Countdown to this year’s Tullamore TradFest underway

With just 2 weeks to go, the countdown to this year’s Tullamore TradFest is very much underway, with everyone gearing up for one of the most anticipated traditional Irish music festivals of the year. 

Over the weekend of March 31st to April 2nd, traditional music enthusiasts from all over will gather to celebrate the rich and vibrant traditional music heritage of the midlands through a three-day extravaganza of jigs, reels, songs, dance. 

In addition to the paid concerts, there are more than 150 hours of free entertainment over the TradFest weekend for all to enjoy. 

According to festival committee member Brian McDaid, preparations are nearly complete and the midlands town is ready to come alive to the sounds of traditional Irish music.

He said, "We are grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the local business community in Tullamore. Their generosity and dedication to our festival have been instrumental in making it a success year on year since its inception in 2019. 

"Thanks to this support we are able to bring together some of the tradition's most talented musicians and performers to Tullamore and offer our patrons a range of events and experiences that truly capture the essence of traditional Irish music. 

"This year’s event sees a number of new inclusions and despite this year’s festival almost being upon us, we may even have a further surprise or two up our sleeve. Watch this space!" 

Main Concert - Friday 31st March 

Frankie Gavin (fiddle), Diarmuid Ó Meachair (accordion/melodeon) and Catherine McHugh (piano). Support on the night is provided by the trio of Alisha McMahon (harp) Aoibheann Queally (concertina) and Rebecca McCarthy-Kent (fiddle) assisted by Offaly's own Michaela Keenaghan and Meath’s Jack Lynch (sean-nós dancing).

Venue: The Tullamore Court Hotel

Time: 7:30pm (sharp)

Cost: €25

Early Concert - Saturday April 1st

Anne Conroy Burke (accordion), Eileen O'Brien (fiddle), Mary Conroy (guitar) and Deirdre McSherry (piano), who will feature much of the music of the late great accordionists, Joe Burke and Paddy O'Brien.

Venue: The Bridge House Tullamore

Time: Doors at 5:00pm

Cost: €15

Festival Club - Saturday April 1st

Our Saturday night Festival Club, also in The Bridge House, features a double-bill headline of local legends Best Foot Forward followed by Conor Moriarty (accordion), Rebecca McCarthy Kent (fiddle/piano) & Sean Kelliher (guitar).

Venue: The Bridge House Tullamore

Time: Doors at 9:30pm

Cost: €20

Hup! Offaly - Saturday April 2nd

This concert celebrates the traditional music of Offaly and those that have made an outstanding contribution to the traditional music scene locally. This year there is a special tribute to the late Lelia Brady by members of her family, friends and Árd Escir Céilí Band.

We will also see performances from Frank and Mary Brennan and friends as they get inducted into our newly established Hall of Fame joining Ellen Comerford Flanagan who was inducted last year.

Venue: The Tullamore Court Hotel

Time: 6:00pm (sharp)

Cost: €10

There will also be a multitude of free entry events all weekend such as Session Trail throughout the weekend in various venues in Tullamore, 3 recitals (accordion @ 3pm Saturday in Coláiste Choilm, fiddle & flute both in Killeigh Teach Cheoil, Offaly St @ 2pm and 3pm Sunday respectively), family friendly entertainment in the Bridge Shopping Centre (Saturday & Sunday) and a gig rig in O'Connor Square (Sunday). 

Further details to follow as regards these closer to the time. Follow us on our socials for all the most up to date information @tullamoretradfest

Tickets available here. 

*Sponsored Content