Dublin City Fleadh takes over Smithfield Square

This August, a new chapter begins for one of Dublin’s favourite summer events. The beloved Smithfield Fleadh has been reimagined and expanded to become the ‘Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh’, a city-wide celebration of traditional Irish music and culture.

Marking this exciting evolution, the free, unticketed festival will once again animate the heart of Smithfield Square on August 23rd and 24th. From 12pm to 6pm each day, this family-friendly event will showcase a rich tapestry of Irish heritage with performances from a host of acclaimed local and international musicians.

To kick off the festivities keep an eye out for special pop-up promotional activations across Dublin City Centre locations, this Saturday, August 16th. These pop-up performances, featuring live traditional music and dance, will offer a taste of the vibrant weekend to come.

This year’s festival promises a feast for the senses, with a programme built around three core pillars of Irish culture: music, dance, and traditional crafts. A stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians will play alongside Dublin’s finest grassroots artists, ensuring a constant stream of vibrant tunes. For those looking to move, there will be high-energy céilís and captivating dance performances throughout the weekend. And for the first time, the festival introduces An Puball Ealaíon (arts and crafts), a dedicated creative space where families can try their hand at traditional Irish crafts in a series of hands-on workshops.

This year’s programme features a wealth of Irish culture across multiple stages, with main stage performances from acclaimed artists like Frankie Gavin & Noel Hill and Zoë Conway & John McIntyre. With open music sessions for musicians to join and céilís to get everyone dancing, the festival offers an immersive celebration for all.

The Cobblestone Tent, curated by the Cobblestone Pub, will host intimate music sessions with artists like Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin & Family and Ruth McCrohan & Friends , and will feature the lively parade and performance of The Fingal Mummers. Meanwhile, An Puball Éigse offers hands-on bodhrán and set dancing workshops for families, special concerts from groups like Harp Ireland, and a celebration of Traveller Song.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said,”Dublin City Council’s Dublin City Fleadh is back – and Smithfield Square will be alive with music, laughter, and dancing all weekend! From hands-on workshops to toe-tapping sessions and brilliant live performances, it’s a free celebration of Irish tradition you won’t want to miss.”

This event is organised by Dublin City Council. Event information and full programme will be available to view at dublin.ie/dublincityfleadh.