TradFest is hosting a party for its 20th birthday in 2025, focusing on traditional and folk music. This event in January brings a touch of Irish culture to Dublin, enhancing the city's atmosphere with various musical performances.
We are excited to host Tradfest events at Clondalkin Library, Tallaght Library, and Castletymon Library.
Castletymon Library
Cathy Scuffil talk on St Maelruan’s – Weds 22nd Jan, 6.30pm book here
Castletymon Music Sessions – Thurs 23rd Jan, 6.30pm All Welcome
Clondalkin Library
Try the Pipes with Na Pìobairì Uilleann Saturday 25th January 12.00pm Suitable for all book here
Join us for a 'Try the Pipes' session in Clondalkin 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+.
Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 when there were less than 100 uilleann pipers remaining. Today NPU is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to Sharing the Sound of Ireland through Access, Education, Performance and Preservation.
Bodhran workshop for kids Saturday 25th January 2.30pm Suitable for ages 7-12 booking here
Follow along with Musicians Stephen Fagan and Claire Sherry and learn how to play some simple rhythms on the bodhran.
Stephen Fagan is a guitarist and singer from Clondalkin in Dublin. He learned his trade at regular sessions in the local cultural centre Áras ChrónainWith over 40 years playing experience Stephen has been a full time musician/musician educator since 2005 and loves to facilitate active musical workshops for all ages using guitar , voice, ukulele, bodhrans,scarves and various shakers. The workshops are fun and informative.
Dublin-born Claire Sherry’s passion for music ignited at a young age, propelling her into a distinguished career as a versatile musician. An accomplished player & All Ireland champion of many instruments, Claire excels in the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, tin whistle, and viola.
Booking Open from Monday 6th January here
Tallaght Library
Presentation: “Kitty gone a-milking”; Digitisation of historic recordings of Irish Traditional Music.
Saturday 25th January Time – 12pm booking here
Join David Power and James Duggan for a presentation on the digitisation of historic recordings of Irish Traditional Music which were donated to Tallaght library in September 2023. The presentation will explore the musical and historical context of the recordings which feature artists such as fiddlers Frank O’Higgins and Hughie Gillespie, singer John McCormack and groups such as the McNulty family and The Ballinakill Céilí Band. There will also be a discussion on the digitisation process as well as a demonstration of the playing of gramophone records.
Open Trad Session
Date – Saturday 25th January Time – 1pm - All Welcome
Join us for a session of trad tunes and songs. Bring along an instrument, sing a song or just come along and listen!
Film Screening: “Tommie Potts: The Fireman Fiddler of the Coombe”
Saturday 25th January Time – 2pm book here
Join us for a screening of Tommie Potts: The Fireman Fiddler of the Coombe, a musical character study on the life and work of Tommie Potts (1912-1988); Ireland’s most visionary traditional fiddler and a fire fighter with the Dublin Fire Brigade.