Thousands expected in Dun Laoghaire for the Ukulele Hooley's 12th anniversary

Thousands of fans from Ireland and further afield are expected to descent on Dun Laoghaire later this month for the world famous Ukulele Hooley. Running from August 26 to 27, the twelfth year of the hooley will see a line-up of top international ukulele players as well as homegrown enthusiasts.

The annual event, taking place in the seaside Dublin town, is one of the biggest ukulele festivals in Europe. Beneficially for Dun Laoghaire business-people, this will mean a significant financial gain for the town, with fans flocking to the area to enjoy a weekend of entertainment and musical fun.

Theresa D’Arcy, Ger Tonge, Jo Price and Trish Prenty of the Skerries Ukelele Strummers at the Ukulele Hooley 2022. Photo: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins

Once again, the highlight of the two-day festival will be the free concert in Dun Laoghaire's People’s Park on Sunday, August 27, which attracts thousands of fans.

The 2023 Hooley, supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, will see all of the usual attractions that fans love, such as:

• Workshops
• Saturday Afternoon Stage – Eblana Cabana
• The Bus Busk
• Open Mic
• The Big Concert and Jam

The two-day event will welcome ukulele performers from across Ireland, the UK, US, Belgium, Spain and more.

Amongst the top performers on the bill for Ukulele Hooley 2023 are: The Lava Birds (Spain); Del Rey & Adam Franklin (US); Phil Doleman (UK); Fred Goosens (Belgium); George Elmes (China & Ireland); The Dublin Ukulele Collective (Ireland); The Ukulele Uff Trio (UK); Ukeristic Congress (Ireland); Ukulele Tuesday (Ireland); and Bangor Ukes (Northern Ireland).

The Ukulele Hooley organiser, Niall Carty, spoke to Hot Press about the event, saying: “I am looking forward to this year’s festival, hoping it’s going to be a celebration of music, camaraderie, and the sheer joy that the ukulele brings. We want everyone to be a part of this extraordinary experience!

“This is a free, family focused, fun event that has grown into an internationally recognised celebration of the humble ukulele which is now one of the most popular instruments in Ireland.”

For more information, and to buy tickets for the different events, check out the Ukulele Hooley website.