Cobh Trad Fest returns in 2026 — bigger, bolder, and bursting with even more music, energy, and community spirit. Building on the incredible success of last year, we’re planning an unforgettable weekend of traditional and folk music, workshops, pub sessions, and street performances. Mark your calendars — the harbour town will be alive once again with tunes and craic!
The Main Festival (July 23-26)
We are thrilled to welcome Breen, Rynne & Murray with special guest Maria Byrne and the Karan Casey Trio featuring Niall Vallely & Niwel Tsumbu with guests Luasca as our summer headline acts.
What are 'Cathedral Sessions'? (May 8)
Before the summer kicks off, join us for Cathedral Sessions—our exclusive concert series leveraging the majestic acoustics of St. Colman's Cathedral. This year features the legendary Seán Keane.
⭐ BEST VALUE: Season Bundle
Planning to attend it all? Get tickets to Seán Keane (May) PLUS both festival headliners (July) for one special price.
Ready to take the stage? New for 2026, we are thrilled to host our first-ever Battle of the Bands on Saturday, July 25th at the iconic Promenade Bandstand!
We are inviting the best youth (U18) and adult trad and folk groups to bring their energy to the heart of Cobh. Perform for our expert panel and an incredible festival crowd, with the overall winning band taking home 4 hours of professional recording studio time. Spaces are strictly limited—submit your demo today and be part of the magic!
Cathedral Sessions - St. Colman's Cathedral - May 8th, 2026
"Experience Seán Keane, 'The Distinctive Voice of Ireland,' live at St. Colman's Cathedral. A multi-award-winning singer known for his unique, lucid clarity, Seán delivers a soulful performance in a venue renowned for its breathtaking acoustics and intimate atmosphere."
Headline Act - Commodore Hotel - July 24th, 2026
"A powerhouse trio featuring Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray. Shaping melodies from past and present into something dynamic and irresistible, they deliver cut-glass performances ranging from gentle atmospheric tunes to high-octane rhythmic sets."
Headline Act - Commodore Hotel - July 25th, 2026
"Legendary Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey brings her dynamic trio to the stage. Renowned for her soulful voice and socially conscious songcraft, the former Solas frontwoman blends traditional folk with contemporary flair. Expect an intimate, powerful performance from one of the most innovative and iconic voices in Irish music."
The historic Commodore Hotel serves as the proud home base for Cobh Trad Fest 2026. Situated right on the beautiful waterfront, it provides an ideal, intimate venue for our main stage events. You will also find our dedicated Event Info stall located just steps away on the Promenade, where our friendly volunteers will be ready to help you with festival programs, official merchandise, and directions throughout the weekend.
We are thrilled to bring an incredible lineup of world-class Traditional and Folk music to the Commodore Hotel main stage for 2026. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a spectacular opening performance by Breen, Rynne & Murray. The excitement continues on Saturday night with the renowned Karan Casey Trio taking the stage, guaranteeing an unforgettable weekend of premier musical entertainment.
Whether you are looking to hone your own skills or support the next generation of musicians, Saturday is dedicated to learning and youth talent. We are hosting marquee workshops led by professional instructors covering the fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, and more. Additionally, we are immensely proud to expand our youth programming this year by featuring our new "Battle of the Bands" competition alongside the popular Junior Busking Competition.
Experience the true spirit of the festival as music spills out across the town. Enjoy our free Promenade Sessions at the bandstand, perfectly timed to coincide with the vibrant local farmers and craft markets. Afterwards, follow the music through town on our official Pub Trail, or check out our brand-new "Pub Trail 0.0"—a series of welcoming, alcohol-free sessions hosted in our wonderful local cafes and heritage centers.
Cobh Trad Fest is more than a festival; it represents a celebration of our living culture in one of Ireland's most historic port towns. By sponsoring the festival, your brand is not just seen; it is experienced by a diverse audience of locals, cultural tourists, and visitors.
We are currently inviting partners to join us for our upcoming festival (July 23rd-26th). We offer bespoke opportunities to support the community while aligning with your marketing goals. Please contact us to request our Festival Prospectus.
Sincere thanks to the organizations that made our inaugural year a success
