Tradfest coming to Fingal next week

Fingal County Council has announced that Fringe events will be an integral part of Tradfest 2024, taking place from January 24 to 28.

Following the success of TradFest in Fingal in 2023 the Council is collaborating once more with festival producers TASCQ CLG ((Traders in the area supporting the cultural quarter CLG), to once again bring this acclaimed festival to Fingal, promising an expanded program filled with captivating events hosted in heritage properties, art centres, and other iconic venues and community locations across the county.

As well as the expanded program of concerts, the addition this year for the first time of the FingalFringe means even more of Fingal will come alive to the sound of trad music throughout the county and in a venue near you.

Tradfest in Fingal will witness an impressive selection of Irish and international stars gracing iconic Fingal venues, including Malahide Castle, Swords Castle, Skerries Mills, the Millbank Theatre, and Draíocht Arts Centre.

The festival will also feature intimate evenings at the Seamus Ennis Centre with renowned artists Ralph McTell and Janis Ian.

The pinnacle of the festival will be the premiere of “Ocean Child” at St. Patrick’s Hall Donabate. This newly commissioned musical narrative, composed by Neil features Stephen Rea, Neil Martin and his West Ocean String Quartet, and Louise and Michelle Mulcahy, is based on the tragic tale of the RMS Tayleur.

The FingalFringe kicks off with a screening of “It’s a Fine Thing to Sing” at the Seamus Ennis Centre, followed by a performance by the local Rush group, Tradisfaction, at Gibney’s in Malahide on Wednesday, January 24th, at 9:30 PM.

The Backroom Sessions at the Wren’s Nest in the Strawberry Beds are set to captivate audiences on Thursday, January 25th. Families are also catered for in the festivities with a family Céilí and children’s instrument workshops at the Seamus Ennis Centre.

The weekend promises an array of events across Fingal, commencing on Friday with “The Beermats” at The Summit Inn and “The Dara Rua Session” at the Abbey Tavern in Howth.

Additionally, Pat Watchorn will perform at the Bracken Court Balbriggan. Saturday will feature “Dabilla” at the Cock Tavern in Swords and “Hawthorn Door” at Keelings in Donabate.

On Sunday, there will be a record fair and singing session at the Seamus Ennis Centre, along with an exciting session at the Brook Portrane and the Wren’s Nest.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, commented “it is hugely positive to see the wealth of talent performing in Fingal during Tradfest providing great entertainment to locals and visitors, while showcasing the fantastic venues available in the county. I am especially looking forward to the upcoming ‘Ocean Child’ event in St. Patrick’s Church Donabate which promises to be a standout moment, and the FingalFringe events, including the vibrant sessions in The Brook Portrane and Keelings, are a great addition and will be hugely popular.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said “we are delighted to renew our partnership with the TradFest, bringing an expanded program to Fingal this year.”

The festival not only brings exceptional entertainment to the people of Fingal but also showcases our remarkable heritage properties and venues, highlighting the tremendous tourism and cultural assets of our county. The addition this year of the FingalFringe also provides another platform for local artists and extends the festival’s reach throughout the entire county.”

For Tradfest in Fingal details see www.tradfest.com/fingal-events