Dublin City Fleadh returns for a free weekend celebration of trad this August

Taking place over the weekend of August 22–23, Dublin City Fleadh events are planned for Smithfield Square, Meeting House Square, Wolfe Tone Square, Parliament Street and Capel from 12pm to 6pm each day

News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 12:48, 11 Aug 2026 View 2 Images The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, with musicians Jayne Pomplas and Éanna Harrington at the launch of Dublin City Council's Dublin City Fleadh outside Dublin City Hall. (Image: Dublin City Council)

The Dublin City Fleadh returns for a free, unticketed weekend celebrating Irish traditional music this August.

Taking place over the weekend of August 22–23 across five city hubs, activities are planned for Smithfield Square, Meeting House Square, Wolfe Tone Square, Parliament Street and Capel Street. From 12pm to 6pm each day, Dublin ’s streets will echo with traditional tunes, high energy céilís, mythical art workshops, and spontaneous pop-up street sessions.

Lord Mayor Daryl Barron said it is particularly poignant to be talking about music shortly after the tragic death of Glen Hansard . “But Glen more than most of us knew the power of music and its ability both to bring us joy and to unite us,” he stated.

“The Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh is a chance to come together and celebrate our love of traditional Irish music over two fun-filled days at the end of August. If you've never been before you're missing out!"

Building on last year's momentum, this year’s roster blends international trad legends with Dublin's finest grassroots talent. All of this is centred around energetic main stage performances at Smithfield Square featuring the likes of Sharon Shannon Big Band, Altan and Dervish on Saturday and The Scratch, Madra Salach and Kíla on Sunday.

View 2 Images The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, with musicians Éanna Harrington and Jayne Pomplas and dancers from the Festival Dance Teachers Association at the launch of Dublin City Council's Dublin City Fleadh outside Dublin City Hall (Image: Dublin City Council)

At Meeting House Square audiences can look forward to an intimate acoustic setting dedicated to special collaborations and duets from some of traditional music’s most revered names featuring folk icon Andy Irvine and Quilty and the Máirtín O'Connor Trio.

Wolfe Tone Square will host recitals and Céilís including Na Píobairí Uilleann Piping with Wynton Moore, Aoife Fadian and Síofra Ní Mhóráin, a Harp Ireland Recital featuring the Martin Family Harp Trio, plus dynamic sets from An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, and Seán McKeon plus guests. And strap on your dancing shoes for outdoor céilís led by Trad is Amach.

Stroll down Capel Street to catch acoustic sessions featuring sets from exceptional trad musicians whilst Parliament Street hosts high octane sets from Faró, performances from the Fingal Mummers, arts and crafts activities and family storytelling.

This year's Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh promises a musical extravaganza with plenty to see and do for all the family. Keep an eye out as more acts are still to be announced.

Event information and full programme available to view here .

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here .

Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .