TradFest 2027 brings over 30 events to Fingal
Ireland’s premier trad and folk music festival returns with an expanded programme across Fingal’s historic venues. From castles to churches, TradFest 2027 will showcase renowned musicians and introduce new storytelling and harp celebrations.
Source:
Fingal County Council
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⏱️ 2 min read
Ireland’s largest traditional and folk music festival, TradFest, is set to enchant audiences across Fingal with over 30 concerts and events in January 2027. Celebrating its 22nd year, the festival will spread from Dublin City’s vibrant heart to the atmospheric castles, churches, and coastal locations of historic Fingal, offering a rich musical tapestry for all to enjoy.
Following the success of the 2026 edition, TradFest will return to iconic Fingal venues such as Swords Castle, Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Castle, the Abbey Tavern in Howth, and the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in The Naul. This year, the festival expands its reach with three new locations: St Mary’s Church in Howth, St Patrick’s Church in Skerries, and Howth Castle. The lineup features a stellar array of both established and emerging Irish and international artists, including Altan, Pierre Bensusan, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, The Dublin City Ramblers, Eleanor McEvoy, John Spillane, Zoe Conway & John McIntyre, and many more.
New highlights for 2027 include a special celebration of the harp, Ireland’s national instrument, in collaboration with Harp Ireland and festival patron Stephen Rea, featuring a harp ensemble performance at Howth Castle and a solo recital by Alannah Thornburgh at Swords Castle. The festival will also introduce an evocative storytelling strand led by renowned storyteller Aideen McBride, blending local folk tales with live music in some of Fingal’s most historic settings. Additionally, Féile Barney McKenna returns to Howth to honour the legendary banjo player with concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and bursaries, ensuring his legacy resonates with new generations. Accessible events designed for neurodivergent and differently abled audiences will debut in Balbriggan, alongside the launch of the TradFest Community Orchestra, inviting musicians of all backgrounds to participate.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s growth, highlighting its role in bringing world-class music to Fingal’s towns and villages and encouraging everyone to attend. Festival Director Martin Harte praised Fingal’s venues and the diverse programme, calling it the biggest and broadest offering yet. Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly welcomed the festival’s continuing contribution to the county’s cultural life, emphasising the unique character of the locations involved.
Tickets for TradFest 2027 are now available at tradfest.com, promising an inspiring celebration of Irish culture and music for all who attend.
Following the success of the 2026 edition, TradFest will return to iconic Fingal venues such as Swords Castle, Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Castle, the Abbey Tavern in Howth, and the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in The Naul. This year, the festival expands its reach with three new locations: St Mary’s Church in Howth, St Patrick’s Church in Skerries, and Howth Castle. The lineup features a stellar array of both established and emerging Irish and international artists, including Altan, Pierre Bensusan, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, The Dublin City Ramblers, Eleanor McEvoy, John Spillane, Zoe Conway & John McIntyre, and many more.
New highlights for 2027 include a special celebration of the harp, Ireland’s national instrument, in collaboration with Harp Ireland and festival patron Stephen Rea, featuring a harp ensemble performance at Howth Castle and a solo recital by Alannah Thornburgh at Swords Castle. The festival will also introduce an evocative storytelling strand led by renowned storyteller Aideen McBride, blending local folk tales with live music in some of Fingal’s most historic settings. Additionally, Féile Barney McKenna returns to Howth to honour the legendary banjo player with concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and bursaries, ensuring his legacy resonates with new generations. Accessible events designed for neurodivergent and differently abled audiences will debut in Balbriggan, alongside the launch of the TradFest Community Orchestra, inviting musicians of all backgrounds to participate.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s growth, highlighting its role in bringing world-class music to Fingal’s towns and villages and encouraging everyone to attend. Festival Director Martin Harte praised Fingal’s venues and the diverse programme, calling it the biggest and broadest offering yet. Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly welcomed the festival’s continuing contribution to the county’s cultural life, emphasising the unique character of the locations involved.
Tickets for TradFest 2027 are now available at tradfest.com, promising an inspiring celebration of Irish culture and music for all who attend.
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