Dublin City Council's Smithfield Fleadh (pronounced ‘flah') is an exciting, free, two-day family outdoor summer event in Dublin city that celebrates Irish traditional music. The programme showcases the diversity of traditional Irish music across generations from legacy to emerging artists, with a programme that includes singing, dancing, discussions and workshops.

Performers this year include The Bonnymen, The Dublin Trio with Kevin Conneff of The Chieftains, Pólca 4, Harp Ireland, Na Píobairí Uilleann, Comhaltas, Irish Traditional Music Archive interviews, the Fingal Mummers, Poster Fish, and a chance to join in to learn a few steps at a Sean-Nos Dancing workshop as well as Balfolk’s ‘Euro-Céilí’ Folk Dancing!

Saturday, August 26th – Programme (Download pdf)

Main Stage

1pm-2pm – Catherine McEvoy & Family
Awarded the TG4 Gradam Ceoil in 2019, flute player Catherine McEvoy takes to the stage with her musical family for a special one-off performance.

3pm-4pm – The Dublin Trio
Led by Kevin Conneff of the Chieftains, The Dublin Trio with Tony Byrne and Joe McKenna offer a unique blend of songs and tunes from the nation’s capital and beyond.

5pm-6pm – The Bonny Men
One of the most in-demand young bands on the festival circuit, seven-piece The Bonny Men take to the Smithfield main stage for a set of high octane Irish dance tunes on pipes, fiddle, flute, bodhrán, bouzouki, keyboard, guitar and more.

An Puball Éigse

12pm-1pm – ITMA in Conversation with Kevin Conneff
Singer and percussionist Kevin Conneff reflects on a life in music covering everything from his musical influences to his many years touring as a member of The Chieftains.

1pm-1.50pm – BÁC le Gaeilge: Bodhrán Buzz
Ceardlann Bodhrán trí Ghaeilge – Fáilte roimh fhoghlaimeoirí! Bodhrán workshop through Irish – Suitable for beginner Irish speakers and beginner bodhrán players.

2pm-3pm – Harp Ireland Recital
Harp Ireland/Cruit Éireann, Ireland’s leading organisation dedicated to the promotion of the harp, presents a special recital of harp music, featuring Méabh McKenna Rachel Duffy and more.

3pm-3.50pm – ‘Try The Harp’ Workshop
Harp Ireland/Cruit Éireann offer a hands-on workshop giving participants the chance to try their hand at Ireland’s oldest musical instrument.

4pm-5pm – Singing Session w/ An Góilín
Dublin’s longest-running singing circle take to the Puball Éigse for a gathering of traditional song – singers and listeners welcome!

Cobblestone Tent

Sampling from the rich musical community of Dublin’s premier traditional music hub, The Cobblestone, Méabh Mulligan curates a cross section of Cobblestone regulars for a day of traditional music sessions.

12pm-1pm – Néillidh Mulligan and Family
2-2.30pm – Fingal Mummers
4-5pm – Jacqui Martin and Friends

An Stáitsín Fánach

12pm-1pm – CCÉ Seán Treacy
One of Dublin’s premier organisations for traditional music education gives a sampling of the array of young talent among their ranks.

2pm-3pm – NPU Piping Ensemble
In memory of veteran uilleann piper Leo Rowsome, Na Píobairí Uilleann presents a special hour of music in tribute to Rowsome’s renowned piping ensembles who performed at festivals and fleadhanna across the country.

4-5pm – Set Dancing for Beginners
Louise O’Connor leads an open air workshop for festival goers looking to try their hand at a few steps – no experience necessary!

An Puball Cúlstáitse

A tent dedicated to the art of the session (just behind the main stage!)

12-1pm – Open Session w/ Derek Copley and Ais Keogh
2-3pm – Open Session w/ Fionn Ó hAlmhain and Friends
4-5pm – Open Session w/Peter McKenna and Friends

Sunday, August 27th – Programme

Main Stage

1pm-2pm – The Glackin Family
A renowned Dublin musical family including Paddy, Kevin and Doireann Glackin take to the stage for a feast of songs and tunes from Dublin and beyond.

3pm-4pm – Street Céilí
Jerry O’Reilly and Rosie Davis of the Brooks Academy lead festival goers in a street céilí suitable for dancers of all ages – no experience necessary! – with music from Mary Corcoran and friends and sean-nós interludes from dancer Sibéal Davitt and Co.

5pm-6pm – Pólca 4
With a unique blend of tunes from Co. Kerry and beyond, Pólca 4 bring a close to the festival with a feast of polkas and slides.

An Puball Éigse

12pm-1pm – ITMA in Conversation with Lisa Lambe
Singer and actor Lisa Lambe reflects on her recent work in the traditional canon in conversation with the Irish Traditional Music Archive.

1pm-1.50pm – BÁC le Gaeilge: Lámhscríbhinn
Ceardlann Lámhscríbhinn le Emmet De Barra. A hands-on workshop in old Irish script with Emmet De Barra.

2pm-3pm – Seán-Nós Dancing for Beginners
Dancer Mary Beth Taylor leads a workshop in Sean-Nós dancing for participants of all ages – no experience necessary – with music from Brenda Castles and Claire Sherry.

4pm-5pm – Pecker Dunne: A Tribute
Stephen Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Trish Reilly and Paddy Keenan pay tribute to the great bard of the Travellers, Patrick “Pecker” Dunne in association with Poster Fish Promotions.

Cobblestone Tent

Sampling from the rich musical community of Dublin’s premier traditional music hub, The Cobblestone, Méabh Mulligan curates a cross section of Cobblestone regulars for a day of traditional music sessions.

12pm-1pm – The Len Collective
2-2.30pm – Fingal Mummers
4-5pm – Declan, Eoin and Méabh Gillen

An Stáitsín Fánach

12pm-1pm – CCÉ Seán Treacy
One of Dublin’s premier organisations for traditional music education gives a sampling of the array young talent among their ranks.

2pm-3pm – NPU Piping Ensemble
In memory of veteran uilleann piper Leo Rowsome, Na Píobairí Uilleann presents a special hour of music in tribute to Rowsome’s renowned piping ensembles who performed at festivals and fleadhanna across the country.

4-5pm – BalFolk Euro-Céilí
A workshop of pan-European folk dancing for all ages and levels – no experience necessary!

An Puball Cúlstáitse

A tent dedicated to the art of the session (just behind the main stage!)

12-1pm – Open Session w/ Derek Copley and Ais Keogh
2-3pm – Open Session w/ Fionn Ó hAlmhain and Friends
4-5pm – Open Session w/Peter McKenna and Friends

Alcohol is not permitted inside the event space, but can be consumed in restaurants and bars adjacent to the event site.

All are very welcome to join the fun on Smithfield Square across Saturday and Sunday!