TradFest in South Dublin: Gigs, sessions, family-friendly céilí-dancing and immersive shows in some of the the area's most beautiful settings

With its ancient historical landmarks standing alongside exciting, state-of-the-art venues, South Dublin has long been a place where tradition and innovation converge – making it the perfect spot to soak in some phenomenal live music, as part of TradFest, Ireland’s largest traditional music festival.

For this year’s edition – running from January 21-25 – TradFest has once again joined forces with South Dublin County Council, to bring gigs, sessions, family-friendly céilí-dancing, and immersive shows to some of the most beautiful settings the area has to offer. From castles and cathedrals, to churches and community centres, the festival is set to celebrate the wonderful diversity of South Dublin – showcasing iconic spaces and little-known gems alike.

As a vibrant hub of Irish language and culture in the heart of old Clondalkin village, Áras Chrónáin will play a key role in South Dublin’s TradFest action, with Brian Ó Gáibhín and his team continuing their tradition of welcoming thrilling musical talent to the magnificent Georgian house. Over the course of the festival, you can look forward to music from the likes of 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 – a space focused around Clondalkin’s most famous landmark, which was built approximately 1000 years ago on the site of an early medieval monastery. On the Saturday, renowned Tallaght fiddler Paul Kelly will be leading a lively traditional music session in the centre during the day, while Last Call – an immersive production that blurs the lines between theatre and trad session – will take over the café later in the evening.

The stunning Rathfarnham Castle, meanwhile – which dates all the way back to the Elizabethan period – 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.

The beautiful settings don’t end there. 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.

On the final evening of TradFest, the Civic Theatre will host the world premiere of Dúchas na Dothra, celebrating Tallaght’s unique story through newly composed music by Tom Doorley, performed by the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland.

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.

So, don’t miss out on what has become a vital fixture on the Irish festival calendar – and lighten up those dark days of January by embracing the magic of traditional music, here in South Dublin…

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