TradFest Brings Line-Up of Traditional Music to South Dublin

Tallaght, Co. Dublin — TradFest today announces its full programme for South Dublin as part of TradFest 2026, Ireland’s premier traditional and folk music festival running 21–25 January. Now in its second year of an expanded partnership with South Dublin County Council, the festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of Irish traditional music with an exceptional line-up of artists performing across multiple venues including Áras Chrónáin, Rathfarnham Castle,St Maelruain’s Church, The Court of Petty Sessions in Rathcoole, Aon Scéal Café, The Loft Cultural Space, and The Civic Theatre Tallaght. 

TradFest’s South Dublin programme brings world-class performers and emerging talent to community and historic spaces, reflecting the festival’s ethos of presenting Irish music in evocative settings that connect audiences to both place and culture. This year’s line-up blends renowned musicians, family-friendly concerts, sessions and exploratory cross-genre work that speaks to the breadth and evolution of the tradition. 

At Áras Chrónáin, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of concerts spanning the tradition, including performances by Mike Hanrahan & Eleanor Shanley, the Frankie Gavin Trio, The Mulcahy Family, and Wickerlight. A special “Celebrating the Harp” session featuring Stephen Rea, The TU Dublin Harp Ensembles & more. The week culminates with performances by Tara Breen and Mundy, demonstrating the range of expression found within and around the trad idiom. 

Across South Dublin venues, LEÍ — Sibéal, Niaidh & Róisín Ní Chasaide will take to the stage in intimate performances that underscore the vitality of contemporary trad voices. Other programmes in community-oriented spaces such as The Loft Cultural Space and Aon Scéal Café will feature curated music sessions and opportunities for audiences to meet the artists behind the music. 

A highlight of this year’s programme is a new work by Tom Doorley, commissioned by South Dublin County Council presented at The Civic Theatre Tallaght and featuring the National folk orchestra of Ireland with narration by renowned actor Peter Coonan. 

South Dublin audience members will also find free and accessible performances across the county, drawing from festival sessions involving community musicians and spontaneous trad gatherings, ensuring that TradFest experiences are available to a broad audience.

‘It is a pleasure to welcome TradFest to South Dublin County. For over two decades, this festival has stood as a celebration of Irish traditional music, arts, and heritage. Today marks an exciting milestone as TradFest consolidates its presence in our lively and diverse community’ commented the Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Trevor Gilligan. ‘Along with partners, community groups, and local businesses, this year SDCC has been able offer a programme of fringe events that will take place in, or around, the main events. It is important to say that we have been able to localise the event, and bring together local organisations and businesses to programme an exciting array of fringe events which will bring that festival feel to Rathcoole, Tallaght, Clondalkin and Rathfarnham villages, and provide a performance outlet for emerging local talent. As an avidmusician and songwriter, supporting home grown musicians, youth in music, and the arts, is very close to my heart’.

Colm Ward, chief executive of South Dublin County Council said, ‘This is the second year of TradFest in South Dublin and we are delighted to support an expanded range of local events that will see audiences enjoy quality live music with performances in a range of unique venues including Rathfarnham Castle, St Maelruain’s Church, Glenasmole Community Centre, and Rathcoole’s Court of Petty Sessions.

The partnership with TradFest reflects our commitment to promoting cultural enrichment, community engagement and developing the visitor economy.  The events will provide a boost to local businesses by attracting new and returning visitors and will also create opportunities for local communities to gather and enjoy a wide variety of traditional and folk music.’

TradFest Festival Director Martin Harte commented, ‘We are thrilled to mark our second year of TradFest programming in South Dublin with a line-up that truly reflects the artistic vibrancy and community spirit of this county. The range of performances — from established artists to emerging voices — speaks to the creative depth of the tradition. We are grateful to South Dublin County Council for their continued support in helping us bring this programme to life, and to the artists and audiences who make TradFest a celebration of shared musical culture.’

This year’s South Dublin programme sits alongside TradFest events across Dublin City, Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, reinforcing TradFest’s role as a festival that champions traditional and folk music across the entire Dublin region.

TradFest 2026 runs from 21–25 January with South Dublin performances taking place across the week. Full details of event times, ticketing and accessibility options can be found at www.tradfest.com

Press information: Sinead O’Doherty (Macdonald), +353 86 259 1070 sinead@odohertycommunications.com