“TradFest lights up the dark days of January, bringing a sense of celebration through artistic expression and the power of live performance, offering the best of traditional, folk and contemporary talent from both home and abroad.”
– Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland
While the cold and damp of a wet January in Dublin can sometimes seem likes it goes on forever, TradFest thankfully reminds us all why winter nights were invented. Featuring over 160 gigs and 600 artists, this is the kind of festival that turns the whole city into one big, pulsating session.
This year sees TradFest continue its partnership with AbleFest, delivering two fully accessible days at The National Stadium featuring sensory rooms, wheelchair access, caregiver spaces and zero compromise on quality.
As Festival Director Martin Harte puts it, “TradFest has always been about opening the doors wide — a warm, welcoming celebration of traditional and folk music for everyone, with no elitism and no barriers. Our artists give so generously, from revered legends to the newest voices, and they are the heartbeat of the festival.”
More than just gigs, the organisers tell us that the festival is very much something you join. Think céilís, masterclasses, workshops, pop-up Gaeltachts for kids, pub sessions and community singing across the city and beyond.
From world-famous names to brand-new voices, from Temple Bar to the suburbs, TradFest 2026 belongs to the whole city. Here are just some of the many ways you can make the festival your own and enjoy some great tunes this year.
1. Get Thee To A Sesh (or A Hooley)
From Rathcoole to Clondalkin, the city centre to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, expect free, accessible performances, spontaneous sessions and a proper festival buzz, all designed to bring communities together through music.
Kick things off with some loud, joyful, toe-tapping fun in the city centre, as the Trad Hooley hits peak TradFest energy in Temple Bar. Expect big tunes and crowded rooms filled to the brim with a hospitable ‘stay for one more’ kind of vibe. Sure what else are hooleys for?
Meanwhile, pop-up sessions at spots including Tallaght’s Aon Scéal Café blur the line between audience and artist. Drop in for a flat white, leave with a new favourite musician.
2. Catch Living Music Legends Doing What They Do Best
From Moya Brennan and Sharon Shannon to Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Peggy Seeger, Ralph McTell and The Dublin Legends, TradFest is stacked with icons.
Hop on the Luas and catch some terrific trad legends at Áras Chrónáin as it hosts a heavyweight line-up including Mike Hanrahan & Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Gavin Trio and The Mulcahy Family. Intimate, atmospheric and steeped in tradition, you’re guaranteed to come away with a tune or two in your head.
As well as watching living musical history unfolding in real time, the festival ably demonstrates that the future of trad is also alive and well. LEÍ sees Sibéal, Niaidh & Róisín Ní Chasaide deliver contemporary, deeply rooted performances that feel fresh without losing their soul. Catch them in performing in some of the smaller venues where the music really breathes.
There’s also a chance to see Burnchurch light up the stage, as they bring their dynamic expression of modern Irish music to The Abbey Tavern, where they’ll be sharing their energetic and unique bilingual experience of blues-pop Irish music with northside audiences.
3. See Stephen Rea In Action
One of this year’s standout moments, Ocean Child sees actor Stephen Rea front something really special, as he narrates a powerfully emotive tale alongside The West Ocean String Quartet and friends at The National Maritime Museum of Ireland.
The musical narrative, written and composed by Neil Martin, is inspired by the tragic sinking of the RMS Tayleur off Lambay Island on January 21st, 1854. Powerful, emotional, and light years away from an average night out.
This year also features a special Celebrating the Harp session which brings together Stephen Rea, Brídin, TU Dublin Harp Ensembles and more. Expect ancient sounds, modern interpretations and a reminder that the harp isn’t just for history books.
4. Experience Trad in Unforgettable Spaces
There’s something special about hearing traditional music in historic spaces, and TradFest knows how to match music to place. From castles to cathedrals, churches to community centres, festival events can be found in some of the most beautiful settings Dublin has to offer.
With new venues this year including cathedrals, heritage buildings, local pubs, and civic halls across Dublin and beyond, the city itself becomes part of the show.
Rathfarnham Castle and St Maelruain’s Church are just two festival venues offering spine-tingling acoustics and serious atmosphere, resulting in the kind of gigs you’ll talk about long after January becomes a distant memory.
5. Northside – Celebrate Barney McKenna
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.
A three-day love letter to the former member of the Dubliners, expect storytelling, top-tier musicianship, masterclasses and a competition to secure the inaugural Barney McKenna Bursary.
6. Southside – The World Premiere of Dúchas na Dothra
Other standout moments include a new work by Tom Doorley, commissioned by South Dublin County Council, featuring the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland with narration by Peter Coonan.
Dúchas na Dothra flows beside the river An Dothra (The Dodder) through centuries of light, laughter and resilience, celebrating Tallaght’s story through luminous, powerful music, as the work moves from monastery bells to folk song houses, from mill wheels to stadium cheers. Pipes, strings and driving rhythm merge into a living soundscape that reconnects Tallaght to itself — reminding us that home is not just a place, but the flow between people, memory, and music.
