Tullamore TradFest 2025 hit the high notes again last weekend

Tullamore TradFest 2025 has wrapped up after a magnificent weekend of music, culture, fun and community spirit that brought the town of Tullamore to life from April 11 to 13.

With bumper crowds, international visitors, and unforgettable performances, this year’s festival has been, without question, the high point since the inaugural festival in 2019.

The festival launched last Thursday where local primary and post-primary schools came together in Coláiste Choilm to play tunes, sing, dance and hear from local music therapist Ciana McGarrigle on how her interest in traditional music has helped her forge her career to date.

The weekend events opened with the Friday Night Concert at the Bridge House Hotel, where 320 attendees were treated to world-class performances by Mike McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly, Tim Edey, supported by a host of incredible local talents including Amy Murphy, Laura Jo Callaghan, Eimear Buckley, Claire Ann Kearns, Grace Minnock, Grace & Katelyn Corrigan.

The evening also saw the HUP! Offaly Hall of Fame presentation to the legendary Paddy Buckley, in recognition of his contribution to the traditional music scene in Offaly over the years. Friday’s events concluded with over 250 late-night revellers enjoying the music of locals Jamie McKeogh and James Kinsella.

Saturday continued the momentum with a packed schedule of events. Almost 200 participated in the instrument workshops, with countless others attending and enjoying the free taster experiences and Inclusive Session in Tullamore Library, a lecture on Offaly piper Barney Delaney in Offaly Historical Society and the free family entertainment in the Bridge Centre provided by various groups.

Families were also treated to performances by local trio The Dooley Sisters, Birr Figure Dancers and the hugely talented McKenna Family from Tyrone in the early evening concert at the Bridge House.

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The session trail which started Friday night also kicked into overdrive on Saturday, with both planned and impromptu traditional music sessions happening concurrently in 13 venues across the town. The Festival Club on Saturday night was a particular highlight, drawing a crowd of over 450 for an electric night of music with Pólca 4 and Peter Street keeping the energy high until the early hours.

The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a packed schedule of performances on both the Gig Rig in O’Connor Square and the Bridge Centre, the Ashling Murphy Fiddle Recital featuring Sinéad McKenna, Ademar O’Connor, Rachel McNamara and Lusaí Ryan, a lively céilí at Ballykilmurray Community Centre, where the Abbey Trio Céilí Band brought dancers to their feet and smiles to every face, all while the session trail continued late into the night in Tullamore.

Festival organisers were extremely pleased with the strong crowds throughout the weekend, with the town welcoming visitors from all over Ireland and further afield — including England, Scotland, Jersey, France, Germany, the USA, South Africa, Iceland, and Canada. Moreover, the committee were very proud at how the town embraced attendees over the weekend with feedback being overwhelmingly positive, with many remarking on the “huge feel-good vibes” and the genuine warmth of the welcome they received in Tullamore. Festival organisers have already been inundated with messages of thanks and excitement for what’s to come in 2026

Tullamore TradFest 2025 has once again proven why it’s one of the most cherished celebrations of traditional Irish music and culture in Ireland. It would not be possible without the support of the people of Tullamore, especially those who volunteer their free time to help at events and it’s generous supporters and funders. The organising committee would like to thank Bord na Móna, The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, The Arts Council of Ireland, LOETB & Creative Ireland, ARD Software, Tullamore Credit Union, Offaly County Council, Egan’s Whiskey, Music Generation Offaly, Coláiste Choilm, The Sacred Heart School, The Bridge Centre, Killeigh Teach Cheoil, Jenny’s Kitchen, Flynn’s Café and the session trail venues, The Brewery Tap, The Bridge House Hotel, Digan’s, Fergie’s, Flynn’s Café, The Goalpost, John Lee’s, The Old Harbour Bar, Old Warehouse, Paddy’s, The Phoenix, Spollen’s, Tullamore Credit Union and The Tullamore Court Hotel.

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Note: Tullamore TradFest is a community-based festival in Tullamore which seeks to promote not only the traditional arts in Tullamore, Offaly and surrounding areas but also the town of Tullamore, the county of Offaly and it’s people which we are incredibly proud of. We are always open to collaborations and partnerships with other local groups, businesses and individuals. Interested parties can contact us on our social media channels @tullamoretradfest or via tullamoretradfest@gmail.com