty and culture of Howth.

The Little Theatre R127, Townparks, Skerries, Co. Dublin

Founded in 1946 The Skerries Theatre Group is a well-established, vibrant amateur society. Its objective is to bring ‘The Theatre’ to the community of Skerries with a programme of music and drama and promote a friendly social atmosphere for both young and old alike.

The Millbank Theatre Chapel Green, Rush, County Dublin

Those behind the productions at The Millbank Theatre have worked on a voluntary basis since it opened in 1988. It’s owned and operated by Rush Dramatic Society, which was founded in 1927, and has since played a pivotal role in Ireland’s arts and culture scene.

The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre Main St, Naul, Naul Village, Co. Dublin, K32 AY27

Named after a man widely regarded as one of the greatest uilleann pipers of all time, The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre is an award-winning performance venue in the rural village of The Naul. Steeped in history, it’s seen by many as a hidden gem in North County Dublin.

Our South Dublin Venues Áras Chronáin, Ionad Cultúir 15 Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 DV56

Áras Chrónáin, the Irish Cultural Centre, is a unique oasis of vibrant Irish language, music, song, dance and culture. Over the years, its magnificent Georgian house has welcomed some of the biggest names in traditional music.

Glenasmole Community Centre Castlekelly, Glenasmole, Co. Dublin, D24 EC93

Nestled high in the picturesque setting of the Dublin Mountains, Glenasmole Community Centre has served its local community since the 1970’s. Its aim has always been to create a space which will serve everyone in the area, old and young.

The County Court of Petty Sessions Rathcoole, Co. Dublin D24 YP97

Built and opened in 1914, the former County Court of Petty Sessions in Rathcoole was a forerunner to the modern day district courts. It was subsequently found to be unsuitable for court business, became a village library, and now hosts a variety of community led events.

Round Tower Visitor Centre

Rathfarnham Castle

Standing at over 25 metres in height, Clondalkin Round Tower has looked over the village for around 1000 years, and was built in the middle of an early medieval monastery. With a museum and café, its modern visitor centre is in contrast to the millennium old tower.

Rathfarnham Castle is a beautifully restored 16-century fortress which dates back to the Elizabethan period. It was built for a man who’d go on to become the Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and now hosts a wealth of exhibitions and cultural events.

Civic Theatre Tallaght

St Maelruain’s Church of Ireland

The Civic Theatre opened in 1999 as a vibrant venue in the heart of Tallaght, hosting a wide range of events from live music, theatre and family friendly performances. It boasts two performance spaces - The Main Auditorium and The Loose End Studio.

St. Maelruain’s Church was built on an ancient Christian site with a long and distinctive history. Not long ago it was a small rural church, but as Tallaght continues to grow, St. Maelruain’s now finds itself at the centre of a diverse and ever-expanding town.

Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 DV56

Parthalán Place, Belgard Road, Tallaght, D24 NWN7

Rathfarnham Rd, Rathfarnham D14 K3T6

Main St, Naul, Naul Village, Co. Dublin, K32 AY27

Our Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Venues

TradFest’s Travel Tips Although it’s considered a major European city, Dublin is fairly compact, and you’ve a variety of choices when it comes to modes of transport during your stay. Our city centre venues are so close to each other that walking or cycling are viable options, but with concerts in regional Dublin, here’s a few TradFest Travel Tips to send you on your way.

Leap Card

National Martime Museum Haigh Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

The National Maritime Museum opened in 1978 in the former Mariner’s Church in Moran Park, between the seafront and centre of Dún Laoghaire. Its library of rare maritime books covers the period from the mid-1700s to the 21st century. Following extensive refurbishment, the museum was officially re-opened by former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, who spoke of his admiration for the beautiful Old Mariners Church, and of those that helped to establish the Maritime Institute of Ireland and its museum.

The Purty Kitchen

3-5 Old Dunleary Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 X7W1

Once the host to visiting heads of state, sea admirals, noblemen, merchants and seafarers, the Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire’s oldest surviving premises, is today continuing a rich tradition in the social history of the Dublin licensed trade.

A Leap Card is a convenient prepaid card which is valid on most Transport for Ireland services, which saves you money, as fares are usually up to 30% less than cash tickets. You can buy one online, or in over 2,000 agents around the country, and to pay your way, all you’ve to do is touch the card when getting on and off.

TFI Journey Planner

The Transport for Ireland Journey Planner is an app which offers real-time departure information and travel alerts. You can look up a location or stop ID for your origin and destination, change the time of travel or even the mode of transport. The app helps travellers plan their journeys on the train, bus, tram, car, taxi or bicycle.

Luas

The Luas is Dublin’s tram system and has two lines which intersect in the city centre. The Red Line has 32 stops and runs from Tallaght to The Point and from Saggart to Connolly. The Green Line has 35 stops and runs from Brides Glen to Broombridge via the city centre. Ticket machines are located at every stop, and tickets cannot be bought on the trams.

DART

The DART is a quick and easy way to get around Dublin, and runs along the coast of the Irish Sea, offering stunning views while you travel. It goes as far north as Malahide and Howth, and as far south as Greystones in Wicklow. There are three DART stations in the city centre: Connolly Station, Tara Street Station and Pearse Street Station.

Irish Rail

Walter’s

68 George’s Street Upper, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 Y981

Walter’s Bar, a beloved restaurant and venue in the heart of Dún Laoghaire since 1904, offers great food, warm atmosphere, and weekly live music that keeps this historic gathering place vibrant and inviting for all.

As well as offering intercity and commuter services, Irish Rail serves the entire country, with the majority of trains leaving from Connolly Station and Heuston Station. Head over to the Irish Rail website for the latest information on arrivals and departures, and on to get your hands on train tickets.

Dublin Bus

With 120 routes, Dublin Bus is by far the largest bus operator in the city, and with a number of those routes operating 24/7, the bus is a handy way to get home at whatever time you’re ready to make a move. If you’ve a Leap Card, you only have to tap on when hopping onto a bus, and you can find real time information on the Dublin Bus/TFI Journey Planner apps.

Dublin Bikes

Dublin Bikes is a public bicycle rental scheme which has operated in the city since 2009, with more and more people using it to get around. The bikes are available all day, every day, with the first half-hour of every journey free of charge. Users need to take out a subscription, which allows them an unlimited number of rentals.

tradfest.com