All roads lead to Ennis as legendary Irish Trad Festival is set to take over
Now in its 31st year, the festival returns from November 6 to 10
The 2025 Ennis Trad Festival has promised exhilarating performances and an incredible line-up of events for the whole family to enjoy.
Now in its 31st year, the festival returns from November 6 to 10, once again showcasing Ennis as a vibrant hub for traditional music, song and culture.
This year’s programme features a mix of leading lights in the music scene and innovative new projects, with Brian Finnegan & the Hunger of the Skin Big Band taking to the marquee on Friday night, November 7 at the Queens Hotel. Finnegan, a 2025 TG4 Gradam Ceoil winner (Flook), is known for his trailblazing musicianship and dynamic live performances.
The Saturday main event features North by Northwest, a powerhouse ensemble featuring David Doocey, Stephen Doherty, Kieran Leonard and Ryan Molloy. Each musician is a respected figure within the tradition, known for their extensive solo work and collaborations. Their richly-layered sound, blending drive and atmosphere is perfectly suited to the Ennis Trad Festival and is set to serve as the soundtrack to another unmissable evening of music.
A huge feature of the festival is the Sunday night concert. This iteration celebrates renowned local artists Sheila Garry and Elaine Hogan who will unveil their new album Two for Joy. They will be followed by Nell Ní Chróinín,a seminal voice in sean nós singing and lead vocalist with the acclaimed band Danú.
Caoimhín Ó Fearghail, Seán Ó Fearghail, Brendan Clancy and Donnchadh Gough are the headline for this year's Sunday event. Each is a highly regarded musician within the tradition. Caoimhín is widely sought after as both a compelling soloist and a trusted accompanist. Seán and Brendan are graduates of the University of Limerick and are known for their extensive repertoire. Donnchadh is a driving force behind TuneFest Dungarvan, which is a highlight of the summer's traditional music calendar.
The festival concludes on Monday, November 10 with a compelling double bill. Cathy Jordan, TG4 Singer of the Year 2025, will perform The Crankie Island Song Project - a unique fusion of music and visual storytelling that blends live performance with hand-cranked illustrated scrolls. The festival finale will feature Frankie Gavin, one of the most influential figures in Irish traditional music. A founding member of the iconic Dé Danann, Gavin’s virtuosity has shaped the sound of Irish music for generations. He will be joined by pianist Catherine McHugh for, what promises to be, a truly exhilarating finale.
At the heart of the festival’s continued success is its strong connection with the local community. The historic town of Ennis will host a full programme of sessions, masterclasses, album and book launches, among other events during the festival.
The organising committee extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to the success of the festival over the last three decades, with special mention to the Queens Hotel, who along with Clare County Council, have been long standing supporters of the Ennis Trad Festival.
Incoming festival chairperson David Stone is excited to hear a musical Banner Roar throughout the town for the weekend: “The Ennis Trad Festival holds a special place in the traditional music calendar. It is a privilege to continue the festival’s legacy of hosting performances by world class artists, iconic session trails and the passing on of our musical heritage to future generations through curated masterclasses and album launches. A highlight for me this year will be the Monday night concert which features multiple legends of the traditional music scene and a unique multimedia performance that should not be missed!"
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