Tradfest returning to Fingal in January

Celebrating 20 years next January, experience TradFest everywhere you go, from the Mountains of South Dublin across Dublin City and to the castles and coastline of historic Fingal.

Now in its third year in Fingal the festival will return to the many unique and historic venues across the region: Malahide Castle, Swords Castle Chapel, The Millbank Theatre, Skerries Mill, Draíocht Theatre and the iconic Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, while increasing its musical footprint in additional new venues: The Lark, Ardgillan Castle, The Abbey Tavern and Donabate Community Centre.

Showcasing the best of established and emerging musical talent, this joyful celebration of culture is reimagining and redefining Irish music and bringing it to audiences across Fingal. Fingal Acts for 2025 include:

• Karen Casey – The Women we will rise, Jacqui Martin & Derek Hickey, Tara Breen, Eoghan ó’Ceannabhaín, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, Luka Bloom, Ines Khai, Molly O’Mahony
• Paudie O’Connor & Aoife Ni Chaoimh, Emma Langford, Stockton’s Wing -Voices from Fingal
• Mick Hanly with Anto Drennan and Eoin O’Neill, The Henry Girls, Bernadette Nic Gabhann, Frank, O’Rourke & John Feely, Molly Donnery, Brídín, Sorcha Costello, Evelyn Kallansee & Declan Sinnott

There will also be a special celebration of the actor, local resident and TradFest patron Stephen Rea. Without any doubt, Stephen Rea is one of the most iconic and important cultural figures not alone of his own but of any generation to come from Ireland. The Oscar-nominated and multi award-winning actor has long had a global reputation for his exceptional skills on both stage and screen. Respected by those right across the industry – directors, casting agents, producers and fellow actors – his artistry, craft and attention to detail are the stuff of legend. Over four nights in The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, TradFest will honour Stephen through words and music. Joining Stephen over the 4 nights will be poet Paul Muldoon and musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.

TradFest in Fingal will also celebrate the life of Barney McKenna, original member of the Irish band The Dubliners and Fingal resident. TradFest Artistic Director, Kieran Hanrahan, himself a banjo player says “Barney McKenna was probably the single most important and influential figure in tenor banjo playing in Irish traditional music. He changed the landscape“.

Barney’s influence stretched beyond Ireland. Internationally renowned, he was much loved for his music and singing throughout Europe. Across 2 days and nights in The Abbey Tavern, Howth in January 2025, TradFest will honour Barney through music and stories and craic. A well-deserved recognition for a very special musician.

Mike Hanrahan and Stockton’s Wing will give a special concert in Donabate Community Centre where they will be joined on stage by the voices of Fingal Choir.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said ‘Fingal has always been a place where culture and the arts have a happy home and TradFest is now a must-attend feature of our event calendar for local people while also enticing visitors from across Ireland and overseas to explore Fingal too. We are delighted to be part of TradFest again for 2025’.

Ethna Felten, Deputy Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, welcomed the return of TradFest to the region. ‘Fingal is a County with a long history, but it is also a young County, with a young and diverse population. The goals of TradFest are ones we share – to celebrate tradition, welcome in people from all walks of life and joyfully look forward to the future.’

In line with its audience development objectives, TradFest also will deliver an expanded community programme later this year which will outline a series of new exciting, free community-led events in Fingal.

Whether you’re a fan of live music, or just looking for a night of Irish culture and craic, TradFest is where you want to be in January 2025.