Last Updated: 12/12/2023 | Reading Time: 6 Minutes

Back again for 2024, the Temple Bar Trad Fest welcomes some of Ireland's greatest folk artists to play in a celebration of music. Trad music has been centre stage for street entertainment for years, and the incredible dublin festival ensures that this legacy continues. 

You can read our comprehensive guide to the Temple Bar Trad Fest here. In this guide we run through our favourite artists on the line up and take a look back on some of the classic performances from the festival archives. 

There are a number of types of performances in the festival, namely the headline performances in some of the cities historic locations, along with some beautiful venues in Fingal. The Smithwicks Sessions have an intimate gig with free tickets in some of the best pubs in the cultural quarter. 

FingalFringe and TradFringe, are host to educational and fun events for all ages. Enjoy a screening of the Janis Ian & the art of song or pop into the Bia and Beats fair in the SEAC. 

Irish culture is at the forefront of every event across the five days in the city centre and fingal. You will find your new favourite artist and international audiences will be wowed as we celebrate our Irish identity through music in some of the countries most historical landmark venues. 

TradFest 2024 Line Up

The Temple Bar Trad Fest kicks off on Wednesday, 24th of January. It will run until Sunday the 28th of January. 

What's On at TradFest

The headline shows at Trad Fest are the ideal time to discover some of the biggest acts in historic venues. 

Emma Corbett opens up the folk music festival on Wednesday, at Collins Barracks. This award winning melodeon player will start at 1pm to officially open the music sessions of the week. 

One of the highlights of Wednesday's line up is Phelim Drew. He will remember his father, Ronnie, through songs and stories. Phelim will be singing some of the classic songs made famous by the Dubliners. 

Thursday's line up for the traditional music festival has a stand out collaboration between, Steo Wall, Sharyn Ward and Niamh Dunne. The acclaimed trio will perform in Castle Hall at Dublin Castle. 

A less serious gig on Thursday see the Dublin Pride Trad Géilí. Get your dancing shoes on and celebrate over 20 years of Géilí with hosts, Trad is Amach. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with the dances, the céilí caller will talk you through the moves as they're happening. 

On Friday, Niwel Tsumbu illustrates what Trad means to international musicians as he takes to Malahide Castle's walled garden to showcase his unique style of guitar playing. The Congolese guitarist show starts at 1pm.

From Friday evening, cultural events come fast to the festival. Stockton's Wing, an act assosciated with the festival for a long time, take to the Grand Hotel in Malahide for their performance of trad classics filled with virtuosity and passion. 

Kíla and Paul Frost Brass Band combine for an explosive burst of energy at the National Stadium, these two join the yankari afrobeat collective to create an unforgettable evening of Celtic Music in the city centre. This headline event is certain to be a highlight for years to come. 

Saturday see's a lot more than just music concerts, with fringe events happening in the city centre and fingal too. There are a number of family events throughout the day and plenty of talented musicians in pubs around the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar.

Notable performances of Saturday include a brilliant night of music from the Deadlians, in one of the best hidden music venues in the city, the Grand Social just off O'Connell Street. The mix of psychedelic rock, folk and punk create a lively atmosphere in any room, so this one is sure to be special.  

Bríd Harper, One of Ireland's leading traditional fiddle players, plays to the Millbank Theatre on Saturday afternoon. Bríd Harper is one of the most influential voices within the genre and have been nominated in last years folk awards. 

On Sunday, Farah Elle shares her journey through music from her native Libya, she shares her exploration of themes in the medium of music. This incredible performance takes place in Malahide Castle on Sunday the 28th. 

Drawing the curtain on the festival, Ocean Child, is a unique composition of musical narrative. This suite, tells the story of the RMS Tayleur whose tragic sinking happened 170 years ago, not 5 miles from where this story is told in St. Patrick's Church. The performance is headed by TradFest Patron Stephen Rea who marries spoken word with an original score embracing strings, pipes, flutes, harp and concertina. 

These headline acts are not all that Tradfest Temple Bar is known for, namely keeping Irish music alive and well, the festival has craft workshops, industry insider tips, a feast of entertainment on the streets and in pubs. Not forgetting the Smithwicks Sessions that are free for all to attend. 

The festival is the largest gathering of Irish traditional musicians, and it is a joyful celebration of Irish culture. Keep active on the festival's digital channels for exclusive access to footage of the gigs you couldn't make. 

Hotels near Temple Bar for Trad Fest

Get ready for an unforgettable time at Tradfest 2024, Ireland's ultimate celebration of traditional and folk music! We're thrilled to offer you an exclusive 10% discount on your overnight stay at Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre.

Dive into the festivities, and enjoy the perks of our prime location right in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Temple Bar. We can't wait to make your Tradfest experience extra special!