Europe's oldest ukulele festival to take place in Dún Laoghaire next month

Thousands of ukulele fans from Ireland and abroad will descend on Dun Laoghaire next month for the world famous Ukulele Hooley.

The Hooley, which is now in its 13th year, will see a line-up of top-international ukulele players as well as homegrown enthusiasts.

Amongst the top performers on the bill for Ukulele Hooley 2023 are Daniel Ho  hailing from Honolulu/LA, The Bad Mouse Orchestra and Ireland's own Dublin Ukulele Collective.

The annual event – now Europe’s oldest ukulele festival – will mean a financial bonanza for the south Dublin seaside town as fans enjoy a weekend of entertainment and fun.

Once again, the highlight of the two-day festival will be the annual free concert in the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire, on Sunday, August 25, which attracts thousands of fans.

The 2024 Hooley – which is supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council – will feature workshops, a talent competition in the form of UKE Factor, The Big Busk, open mics, and the Big Concert and Jam in the People's Park.

The Hooley will see ukulele performers from the home of the ukulele Hawaii, Ireland, the UK, US, Germany, Belgium and elsewhere.

The Hooley Organiser Niall Carty said: “I can promise a bigger and better festival this year. It’s a very unique music event that bring people together through the sheer joy that the ukulele brings. We want everyone to be a part of this extraordinary experience!”

He added: “This is a free, family focussed, 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.”

Further details regarding events and ticket pricing are available here.