Saturday 14 November | 10:30am–3:00pm

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway

The GEATA Masterclasses offer young musicians aged 8–18 an opportunity to learn directly from some of Ireland’s most accomplished traditional performers and tutors.

Covering a wide range of instruments, singing, dance and musical styles, these engaging workshops encourage participants to develop their technique, musical confidence and creativity. The programme features renowned artists including Mike McGoldrick, Tara Breen, Noel Hill, Pádraig Rynne, Ryan Molloy and many more.

Registration begins at 10:30am, with workshops commencing at 11:00am. The day concludes with a special performance by Mike McGoldrick and a festival céilí featuring Pólca 4, bringing participants together to celebrate the music they share.

Saturday 14 November | 11:00am

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway

Music for All is a welcoming, inclusive workshop designed specifically for children and young people with additional needs.

Led by experienced musician educator Máire Nic Dhiarmada, this fun-filled session encourages participants to explore music through rhythm, movement, singing and creative expression in a supportive environment.

No previous musical experience is necessary. The emphasis is on enjoyment, participation and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to experience the joy of making music.

Wednesday 11 & Friday 13 November

Participating Galway Primary Schools

Celebrated Galway singer Seán Keane joins pupils from four primary schools for a series of special in-school performances celebrating Irish song and musical heritage.

In preparation, 288 children from Scoil Íosa, Oranmore; Claregalway Educate Together National School; Kiltullagh National School; and Creagh National School, Ballinasloe, have participated in a programme of vocal workshops led by Music Generation Galway County Musician Educator Rachel Goode, learning songs from Seán’s repertoire.

The project culminates in intimate performances for each school community, including a special tribute to Seán’s sister, the much-loved Galway singer Dolores Keane, through her celebrated song Caledonia.

Wednesday 11 November | Creagh NS, Ballinasloe | 12:30pm

Wednesday 11 November | Kiltullagh NS | 2:15pm

Friday 13 November | Claregalway ETNS | 9:30am

Friday 13 November | Scoil Íosa, Oranmore | 11:15am & 12:15pm

These are special in-school performances for participating school communities and invited families only. They are not public concerts.

Thursday 12 November | 7:30pm

Connemara Coast Hotel, Furbo

GLÓR celebrates the extraordinary richness of traditional singing and the Irish language in Galway’s Gaeltacht communities.

More than 80 young singers from four Connemara post-primary schools have taken part in a series of vocal workshops, developing their repertoire and performance skills under the guidance of leading traditional artists.

Participating schools: Coláiste na bPiarsach, Ros Muc; Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhán; Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua; Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna.

The programme culminates in a special concert featuring the young singers alongside acclaimed performers Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta and Máire Ní Churraoin.

Presented in association with Ealaín na Gaeltachta, GLÓR places young voices and the living tradition of Irish-language song centre stage.

Friday 13 November | 7:30pm

Black Box Theatre, Galway

CASADH brings together two of Irish traditional music’s most celebrated performers, Sharon Shannon and Mike McGoldrick, for an extraordinary collaboration with approximately 80 talented young musicians.
Following an intensive programme of instrumental workshops and rehearsals, participants from across Galway will perform alongside these internationally acclaimed artists, joined by renowned guitarist Patrick Doocey.
A celebration of musical collaboration, creativity and emerging talent, CASADH offers young performers the unforgettable experience of sharing a major concert stage with some of the finest musicians in Irish traditional music.

Sunday 15 November | 4:00–6:00pm
Studio@5, Cue One, Claregalway

LASADH celebrates the energy, creativity and talent of the next generation of traditional musicians.
Presented by acclaimed singer Máire Ní Churraoin, this professionally produced youth showcase brings together outstanding young performers and emerging ensembles from across Galway and beyond.
Headlining the event is BEO, Music Generation Galway County’s exciting new youth ensemble, featuring exceptional young instrumentalists aged 14–18 from around Ireland. Their performance follows a special collaborative workshop with internationally renowned musician Mike McGoldrick on Saturday 14 November.
The showcase will be professionally filmed, recorded and livestreamed, providing young performers with a valuable platform to share their music with wider audiences.

9–14 November | Schools and Festival Venues

Dance takes centre stage at Galway TradFest through a programme of céilí and sean-nós dance workshops for children and young people.
Led by renowned West Kerry dance tutor Christy Mac Gearailt, alongside noted Connemara sean-nós dancers Róisín Ní Mhainín and Becky Ní Éallaithe, the workshops introduce students to the rhythms, steps and shared enjoyment of traditional Irish dance.
Workshops will take place at a variety of post-primary schools during the festival week, culminating in a special Festival Céilí on Thursday 12 November, from 10:45am to 12:15pm, at Studio@5, Cue One, Claregalway, where students from participating schools will come together to dance to live traditional music.
Sean-nós dance workshops will also take place at International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres in Galway, extending opportunities for participation to children and young people living in these communities.
Dance also features during Saturday’s GEATA Masterclasses, with a celebratory céilí from 2:15pm to 2:50pm, featuring Pólca 4 and Christy Mac Gearailt.

Tuesday 10 November | 10:00am & 12 noon | Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre

Acclaimed theatre company Ceol Connected returns to Galway TradFest with SongTales sa Spéir, an imaginative musical theatre experience for young children.
Combining live traditional music, storytelling and playful theatrical performance, the production introduces young audiences to the sounds, instruments and expressive possibilities of Irish traditional music.
Presented especially for primary school children, the performances offer an engaging and accessible introduction to traditional music through the magic of live theatre.

Two performances take place at 10:00am and 12 noon, with participating schools attending free of charge.

Special Programme – Wednesday 11 November

On Wednesday 11 November, Ceol Connected will present a special programme for children with additional needs in An Spidéal, Connemara. This programme is designed to provide an accessible, engaging and inclusive musical theatre experience, tailored to the needs of participating children.

Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November | Evening Performances | Monroe’s Live, Galway

Monroe’s Live adds an exciting series of evening concerts to Galway TradFest 2026, showcasing some of the most innovative and energetic acts in contemporary Irish traditional music.

Friday 13 November – NxNW:
Featuring Ryan Molloy, David Doocey, Stephen Doherty and Kieran Leonard, with special guest vocalist Laura Jo.

Saturday 14 November – Pólca 4:
The electrifying West Kerry group, joined by acclaimed sean-nós singer Máire Ní Churraoin.

Sunday 15 November – NOTIFY:
Led by concertina virtuoso Pádraig Rynne, celebrating the launch of their new album For Now.

The events at Monroe’s are independently organised and take place in a licensed venue where alcohol will be served. They are separate from Galway TradFest’s programme for children and young people and are not produced or funded by Music Generation Galway County, GRETB or their partners. Please check individual event listings for age restrictions.

We are very grateful to Monroe’s for complementing the festival programme and offering parents of our young performers, along with other adult audiences, further opportunities to enjoy live music during Galway TradFest.

Friday 13 November | 8:00pm | Mount Carmel, Loughrea

Acclaimed Galway-based duo Niall Teague and Pádraic Joyce bring their Lost on the Wander tour to Mount Carmel, Loughrea, as part of Galway TradFest 2026.
Known for their distinctive songwriting, rich harmonies and engaging performances, Teague & Joyce blend contemporary folk influences with the storytelling traditions of Irish music. Both are also Musician Educators with Music Generation Galway County, contributing to the development of young musicians across the county.
They will be joined by special guests, the Leitrim National School Céilí Band, whose young musicians have participated in a dedicated series of five preparatory workshops ahead of this performance.
The concert celebrates both established musical artistry and the next generation of traditional performers.

Dé Sathairn 14 Samhain | Ó 12 meán lae ar aghaidh | An Clochar

Tugtar cuireadh do theaghlaigh agus do bhaill an phobail freastal ar sheoladh an taispeántais coicíse seo ar an 14ú mí na Samhna, ag tosú le turas siúlóide le Sparkcatchers! agus céilí le Galway TradFest agus Cuisle sa Clochar ón 12 ar aghaidh!
Beidh fáilte roimh an teaghlach ar fad ag an seoladh le: seacláid te agus caife as Rúnda; céilí le Cuisle agus Galway TradFest; siúlóid ealaíne agus ceardlann le Sparkcatchers!; cruthaitheacht na n-óg ó chlubanna óige Mhuintearas ar feadh coicíse i bhfuinneoga na gcomhlachtaí áitiúla.

Fáilte roimh chách!