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.
🚢 Cruise Ships in Cobh!
The festival weekend welcomes two magnificent liners right to our doorstep at the Cobh Cruise Terminal — thousands of visitors ashore with the whole town alive with tunes and craic. The Majestic Princess (Princess Cruises) docks Thursday 23rd July, 07:00–17:00, and the Aurora (P&O Cruises) calls in on Saturday 25th July, 08:00–18:00. Ashore for the day? You've picked the perfect time to visit — follow the music!
Masterclass Workshops & Youth Talent
Saturday features specialized workshops with professional instructors covering fiddle, whistle, bodhrán, banjo, concertina, and more. Alongside these, our Youth & Student Busking Competition takes to the streets of Cobh — a vital platform for the next generation of folk and traditional musicians. See below to enter!
Promenade Sessions & Local Markets
The bandstand will host free public outdoor performances over the weekend, timed perfectly to run alongside our local artisan food and craft markets. From impromptu sessions on the Pub Trail to music spilling out of venues right across town, the tunes will saturate every corner of Cobh.
Have you got the tunes? Grab your instrument and take to the streets of Cobh! Our Busking Competition puts the town's rising stars centre stage across the festival weekend — and we want as many entrants as possible. Whether it's fiddle, whistle, guitar, box, or a song, this is your moment to shine.
Entry is free and open now — spread the word!
Wear the music! The official Cobh Trad Fest 2026 tee is here — and it's a beauty. Crafted in rich denim blue Earth Positive premium organic cotton, featuring the festival branding on the chest and a stunning custom illustration on the back. Pre-order yours now to guarantee your size — stock is strictly limited!
Collection Point:
🌊 Event Headquarters located at the eCobh Business Hub, Ground Floor of the Arch Building, Roger Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork (P24 RX89)
Pre-orders close 24th July. Collect-at-festival only (Sat from 1200-1700 and Sun from 1200-1500). First come, first served.
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."
Special Guest - Commodore Hotel - July 24th, 2026
"Cork-born singer-songwriter Maria Byrne blends folk, country, and Americana with warm, story-driven songwriting. With support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, and RTÉ Radio 1, and performances at Country 2 Country at the O2 London and Black Deer Festival, she is one of the most exciting voices in Irish Americana. Joining us as special guest for the Breen, Rynne & Murray headline night. On Spotify"
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. "
Special Guest - Commodore Hotel - July 25th, 2026
"Luasca is a dynamic traditional Irish music ensemble featuring some fine young musicians from the region. Associated with the Cork ETB School of Music (CETBSM), the group showcases the high standards of musicianship, performance, and ensemble playing fostered within the community. Bringing infectious energy and a deep respect for traditional arrangements, Luasca represents the next generation of traditional musicians keeping our living culture vibrant and moving forward."
Before the festival takes over the town in July, the Cathedral Sessions gets things started in style. Proudly promoted by Cobh Trad Fest as a fundraiser for 2026, our inaugural session welcomed the legendary Seán Keane to the magnificent St. Colman's Cathedral on May 8th — and what a night it was.
Cobh Trad Fest 2026 has two festival bases over the weekend. Our Connected Hub at eCobh — under Cobh Library — is open Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–17:00, with volunteers on hand for festival programmes, official merchandise, and directions. Our branded tent at Kennedy Park is out in the thick of it Saturday and Sunday, 13:00–17:00, right beside the Promenade market. Crowley's Music Centre will have instruments at both, so do call in and give one a go.
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, banjo, concertina, and more. We are immensely proud to expand our youth programming this year with our Youth & Student Busking Competition, bringing the streets of Cobh alive with the sound of our rising stars.
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, with sessions running across 20+ venues right across Cobh.
July 23rd–26th, 2026
Printed programmes will be available across town over the festival weekend. You can also plan your visit with our interactive map below, built with InCobh — every gig, workshop and session, venue by venue.
🗺️ Map not loading? Open the full map
Supported by
Town Development Fund and Arts Grant Scheme
Our 2026 Partners
With thanks to our supporters: Crowley’s Music Centre, Haulbowline Theatre Group, iWater Solution, Quarry Cock Bar.
Interested in partnering with us for 2027? Get in touch
