Trad Mad? Beat a Path to Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is an unforgettable experience for musicians and spectators alike.
2024, Fleadh Cheoil, Co. Wexford
Wexford town, in Ireland’s Ancient East is tuning up for the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will welcome over 650,000 people to a sensational celebration of Irish music, dance, storytelling and more.
This year’s fleadh (festival) marks 74 years since the event was established by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to promote and preserve Irish traditional music, song, and dance. From a few hundred attendees at the initial fleadh, the festival has grown into the world's largest annual celebration of Irish culture with over 15,000 performers now participating.
Across seven days (3–10 August), there will be ticketed concerts featuring the cream of Irish singers and musicians, over 150 competitions, a variety of Irish-language events, lively pub sessions, céilís and entertaining street performances. Wexford’s medieval streets will be filled with music, dancing and high spirits as the festival lights up the town.
The fleadh events will take place in hallowed spaces including the National Opera House and St Iberius Church as well as in hotels, pubs and outdoor areas. Among the top names performing at the ticketed concerts are Tulua, known for their blend of traditional and modern sounds, and trad royalty, Shaskeen. Apart from the concerts, most performances will be free to watch ensuring everyone can enjoy the talent on display.
2023, Fleadh Cheoil, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Running alongside the festival is Scoil Éigse, an international summer school that attracts around 900 students of all ages. Workshops cover instrumental music, singing, dancing and Irish-language classes.”
The hub of the festival will be the Crown Fleadh Village in central Wexford, which will feature a food court, live trad gigs, and eight bars under a giant stretch tent. There will also be interactive music trails for families, pop-up dance performances, and late-night fringe events that mix trad with jazz and electronic influences.
With so many attending the festival, accommodation might seem limited. However, Wexford Bus will offer free and extended services throughout the fleadh, making it easy to commute from nearby towns like Enniscorthy, New Ross or Gorey.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.
County Wexford is a top destination in Ireland with lots beyond the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to see and enjoy. Imposing Johnstown Castle Estate is a must-visit. The fairytale, gothic-revival castle offers tours of its sumptuous interiors, while outside you can explore the beautiful ornamental gardens and the museum of traditional Irish life.
At the Irish National Heritage Park, 9,000 years of history are brought to life in a 35-acre outdoor museum. And at Curracloe Beach, one of many golden strands in the county, you can walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars as it was a shoot location for the movies Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn.
August brings strawberry season to Ireland’s sunny south-east. For a true taste of summer, visit a local farm like The Village at Wheelocks, where you can pick your own berries or enjoy them in handmade desserts.
Visiting Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann will fill your ears with music and your heart with warmth. And with so much else to enjoy in this scenic, history-filled county, it won’t be long before you’re back for an encore.