Gig News

Songs, Strings, and Sessions! – Dublin City Fleadh Returns for 2026

Building on the wildly successful 2025 gathering, Dublin City Council is cranking up the volume for the 2026 Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh. Taking over five action packed city hubs on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, this year’s festival is bigger, livelier than ever before. It’s a completely free and unticketed celebration of traditional Irish music and culture in Dublin City centre.

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. With activities planned for Smithfield Square, Meeting House Square, Wolfe Tone Square, Parliament Street and Capel Street.

Building on last year’s incredible momentum, this year’s roster blends international trad legends with Dublin’s finest grassroots talent. Prepare for energetic main stage performances at Smithfield Square by traditional powerhouses including Sharon Shannon Big Band, Altan and Dervish on Saturday whilst The Scratch, Mádra Salach and Kíla bring the energy for Sunday. 

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.


Songs, Strings, and Sessions! 

Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh Returns for 2026!

Featuring

Sharon Shannon Big Band, Altan and Dervish on Saturday 22 August 

The Scratch, Mádra Salach and Kíla on Sunday 23 August

This event is organised by Dublin City Council. Event information and full programme will be available to view at dublin.ie/dublincityfleadh

Dates: Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23, 2026  

Times: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily  

Locations: Smithfield Square, Meeting House Square, Wolfe Tone Square, Parliament Street, and Capel Street  

Admission: 100% FREE

Ian Mc Donnell

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