The festival is running from January 22 to 26, and will extend into south county Dublin for the first time, with venues including Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre and St Maelruain’s Church in Tallaght hosting events.
The festival has already been in Fingal for three years, and this year will see a celebration of the work of actor, local resident and TradFest patron, Stephen Rea.
Those performing include poet Paul Muldoon and Felispeaks, award winning actress Sinead Cusack, musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.
There will be a free photographic exhibition in The Lark, Balbriggan, celebrating Stephen Rea’s life on stage and in film.
TradFest will also honour the late Dubliners legend Barney McKenna through music, stories and craic as “a well-deserved recognition for a very special musician”.
Brídín will be taking part in this year’s TradFest
“This year’s festival is celebrating a number of important milestones, including our 20th anniversary,” festival director, Martin Harte said.
“From our continued expansion across the city and county, our new partnership with Ablefest, remembering legendary Dubliner, Barney McKenna, and toasting cultural icon and TradFest Patron, Stephen Rea, this year’s programme is literally bursting at the seams.”
Festival goers can expect more than 140 gigs over the five days, with many free performances to enjoy for all ages.
“TradFest is a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Each January, it showcases the best of established and emerging musical talent at a landmark festival rooted in the historic and atmospheric setting of Dublin city and county,” organisers said.
“TradFest is reimagining, redefining Irish music, and reaching growing Irish and international audiences at live events and through digital channels.
“It adopts a fluid approach to programming and is constantly curating the best of established Irish traditional and folk musicians with emerging performers, some of whom got their career breaks and opportunities to perform at international events through TradFest.
Actor and performer Stephen Rea pictured with long-time colleague Sinead Cusack. Pic: Mark Stedman
“Our January concert series is the pinnacle of the TradFest year, featuring an array of artists at the peak of their powers in stunning, historic locations throughout Dublin city and county. But there’s so much more to the festival.
“The Smithwicks Sessions offers an intimate alternative, with free gigs in some of Temple Bar’s most beloved pubs.
“Our Showcase Nights do just that – giving the best new talent an opportunity to shine for industry insiders, while TradFringe gives folks a chance to explore the interesting stuff that happens on the periphery.
“There’s something to surprise and delight around the corner,” they added.
TradFest 2025 is also teaming up with Ireland’s largest inclusive music festival, AbleFest, to ensure that even more people, regardless of ability, have access to arts, culture and music.
TradFest will pilot a two-day mini event at the National Stadium from 12-4pm on January 25 and 26, featuring acoustic music, sensory experiences, arts and crafts workshops.
