Fest transforms Dublin city centre into music hotspot

You'll be Trad to shake off those January blues...

- BY STEPHEN HOLLAND

THOSE looking to beat the January blues and liven their week need only pop into the city centre and enjoy all that TradFest 2026 has to offer.

The event began on Wednesday and runs until Sunday, filling Dublin with music, culture and winter warmth as the capital is transformed with Ireland's largest traditional and folk music festival.

With world-class performances, informal sessions and popup cultural moments. Dublin's most iconic civic spaces, shopping districts and historic venues are filled with music this week.

Primarily rooted in Temple Bar but extending across the city, strong support from Dublin City Council has helped ensure there's a variety of accessible public events for all.

Now in its 21st year, TradFest spans Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral, City Hall, Temple Bar pubs and featured headline events as well as small, intimate acoustic gatherings.

Lord Mayor Ray McAdam is encouraging everyone to join in the festivities, stating: "TradFest 2026 captures everything that is special about Dublin, our music, our heritage, our warmth and our creativity.