TradFest South Dublin 2026 launched at Tallaght Stadium

South Dublin TradFest was launched in Tallaght Stadium this week.

The launch, taking place on Wednesday, was opened by RTÉ's Kieron Hanrahan, who began with a tribute to late trad singer Seán O Sé.

Highlighting the relationship between TradFest and South Dublin, he also put a special emphasis on a new work by Tom Doorley called 'Dúchas na Dothra', which celebrates Tallaght's story, and will be presented at The Civic Theatre Tallaght on Jan 25 alongside the National folk Orchestra of Ireland, with narration by renowned actor Peter Coonan.

Setting the tone for the weeks of outstanding performances ahead, Mundy and Clada took to the stage for a special musical preview. The launch also included addresses as well as Noel Dempsey from TradFest, as well as South Dublin Deputy Mayor, Cllr Trevor Gilligan.

This year's TradFest, run in association with South Dublin County Council, takes place from January 21-25, bringing gigs, sessions, family-friendly céilí-dancing, and immersive shows to some of the most beautiful settings the area has to offer.

Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin will host a number of events, including shows from Mundy; Mike Hanrahan & Eleanor Shanley; the Frankie Gavin Trio; The Mulcahy Family; LEÍ featuring Sibéal, Niadh and Róisín Ní Chasaide; Tara Breen; and Wickerlight.

Just over the road is the Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre, where  Tallaght fiddler Paul Kelly will be leading a lively traditional music session on January 24 at 1pm, while Last Call – an immersive production that blurs the lines between theatre and trad session – will take over the café later in the evening.

Rathfarnham Castle, meanwhile, will also come alive with music as part of the festival, playing host to the likes of Louise Mulcahy, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Gráinne Hambly, and Macdara Ó Raghallaigh.

Once a small rural church built on an ancient Christian site, St. Maelruain’s is now at the centre of the action in Tallaght, as the town continues to expand – with Brian Kennedy and Liam Ó Maonlaí both set to play special shows at the church for TradFest.

Elsewhere, Tallaght’s Irish language cafe, Aon Sceal, will host a free performance by singer-songwriter Danai O Ceileachair and also a free daytime event with Cleachtadh.

Rathcoole will also be presenting a special selection of acts at its former Court of Petty Sessions – with the Edwardian building set to welcome uilleann piper Mark Redmond, concertina player Micheal O Raghallaigh, and acclaimed vocalist Niamh Parsons alongside her partner Graham Dunne.

Finally, TradFest is heading up into the picturesque Dublin Mountains for a family-friendly céilí at Glenasmole Community Centre. Kicking off at 3pm on the Saturday, the event is geared towards old-hands and newcomers alike – with céilí caller Jim Moynihan providing handy explanations along the way, for fun, easy-to-master dances.

Across the five days of TradFest, you can also expect a dazzling array of fringe and pop-up events in the area, including sessions, trad trails, inclusive shows, workshops, and talks, taking place in South Dublin Libraries, cafés, pubs and more.

• TradFest runs from January 21-25, 2026. For more information about TradFest in South Dublin, visit tradfest.com/south-dublin-venues