Dublin’s foremost trad music and Irish culture Tradfest will be making a stomping return to the streets of Dublin this month
As the longest month of the year finally draws to a close and our bank balances slowly start to recover from last month’s shenanigans, it might well be time to put the January Blues behind us.
Nothing lifts our spirits quite like enjoying some live music in the city or heading out for a bop with your pals. So it’s great timing that the next big event on this month’s Winter in Dublin calendar is Dublin’s one-and-only Tradfest.
From 25-29 January, Tradfest Temple Bar returns to celebrate traditional music and Irish culture, with over 50 performances planned throughout the week.
Taking place in various pubs around Temple Bar and in some iconic Dublin landmarks, a stellar line-up of new and established trad artists is set to take the stage over the next few days.
There are a lot of events to choose from so we’ve saved you the jig and handpicked some of our favourites:
4. Women of Note – St Patrick’s Cathedral – 25 January
Curated and presented by folk singer Aoife Scott, this special performance celebrates artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, pairing talented Irish trad performers with international artists for an exceptional female-led performance.
Performing on the night will be jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan, North Carolina-born musician Charly Lowry and musician, academic and TG4 broadcaster Doireann Nà Ghlacáin.
3. Smithwick’s Sessions – Temple Bar – 25-29 January
A series of free, unticketed events taking place in some of Temple Bar’s most iconic pubs, these daily performances are ideal for anyone looking to grab a pint and see some incredible musicians at work.
This year’s line-up includes Paddy Casey, the Henry Girls, Phelim Drew and Stockton’s Wings, with performances taking place in some of the city’s most culturally significant pubs and lounges, including The Bad Ass Café, The Porterhouse, The Auld Dubliner and Oliver St. John Gogarty’s.
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2. Cbakl: seanfhocail  – The Button Factory – 27 January
For some trad tunes with a twist, grab some tickets for cbakl: seanfhocail, a unique reimagining of traditional music from Belfast-based composer, producer and performer, cbakl.
Performed by cbakl and a variety of guest artists, this stellar performance promises to give Irish music a fresh sound for the modern age, combining trad elements with hip hop, eclectic beats, spoken word, jazz, R&B, soul and house.
1. Féile KÃla featuring Paul Frost Brass – The National Stadium – 27 January
As the celebrations continue towards the weekend, the one and only KÃla will be taking the stage Friday evening, with the help of an 8-piece brass band, Paul Frost Brass.
In what’s become their signature style, KÃla’s performance will fuse contemporary sounds with classic trad, using their own melodies alongside Irish lyrics and instruments. Meanwhile, Paul Frost will bring the sounds of funk, mambo and New Orleans jazz to the performance, promising a deadly cross-genre gig like no other.
Check out Tradfest Temple Bar’s full line-up HERE.
