'There is something for everyone': Music and craic as Cobh Trad Fest returns

Cobh Trad Fest returns this summer from July 23-26, and we think it’s shaping up to be our best year yet.

We have a fantastic headline line-up at the Commodore Hotel, with Breen, Rynne and Murray on Friday night, and the acclaimed Karan Casey Trio on Saturday, joined by a special collaboration between Niall Vallely and Niwel Tsumbu with guests Luasca.

Beyond the headline acts, the weekend is packed with free outdoor Promenade Sessions, a town-wide Pub Trail across 20-plus venues, traditional music workshops led by some of Ireland’s finest tutors, set dancing, Pop-Up Gaeltacht gatherings, and much more — all set against the stunning backdrop of Cobh harbour.

Cobh Trad Fest 2026 promises four days of music, culture, and community, bringing together some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians alongside a packed programme of family-friendly events, workshops, and cultural activities.

Visitors and locals alike can enjoy an exciting celebration of Irish music and heritage, with performances taking place across the town in a welcoming festival atmosphere that has become a highlight of Cork’s summer calendar.

As well as the headline performance on Saturday night in the Commodore Hotel, festival-goers can also look forward to performances from Tommy Cunniffe and Oisín Morrison, Fiárock with Jason Turk, McHenry and The Dog Roses, The Collective, Judy Ní Mhurchú, Abbey Murphy, Katie McGroarty, and many more.

The festival’s Friday night concert in the Commodore hotel features three of Ireland’s most prominent multi-instrumentalists: fiddler Tara Breen, concertina player Pádraig Rynne, and guitarist Jim Murray.

They will be joined by special guest, Cobh singer-songwriter Maria Byrne, while Saturday night’s headline concert promises an unforgettable evening with some of the most respected names in contemporary Irish traditional music.

In addition to concerts and sessions, Cobh Trad Fest offers a rich programme of events designed to showcase the best of Irish culture. Highlights include:

• Traditional music workshops led by renowned musicians
• Outdoor sessions throughout the town
• A lively pub trail
• Set dancing events
• Pop-Up Gaeltacht gatherings
• The popular Promenade Sessions
• Farmers Market
• Family-friendly entertainment across the weekend

Festival workshops will be led by an impressive line-up of tutors including Christy Leahy, Liam Flanagan, Jim Carroll, Joanne Quirke, Mairéad Carey, Colm Murphy, Cathal Hickey, Jasmin O’Davidson, and Karan Casey.

Specialised workshops with professional instructors will cover fiddle, whistle, bodhrán, and more.

Following these, the organisers are expanding their youth focus to include a new ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition alongside the popular Junior Busking Competition, creating vital platforms for the next generation of folk and traditional musicians.

The bandstand will host free public outdoor performances over the weekend, timed perfectly to run alongside the local artisan food and craft markets.

From impromptu sessions on the Pub Trail to a family-friendly, alcohol-free ‘Pub Trail 0.0’ in local cafés, music will saturate every corner of Cobh.

Speaking ahead of the festival, organisers commented: “Cobh Trad Fest continues to grow as a celebration of music, culture and community.

“We’re delighted to welcome both world-class performers and emerging talent to Cobh, while creating spaces for people of all ages to experience and participate in traditional Irish and folk music.

“Whether you’re a dedicated music fan or simply looking for a fantastic weekend of entertainment, there is something for everyone.”

With its stunning waterfront setting, rich maritime history and thriving music scene, Cobh provides the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates the enduring spirit of Irish traditional culture.

For tickets, programme details and festival updates, visit www.cobhtradfest.ie.

Mark your calendars — the harbour town will be alive once again with tunes and craic!