Kilkenny Tradfest Concerts 2026

Siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta hail from the Gaeltacht region of Connemara. They are noted for their sean nós singing and unique arrangements of both Irish and English language songs. Their performances benefit from the vocal tones that only families share. Their Late Late Show performance in 2022 of the soulful lament Anach Cuain went viral around the world. They are also accomplished multi instrumentalists who keep the Irish language and their heritage at the heart of all their musical endeavors. In 2023 they released their debut EP Séamus & Caoimhe which was produced by Brian Whelan and Riverdance composer Bill Whelan. Séamus and Caoimhe are the recipients of the RTÉ Folk Award for ‘Best Emerging Artists’ 2024.

Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Experience an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance as The Kilfenora Céilí Band, one of Ireland’s most celebrated musical ensembles, take to the stage.

The Kilfenora Céilí Band

with special guests Fiona Ryan and Edel Vaughan

The Blackwater Céilí Band hails from the Clogher Valley region of County Tyrone, in the heart of Ulster’s musical landscape. Since their formation in 2015, the band have risen to prominence and are widely recognised as one of the finest exponents of Irish Traditional Music. They bring boundless energy and passion to every performance, creating fresh musical interpretations with distinctive character and detail, firmly rooted in the Ulster tradition.

Blackwater Céilí Band

Buíoch is an Irish Traditional Music band stemming from the Midlands of Ireland. Buíoch compose, arrange and write all their own melodies, which gives the band a traditional yet progressive sound that is unique and energetic. Buíoch is the Irish word for “Thankful”. This group typifies the meaning behind their name; they are deeply grateful and humbled to play music and perform. Their debut album “Buíoch“ released on 09/08/2023. Beidh tú Buíoch iad a chloisteáil and feidhmiú!

Buíoch

Burnchurch are a 4 piece band made up of two pairs of sisters and brothers, Sadhbh (fiddle, piano & vocals), Siofra (flute, keys & vocals), Eanna (keys, pipes & vocals), Ruairi (pipes, bass & vocals). The band takes its name from their townsland in Co. Kilkenny, the place that shaped their artistic journey. Coming from an Irish-speaking family they draw inspiration from their native language, which they skilfully incorporate into their music.

Burnchurch

Clare Sands is a sixth generation fiddle player and bilingual singer from Cork, Ireland. Drawing deeply from the music of her ancestors, she weaves Traditional Irish roots with Contemporary sounds and influences. Her songs are deeply connected to place, and where folklore, language, and activism meet melody. Known for her raw and infectious energy, she embodies a fearless warrior-like spirit, that inspires and unites audiences around the world.

Clare Sands & Band

Emma Langford puts a contemporary spin on the sound of Irish folk; her songs present a unique look at her country's folklore and history, bringing ancient stories into the present, and in so-doing, offering insight into some of life's universal truths. From her 2021 album "Sowing Acorns", tracks The Winding Way Down to Kells Bay and the epic acapella anthem Birdsong both quickly climbed the charts, and truly solidified her place as a versatile and much sought-after singer-songwriter on the Irish and international music scene.

Emma Langford Trio

How I Became A Wave is the solo project of Cork-based artist Pat Carey, formerly of the acclaimed indie band, The Hard Ground. Blending literary and natural world influences with lush strings and steel pedal guitars, the music of How I Became A Wave speaks to the soul through considered lyrics and quietly rousing melodies. This is aggressively quiet music that by its very nature provides an antidote to the cacophony of today’s world.

How I Became A Wave

Tickets available on the door or online.

"Óiche mhór Fhéile Pádraig, Cill Channaigh"

Hear the songs and tunes of ancient Ireland from one of Ireland's grammy nominated artists, supported by one of our most upbeat and animated local choirs in one of the acoustically and historically spellbinding venues in Ireland.

Iarla Ó Lionáird has carved a long and unique career in music both internationally and in Ireland. From his iconic early recording of the vision song “Aisling Gheal” as a young boy to his ground breaking recordings with Dublin's Crash Ensemble and New York’s Alarm Will Sound, he has shown a breadth of artistic ambition that sets him apart in the Irish Music fraternity. Born in Dublin, to a family of musicians, Aoife Ní Bhriain has established herself as one of the most versatile musicians of her generation. Cormac McCarthy is a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork, Ireland. Noted for a diverse stylistic palette, and equally at home in a variety of genres, his music is said to "defy categorisation" (Lyric FM).

Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy & Aoife Ní Bhriain

Supported by The Lady Desart Choir

Mundy was born Edmond Enright in the rural town of Birr, County Offaly. In 1993, at the age of 18 Mundy moved to Dublin to take his place on the energetic busking circuit. It was during this period and in the midst of heartbreak that Mundy penned some of his greatest hits including, ‘Gin & Tonic Sky’ & ‘Life’s A Cinch’. These stirring tracks quickly secured Mundy a place on the roster of Sony’s Epic records as well as a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. Mundy’s first album ‘Jelly Legs’ was released in October 1996 to critical acclaim and went on to sell 50,000 copies.

Mundy

Irish bilingual singer-songwriter Padraig Jack was born and raised in the Aran islands Gaeltacht which influences his Celtic, Folk, Contemporary music and a place that has produced well known Irish writers Liam O’Flaithearta, Máirtín Ó’Direáin and Breandán Ó’hEithir, Padraig is proudly bilingual both as a conversationalist and a songwriter and writes and sings meaningful songs on guitar and piano in Irish Gaelic and English. With influences from Enya, Emmyou Harris and The Eagles to Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor and Richard Thompson, Padraig appreciates strong songwriting with a distinct point of view.

Pádraig Jack & Band

Join us for a superb evening with Pinch of Snuff. Japan’s finest practitioners of Irish traditional music, cultural exchange and appreciation at its finest. Formed in Tokyo, the band brings together long-standing musicians who fell in love with the reels, jigs and airs of Ireland. Inspired by The Pogues and The Dubliners. The band's front man, Masakazu, also known as Tiger, refers to the famous céilí scene in the movie ‘Titanic’ as his first introduction to traditional Irish music.

Pinch of Snuff

Supported by CLADA

An evening of conversation and music. Get to know one of Ireland's leading hammered dulicmer players. Live performance and audience Q&A.

An evening of conversation and music. Leading hammered dulcimer player Brian Leach will give an intimate performance of Irish traditional music, with a pre-concert talk between Brian and musicologist Oisín Quigley exploring how Ireland’s music tradition is evolved by reaching into the ancient world. Q&A with audience will follow.

Scattered Sessions Presents: Brian Leach

Enchanting folk harmonies and incredible display of traditional Irish music with Up She Flew

Up She Flew

Jerry’s new album entitled ‘Dreaming of Daniel’ feat. MayKay (Fight Like Apes) soared straight to No 1 on the Independent Album Charts upon its release and received an outstanding 9/10 star review from Hot Press Magazine. Jerry Fish is one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and entertaining performers with his now legendary live shows, a unique live theatrical experience that dissolves all boundaries between performer and audience.

Jerry Fish

BRIARS are an alternative folk act that sound like nobody else in the Irish scene. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.

BRIARS