Irish Massachusetts

Séamus & Caoimhe  Uí Fhlatharta For visitors who want to experience the music and magic of Ireland in winter, check out TradFest in Dublin from January 22-26, 2025. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, TradFest is Ireland’s largest gathering of traditional and folk music. It features 100 Irish and international musicians and singers, performing at 85 events in dozens of iconic venues across the city, from cathedrals and castles to pubs and concert halls.   It is a feast of music, song and dance honoring Ireland’s storied musical traditions while also pushing their boundaries, as underscored by this year’s theme, ‘Two Decades of Different.’  This year’s line-up includes veteran traditional ensembles such as DeDannan and Scullion and individual legends Ralph McTell, Tom Paxton, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Maura O’Connell.  A tribute to legendary Dubliner banjoist Barney McKenna takes place on January 25-25 at the Abbey Tavern in Howth, featuring some of Irela...