Clifden is set to come alive with the sounds of traditional Irish music, song and dance, as the
15th Annual Clifden Trad Fest takes place from April 9th to 12th, 2026.

This much-anticipated cultural event promises a dynamic programme of concerts, sessions, workshops and much more!

Headlining the event is the Pipers Cross Céilí Band, All-Ireland Champions 2024, who will deliver a lively outdoor performance at Market Square on Saturday 11^th April at 7.30pm on the Gig Rig. The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 9^th with Seisiún na nÓg “The Courthouse Session”, encouraging young musicians to perform in a relaxed and supportive setting. The official opening concert follows on Friday, April 10th at the Clifden Station House Theatre, as well as Music Workshops led by acclaimed tutors in instruments such as fiddle, concertina and accordion on the Saturday morning.
 
Saturday afternoon sees the ever popular Busking Competition and Clifden Trad Fest 5K take centre stage as part of family day with music, song and dance to be heard all throughout the afternoon.
 
A Session Trail across 10 venues takes place from Friday evening until Sunday morning featuring a host of visiting musicians from all over the Country and our wonderful local musicians.
 
Additional highlights include a festival art exhibition at Clifden Library and a town-wide window display competition, celebrating local creativity and community involvement.

With strong support from local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers, the Clifden Trad Fest continues to grow as a cornerstone of cultural life in Connemara. This year there is an extra emphasis on the use and promotion of Irish throughout the festival weekend with a bi-lingual brochure and sprinklings of ‘Gaeilge’ on show throughout the weekend.
 
The Farewell ‘One for the Road’ session on Sunday 12^th April will bring the 15^th Trad Fest to a close.