Galway set for week-long celebration of tradional music
Galway TradFest returns from 9–15 November, bringing an ambitious week-long celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture to schools, venues and communities across Galway.
Produced by Music Generation Galway County, the festival is built around a clear purpose: providing children and young people across Galway with exceptional access to high-quality traditional music, song and dance experiences within their own county.
Through workshops, mentoring, school programmes, céilithe and performances, the festival creates opportunities for young people to learn directly from leading artists and develop their skills.
This year’s programme brings together an extensive line-up of performers, tutors and acts, including Sharon Shannon, Mike McGoldrick, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Máire Ní Churraoin, Pólca 4, NxNW, NOTIFY, BEO, Laura Jo, Ryan Molloy, Tara Breen, Noel Hill, Seán Keane, Teague & Joyce, Becky Ní Éallaithe, Alannah Thornburgh, Pádraig Rynne, Jillian O’Malley, Máire Nic Dhiarmada, David Doocey, Megan Nic Fhionnghaile, Patrick Doocey, Emma O’Sullivan, Conor Connolly, Elaine O’Reilly, Pádraic Keane, Christy Mac Gearailt, Róisín Ní Mhainín and Ceol Connected.
GEATA
GEATA, the Irish word for “gate” or “gateway”, is the educational pillar of Galway TradFest. It opens pathways for children and young people through masterclasses, workshops, mentoring, instrument taster sessions, artist collaborations and performance opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced-level participation.
On Friday, 13 November, Sharon Shannon and Mike McGoldrick will headline CASADH at the Black Box Theatre, Galway, performing alongside approximately 80 young traditional musicians who will have completed a dedicated programme of workshops and rehearsals.
Local singer Seán Keane will also visit four primary schools, where 288 pupils will have prepared his repertoire through a series of in-school workshops ahead of performances for their school communities.
On Saturday, 14 November, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway, will host the GEATA Masterclasses for young musicians aged 8–18, with leading traditional tutors and performers. Céilí and sean-nós dance will also feature prominently through school-based workshops and festival céilithe.
Ceol Connected will introduce approximately 400 young people to traditional music and theatre through SongTales sa Spéir and Sensory SongTales.
On Sunday, 15 November, LASADH – A Traditional Youth Music Showcase will celebrate emerging performers, headlined by BEO, Music Generation Galway County’s new youth ensemble.
The Irish language will have a particularly strong presence in 2026. Through bilingual programming and a partnership with Ealaín na Gaeltachta, the festival will deliver its most extensive engagement to date with children and young people living in the Galway Gaeltacht.
GLÓR – From the Classroom to the Concert Stage will bring more than 80 young singers from Connemara Gaeltacht schools together for a series of workshops, culminating in a performance alongside Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta and Máire Ní Churraoin at the Connemara Coast Hotel.
Access and inclusion
Access and inclusion remain central to Galway TradFest and GEATA. Activities will reach rural communities, schools and youth projects, with targeted opportunities for young people who may face barriers to participation, including those in IPAS centres and children and young people with additional needs.
“We have an extraordinary wealth of musical talent and tradition in this county, and we want young people to have the opportunity to learn from, collaborate with and perform alongside some of the finest musicians in Irish traditional music, without having to travel elsewhere to access those experiences,” remarked Music Development Officer and Festival Director Eric Cunningham.
“We have been delighted with the response to the festival over the past two years, from the young people themselves and from the schools, families, communities and artists who have embraced it.
"The continued development of Galway TradFest aligns closely with Music Generation Galway County’s strategic plans to broaden access, nurture talent and create meaningful opportunities for children and young people across the county.”