Tullamore to come alive to the sounds of traditional Irish music this weekend

TULLAMORE is set to come alive with the sounds of traditional Irish music as Tullamore TradFest 2025 takes place from April 11 to April 13. With a packed schedule of concerts, workshops, and community events, the festival promises a weekend of entertainment for all ages.

Friday Night Concert

Kicking off the festival on Friday, April 11, is an unmissable concert at Bridge House Hotel at 8:00 PM. Featuring world-class musicians Mike McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly, Tim Edey, and Amy Murphy, as well as local talents Clare Ann Kearns, Eimear Buckley, Grace & Katelyn Corrigan, Grace Minnock, and Laura Callaghan, this promises to be a night of exceptional performances. The evening will also include the HUP! Offaly ‘Hall of Fame’ Presentation, honoring Paddy Buckley for his outstanding contributions to traditional music. Tickets: €20.

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Saturday Family Concert

Families are invited to enjoy a Family Concert on Saturday, April 12, at 5pm in the Bridge House Hotel. Featuring The McKenna Family, Meibh, Naoise and Aoibhe Dooley, and the Birr Figure Dancers, this event showcases young talent and the next generation of traditional Irish musicians. The concert will also include a special performance from the Group Ensemble Workshop, directed by Rebecca McCarthy-Kent. Tickets: €10 per person or €20 per family (2 adults + 2 children).

Festival Club

For those who want to keep the music going late into the night, the Festival Club on Saturday at 10pm in Bridge House Hotel features performances from Pólca 4 (Pádraig Ó Sé, Gary O’Brien, Robbie Harris, Dáire Bracken) and Peter Street (Keelan McGrath, Fionn O’Hanlon, John Paul Reynolds & Simon Crehan). Tickets: €15.

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Session Trail (Free Event)

With 37 sessions, across 13 venues with over 100 musicians from all over Ireland and further afield, there is a session for everyone!

Try an Instrument with Music Generation Offaly (Free Event)

Have you ever wanted to try playing the harp, uilleann pipes, or bouzouki? Music Generation Offaly is offering free workshops on Saturday morning at 10.30 am. Booking is essential, as 30-minute slots are available for each instrument.

Family Entertainment at The Bridge Centre (Free Event)

On Saturday from 11.30am, The Bridge Centre will host free family entertainment, featuring performances from Chorus Connections, TradSoc Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Mary & Frank Brennan and Friends, Rahan CCÉ, Offaly County Council Choir, Jamie McKeogh & Friends, and Portarlington CCÉ.

Historical Talk & Recital: The Story of Barney Delaney (Free Event)

Discover the fascinating history of Bernard (Barney) Delaney, a 19th-century piper from Offaly who made his mark in America. Hosted at the Offaly Historical Society, Bury Quay, on Saturday at 3:00 PM, the event features a talk by Seamus Kelly, alongside a live recital with David Kinsella (pipes), Frank Kelly (piano box), Siobhán Godley (flute), and Aidan Barry (guitar).

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Inclusive Session (Free Event)

On Sunday, April 13th, from 3pm - 4pm at Tullamore Library, Ciana McGarrigle will lead an inclusive music session aimed at children and adults with additional needs and their families. This event is designed to make traditional music more accessible to everyone.

Gig Rig at O'Connor Square (Free Event)

Sunday’s Gig Rig event kicks off at 11am, featuring performances from Rath CCÉ, Noel Stapleton & Friends, Wayne Brereton, Killeigh CCÉ, Lynch, Guinan & Godley, The Underwhelmers, Ballyboy CCÉ, The Brothers, and Ceoltóirí Óga Laighean.

Sunday Céilí

Wrap up the weekend with the Sunday Céilí at Ballykilmurray Community Centre from 3- 6 pm, featuring the Abbey Trio Céilí Band. Admission: €12 (pay at the door).

Join the Celebration!

With an incredible lineup of musicians, cultural events, and family-friendly entertainment, Tullamore TradFest 2025 is set to be a spectacular weekend celebrating our rich musical heritage. Don’t miss out—get your tickets and experience the magic of traditional Irish music in the heart of Offaly!

Full details on www.tullamoretradfest.com