Dublin City Council Smithfield Fleadh is back on Smithfield Square for the second year running this weekend 26th and 27th August.
The free, family-friendly traditional music event has published its diverse programme of events for all to enjoy. The two-day event runs between 12pm – 6pm both days.
Taking to the main stage on Saturday, The Dublin Trio, led by Kevin Conneff of The Chieftains, offers a unique blend of songs and tunes from the nation’s capital and beyond.
One of the most in-demand young bands on the festival circuit, seven-piece The Bonny Men will follow for a set of high octane Irish dance tunes on pipes, fiddle, flute, bodhrán, bouzouki, keyboard, guitar and more.
On Sunday’s main stage, The Glackin Family, a renowned Dublin musical family including Paddy, Kevin and Doireann Glackin will provide a feast of songs and tunes.
Doireann, a TG4 presenter as well as performer, will MC the event over the weekend.
For those who like to dance, Dublin City Council Smithfield Fleadh invites all to join in on the interactive dance events such as the set dancing session on Saturday and the sean-nós dancing session on Sunday afternoon – no experience necessary!
This year’s programme is built on last year’s success and brings some new additions; introducing two workshops as Gaeilge in partnership with Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge, a bodhrán workshop through Irish on Saturday – suitable for beginner Irish speakers and beginner bodhrán players and a hands-on workshop in old Irish script on Sunday. More dancing ensues with a Street Céilí on Sunday led by Jerry O’Reilly and Rosie Davis of The Brooks Academy.
The event will also now include a dedicated space, An Puball Cúlstáitse, just behind the main stage, which will encompass the spirit of a fleadh where attending musicians can join in with the scheduled sessions.
The Cobblestone Tent returns again, curated by the talented musicians of The Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield, bringing the atmosphere and energy of the pub session on to Smithfield Square.
Dublin City Council is also delighted to accommodate a mobile sensory unit for neurodiverse children, a new addition to Dublin City Council outdoor events, where suitable.
Travelling by public transport, by bike or by foot is strongly encouraged.
Please visit https://bit.ly/DCCSmithfieldFleadh2023 for the full programme (may be subject to change).