Ireland's traditional music festival returns

Traditional music fest Tradition Now is returning to the National Concert Hall this October in partnership with the Arts Council.

Running from 23 - 28 October, the festival promises to take a "unique look at the evolution of traditional music in a fast-moving Ireland".

This year's fest boasts a packed line-up as it celebrates prolific traditional musician and uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, who passed away in March.

Concert Ómós will bring together a variety of traditional talent including musicians Sean Keane, Matt Molloy, Tríona Marshall, Steve Cooney and many more.

Quiet Lights will showcase some of the brightest talents on today's traditional and folk music scenes, including Rosie Carney, Landless and more.

The five-day festival will feature performances from Iarla Ó’Lionáird (The Gloaming) with Crash String Quartet and Liam O’Connor (in collaboration with John Blake and Paddy McEvoy).

It will also feature an Aoife Ní Bhriain residency and a special concert held in association with Fair Plé, a movement committed to tackling gender imbalance in traditional and folk music.

On top of all this, Tradition Now will hold two children's concerts. With interactive journey 'A Winter Wish' and a performance by the Armagh Rhymers, even little ones can join the world of trad.

Tickets can be purchased at www.nch.ie.

Check out the stage listings here:

Tuesday 23 October, 8.30 – The Studio: Quiet Lights with Rosie Carney, Landless and more to be announced

Wednesday 24th October, 8pm – The Studio: Bushranger Psychodrama, Iarla Ó’Lionáird & Crash String Quartet

Friday 26 October, 8.30pm – The Studio: Liam O’Connor, fiddle, with John Blake, guitar and Paddy McEvoy, piano

Saturday 27 October, 12pm and 2pm: 'A Winter Wish' interactive

Saturday 27th October, 8pm – Main Stage: 'Freedom doesn’t Fall from the Sky' (in Association with Fair Plé)

Sunday October 28th, Foyer activities from 12pm, concert at 1:30pm: Family Day with the Armagh Rhymers (ages 6+)

Sunday 28th October, 6pm – The Studio: Aoife Ní Bhriain with Florian Willeitner and Eoghan O Ceannabháin

Sunday 28th October, 8pm – Main Stage: Ómós: A celebration of the music and life of Liam O’Flynn