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What's Happening in Dublin this weekend (Jan 23rd) - Free Events
and this one’s a special TradFest edition.
Olivia Sinclair
January 22, 2026
New week, new ezine – and this one’s a special TradFest edition.
Since its small start in 2006, TradFest has grown into a proper movement — keeping traditional music alive while making space for fresh voices, inclusion, and creativity. Whether you’re a trad purist or just trad-curious, there’s something here to get stuck into.
This year, events are happening across Fingal and Dublin City — with everything from live street sessions and workshops, to uilleann pipes you can actually try yourself.
Here’s what’s happening:
Trad Tunes Session & Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Instrument Making Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Try the Pipes with Na Píobairí Uilleann
The Black Raven Pipe Band
Clew Bay Pipe Band
Ceol Beo with “Cleachtadh”
Pop-Up Gaeltacht – Fáilte Roimh Chách!
Smithwick’s Sessions – Free Trad Gigs in the Pubs
Trad Tunes Session & Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Joe May’s Pub, Skerries | Friday, 8pm
Pull up a stool in one of Skerries’ best-loved pubs and enjoy tunes from local legends of the Skerries Trad Weekend — plus a pop-up Gaeltacht to practise your cúpla focal. No need to book, just get there early and soak it all in.
Instrument Making Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Clondalkin Library | Saturday, 2pm
Get creative with the crew from Rediscovery Centre! Kids will learn to build their own musical instruments from recycled materials in this hands-on, imaginative workshop.
👉 Reserve a spot
Try the Pipes with Na Píobairí Uilleann
Tallaght Library | Saturday, 2.30pm
Curious about the uilleann pipes? Enjoy a short recital, then try the instruments yourself under expert guidance. Adults, teens, and kids 8+ all welcome.
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The Black Raven Pipe Band
Lusk Village Square | Saturday, 1pm
Founded in 1910 by Thomas Ashe, this historic pipe band returns to its hometown for an outdoor performance at the village square. A powerful mix of tradition and local pride.
Clew Bay Pipe Band
Temple Bar | Sunday, 12pm & 3:30pm
Led by Des Cafferkey and Peter Carney, this young, high-energy band brings their talent to the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. Expect rhythm, colour and big sound.
Ceol Beo with “Cleachtadh”
Aon Scéal Café, Tallaght | Sunday, 12pm
A cosy afternoon of music, stories and poetry from the ever-welcoming Cleachtadh crew. Started over Zoom, now a local tradition — and a gorgeous way to spend a Sunday.
Pop-Up Gaeltacht – Fáilte Roimh Chách!
Little Theatre, Skerries | Sunday, 12pm
Whether you’ve a cúpla focal or are fluent, all are welcome at this informal monthly meetup. Hosted by Adam from The Gladstone Band. Come for the Gaeilge, stay for the good vibes.
Smithwick’s Sessions – Free Trad Gigs in the Pubs
All Weekend | Various Venues in Temple Bar + Fingal
Live trad and folk in the best kind of venue: pubs. Free, unticketed and intimate — so get there early, grab a drink, and support the artists bringing the music to life.
👉 Temple Bar Line-Up
👉 Fingal Line-Up
Whether you're playing, listening, learning or just out for the pints and tunes — TradFest 2026 is shaping up to be a mighty one. Go explore.
Please share this event guide with your friends or family who might enjoy some of the events in here!
We’re working on something new to bring to the free events scene in Dublin and hope to publish soon.
If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here!
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