The ultimate guide to TradFest 2025

This magnificent 18th-century barracks, now the home of the National Museum – Decorative Arts & History, is an impressive setting for the lunchtime performances every day of TradFest 2025. 

Opening the festival is multi-instrumentalist and singer Sinéad McKenna, who brings selections from her new album to the stage on January 22. Cork-born sean-nós singer Diarmuid O'Meachair brings his brilliance on the accordion to bear on January 23, reminding audiences why in 2022 he received the prestigious TG4 Young Musician of the Year award. 

On January 24 it's the turn of singer Sharyn Ward to shine, a proud member of the Traveller community who rose to fame as a 2019 finalist of Ireland's Got Talent and has gone on to release an album of catchy folk songs. 

Longford-born tenor banjo player Elaine Reilly performs on Saturday, January 25. 

Media captionVisit Collins Barracks for exceptional trad performances.

St Patrick’s Cathedral kicks off TradFest 2025 on January 22 from 8pm with Aoife Scott and Women of Note, a musical celebration of female artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The next night promises to be just as special, as Irish singer-songwriter Wallis Bird and German classical group Spark join forces to perform Visions of Venus, a cross-genre concert experience showcasing an entire millennium of women's art. 

For decades, fiddle and flute aficionado Frankie Gavin has been a key figure in the Irish music scene. On January 24, he brings the latest incarnation of his band De Dannan to the stage in St Patrick's Cathedral.

Media captionEnjoy a performance by Aoife Scott and Women of Note.

There's few better to kick off Dublin Castle's participation in TradFest 2025 than harpist and CEO of Cruit Éireann (Harp Ireland) Lauren Ní Néill. She'll discuss the heritage of harping and perform with up and coming young harpists the afternoon of January 22. 

Award-winning uilleann piper Louise Mulcahy leads a joyous celebration of women in piping on January 24. Louise will trace the story of women in piping dating from the 19th century to the present day and perform a set on the same uilleann pipes once owned by famous piper Liam O’Flynn.

The iconic Georgian St Stephen’s Church on Mount Street Crescent, whose unique ‘pepper canister’ spire gives the nickname by which it is more commonly known, is an atmospheric venue for an impressive line-up of TradFest gigs. The Kane Sisters have performed in world-famous venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and London's Royal Albert Hall, and they take the stage at the more intimate Pepper Canister on January 23. 

On Saturday it's the turn of Connemara-born siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta who are ready to impress with their sean-nós singing and Irish dancing. Later that evening, join female quartet Landless as they perform ballads old and new. 

2020 winner of TG4 Gradam Award Josephine Marsh takes the stage on Sunday January 26, followed by the all-women band Macalla at 6pm.

Media captionCatch a performance in the Pepper Canister Church.

On January 23, Dublin-based band The Scratch shake things up at The National Stadium with their unique fusion of heavy metal, Irish folk, stadium rock and post punk. 

Next evening, pack your dancing shoes for Féile Kíla, where trad fusion group Kíla will serve up their blend of high energy music (and global instrument collection). The next night, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan presents Transatlantic Women with Maura O'Connell, Julie Fowlis, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and String Sisters.

TradFest 2025 goes out on a high on Sunday, January 26 with an evening honouring the life and works of Tom Paxton. The event will feature fellow Irish legends, including singer-songwriter and guitarist Ralph McTell. That’s four exciting nights on the South Circular Road venue.

Media captionTake in a night of trad at the National Stadium.

The Button Factory is kicking off TradFest 2025 on January 24 with the collaboration of Guadeloupean singer-songwriter and composer Ines Khai and the Yankari Afrobeat Collective. Dance along to their blend of Gwoka, soul and blues that pays homage to the legendary Afrobeat icons of the 1960s and 1970s.

The following night, TradFest celebrates LGBTQ+ trad and folk artists and allies with Pride Géilí. The night is hosted by Trad is Amach, the LGBTQ+ trad collective, and Dublin Pride. 

With their mix of early Motown, modern soul and R&B, six-piece band Toshín promise to get you up on your feet dancing at The Grand Social in Dublin 1 on January 23. The next night it’s the turn of DUG, the music duo composed of Irish-born Lorkin O'Reilly and California-native Jonny Pickett. On January 25, the venue's final show will feature the tunes of triple Platinum artist George Murphy and the Rising Sons. 

Famous fiddle player Jacqui Martin and 2024 Gradam Ceoil TG4 Ceoltóir na Bliana recipient Derek Hickey kick off proceedings in the intimate Chapel at Swords Castle in North Dublin at lunchtime on January 23.  They're followed at 4.30pm by Dublin-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin who will be performing his sean-nós inspired tunes. 

The next day, it's the turn of Guadeloupean singer, songwriter and composer Ines Khai who will be performing her eclectic discography. Later that afternoon, accordion and fiddle duo Paudie O'Connor and Aoife Ní Chaoimh will take to the stage for the venue's final TradFest performance of the year. 

Media captionEnjoy an afternoon of trad music in Swords Castle.

Malahide Castle in North Dublin plays host to a number of special TradFest events over the course of the festival. At lunchtime on Thursday, January 23, former fiddle player for The Chieftains Tara Breen opens the festivities to showcase her award-winning skills. She's followed at 4.30pm by musicians Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan as they host an intimate evening that dives into their respective catalogues.

At lunchtime the next day it's the turn of Molly O'Mahony. Having opened for the likes of Mick Flannery and Damien Dempsey, the singer-songwriter will be performing songs from her critically acclaimed debut album The House of David.  

Several other venues throughout the county will be hosting some gigs for TradFest 2025. In the northwestern suburb of Blanchardstown, the Draíocht will host The Women, We Will Rise, a special tribute to Irish women past, present and future on January 23. Hosted by folk-singer Karen Casey, the night will shed a light on the female narrative through stories and song.  

Renowned fiddle player Bernadette Nic Gabhann will be performing favourites from her solo album at Ardgillan Castle on January 25, while renowned modern folk harpist, singer, songwriter and composer BRÍDÍN is on stage the following evening with original music inspired by her home county of Sligo. Singer Molly Donnery is on stage at Skerries Mills in North County Dublin at 6pm on January 25. She is followed the next evening by traditional fiddle player Sorcha Costello, winner of the 2021 Gradam Ceoil TG4 Young Musician of the Year award. 

Further on up the coast in Rush, the Millbank Theatre is hosting Limerick-born singer-songwriter Mick Hanley on Friday, January 24 alongside guitarist Anto Drennan and bassist Eoghan O'Neill. On Sunday, Evelyn Kallansee and Declan Sinnott will wrap up the venue's shows with a performance of their album Make for Joy. 

Media captionCatch major acts at venues across the city at TradFest.

Another venue to have on your radar is the Áras Chrónáin Inad Cultúir in Clondalkin. On January 23, Peggy Seeger will grace the stage with her collection of lauded feminist and political songs. On January 25, it's Daoirí Farrell's turn to wow the audience with his lovely voice and skills on the bouzouki.

Since starting their group in 1977, Stockton's Wing have amassed an impressive catalogue of music. On January 24 at the Donabate Portrane Community Centre, they will be performing their greatest hits with the help of some of Fingal's great choirs. 

Discover more festivals, gigs and buzzy moments this Winter in Dublin.