Kieran Hanrahan, Artistic Director of TradFest, celebrates the popular trad and folk music festival , which runs from January 22-26 - watch the Late Late Show TradFest special here, via RTÉ Player.
TradFest was launched in January 2006 as a modest, four-day event featuring a handful of performances by local musicians in pubs and small venues. It provided a platform not only for established Irish musicians but also for emerging artists who were keeping the Irish traditions alive and evolving.
It was founded by Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter CLG, trading as TASCQ or Temple Bar Company,and is a community established non-profit company limited by guarantee.
It was initially established as a representative, management, curatorial and promotional body for Dublin's Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar in 2003.
Over the last 22 years, the company has evolved and developed a wide-ranging remit including initiating and curating festivals such as TradFest, Festival of Politics and Summer Nights, as well as curating outdoor markets and producing cultural TV shows Ireland in Music and The TradFest Sessions, which are distributed nationally and internationally.
Over the years, TradFest expanded rapidly. From a small-scale gathering, it evolved into a week-long festival with events spread across some of Dublin's most iconic venues, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the National Stadium and City Hall.
From there the festival developed further through Fingal to places like the Abbey Tavern in Howth, renowned for its traditional music for many decades, to Skerries Mills, The Lark in Balbriggan and of course the iconic Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre in the Naul.
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In 2025 TradFest has extended further into South County Dublin to the wonderful Glenasmole Community Centre in the hills of Dublin 24 to the County Court of Petty Sessions in Rathcoole, the beautiful St. Maelruain’s Church in Tallaght and Áras Chrónáin, the Irish Cultural centre of excellence in Clondalkin.
This expansion allowed for a greater diversity of performances, from solo acts and intimate acoustic sessions to large-scale concerts featuring international stars. This has turned TradFest into a comprehensive cultural experience, offering something for all ages and interests.
TradFest’s success can be attributed to its ability to blend tradition with modernity. It has showcased the timeless appeal of Irish traditional and folk music while also embracing contemporary influences and global musical trends. This unique blend has not only resonated with local audiences but has also garnered international attention, attracting tourists and music lovers from across the globe.
Over the years the festival has hosted a wide array of legendary performers, such as The Dubliners, Clannad, and Altan, alongside contemporary artists who push the boundaries of traditional Irish music. This inclusivity has ensured that TradFest remains relevant and innovative, a space where the old and the new coexist harmoniously.
This year’s TradFest sees a major collaboration with Ablefest, Ireland’s largest inclusive music and arts festival designed to cater to neurodiverse children, adults and their families. This event, over two days at the National Stadium will feature performances, workshops and sensory spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Like many cultural events worldwide, TradFest faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the festival adapted quickly, embracing digital platforms to stream performances and reach audiences virtually. This pivot not only kept the festival alive during difficult times but also broadened its reach, allowing international fans to experience TradFest from the comfort of their homes.
Out of this challenge grew the TV series Ireland in Music and The TradFest Sessions which have been broadcast on RTE and many public service broadcasters throughout North America and Australia.
Today, TradFest is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Irish music and culture. It has established itself as a vital part of Dublin’s cultural landscape, offering both a celebration of heritage and a platform for innovation. Each January, TradFest continues to bring warmth and joy to the city, ensuring that the rich traditions of Irish music remain vibrant and accessible to new generations.
The success of TradFest lies in its commitment to tradition while embracing change, making it a dynamic and beloved celebration of Irish culture.
TradFest 2025 runs from 22-26 January - find out more here.
