First launched in November 2024, Galway TradFest is produced by Music Generation Galway County and has quickly established itself as an important celebration of the county’s rich musical heritage, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for children and young people. At its heart is a simple but powerful ambition: to ensure that young people can experience, learn and develop their musical talents at home in Galway, working alongside some of the finest performers and tutors in Irish traditional music.
The 2026 programme features an impressive gathering of artists, including Sharon Shannon, Mike McGoldrick, Seán Keane, Tara Breen, Noel Hill, Alannah Thornburgh, Pádraig Rynne, David Doocey, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Máire Ní Churraoin and many more. From established performers to emerging young talent, the festival will celebrate the breadth and vitality of traditional music across generations.
A central part of the festival is GEATA, the Irish word for gateway, which represents its extensive educational programme. Through workshops, mentoring, instrument taster sessions, artist collaborations and performance opportunities, GEATA opens doors for young people at every stage of their musical journey.
One of the major highlights will be CASADH at the Black Box Theatre, Galway, on Friday, 13 November. Headlined by Sharon Shannon and Mike McGoldrick, the performance will bring together approximately 80 young traditional musicians who will have taken part in a dedicated programme of workshops and rehearsals. The day will also see celebrated Galway singer Seán Keane visit four primary schools, where 288 pupils will perform repertoire they have been learning through a series of in-school workshops.
The following day, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Claregalway will host the GEATA Masterclasses, bringing together young musicians aged 8–18 with leading traditional performers and tutors. Dance will also take centre stage, with céilí and sean-nós workshops and performances featuring Christy Mac Gearailt, Róisín Ní Mhainín, Becky Ní Éallaithe and Pólca 4.
The festival will also introduce approximately 400 young people to traditional music and theatre through Ceol Connected's productions, SongTales sa Spéir and Sensory SongTales. On Sunday, 15 November, the spotlight will turn to the next generation of performers at LASADH – A Traditional Youth Music Showcase. Headlined by BEO, Music Generation Galway County’s new youth ensemble, the professionally produced event will celebrate emerging talent and will be streamed live for audiences to enjoy.
Irish language and Gaeltacht participation will feature particularly strongly throughout the 2026 programme. In partnership with Ealaín na Gaeltachta, the festival will deliver its most extensive engagement to date with children and young people in the Galway Gaeltacht. A highlight will be GLÓR – From the Classroom to the Concert Stage, which will bring more than 80 young singers from Connemara Gaeltacht schools together for workshops before they perform alongside Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta and Máire Ní Churraoin at the Connemara Coast Hotel.
Accessibility and inclusion remain central to the festival's ethos, with activities reaching schools, rural communities and youth projects throughout the county. Particular attention is being given to creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation, including children and young people in IPAS centres and those with additional needs.
Music Development Officer and Festival Director Eric Cunningham said the festival's continued growth reflects the importance of making high-quality musical experiences accessible to young people in their own communities.
“One of the driving ambitions behind Galway TradFest has always been to ensure that children and young people have access to exceptional musical opportunities here at home in Galway. We have an extraordinary wealth of musical talent and tradition in this county, and we want young people to have the opportunity to learn from, collaborate with and perform alongside some of the finest musicians in Irish traditional music, without having to travel elsewhere to access those experiences,” he said.
He also acknowledged the enthusiasm and support the festival has received over its first two years from young participants, schools, families, communities and artists, highlighting its alignment with Music Generation Galway County’s wider ambition to broaden access, nurture talent and create meaningful opportunities.
Cunningham paid particular tribute to 2026 Festival Project Manager Stephen Doherty for his work in developing this year's programme, while also thanking Music Generation Galway County staff, funding partners and supporters whose commitment makes the festival possible.
Managed locally by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ), Music Generation Galway County provides subsidised performance music education for children and young people up to the age of 18. It currently engages more than 6,000 participants on an ongoing basis across 70 venues throughout County Galway and forms part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme.
Galway TradFest and GEATA are supported by GRETB as lead partner, Galway County Council, Music Generation, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the Department of Education and Youth, U2, The Ireland Funds and Creative Ireland’s Local Creative Youth Partnership, among others.
With a programme spanning music, song, dance, education and community participation, Galway TradFest 2026 promises to be a celebration not only of the county's extraordinary traditional music culture, but also of the young people who will carry it forward into the future.
Galway TradFest & GEATA 2026 takes place from 9–15 November across Galway.
