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.
Masterclass Workshops & Youth Talent
Saturday features specialized workshops with professional instructors covering fiddle, whistle, bodhrán, and more. Following these, we are expanding our youth focus to include our new "Battle of the Bands" competition alongside the popular Junior Busking Competition, creating vital platforms for the next generation of folk and traditional musicians.
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 our family-friendly, alcohol-free "Pub Trail 0.0" in local cafés, music will saturate every corner of Cobh.
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 Points:
🎪 Launch Night — Thursday 23rd July, Rob Roy
🎵 Headline Nights — Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July, Commodore Hotel
🌊 Promenade Info Stand — Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July
Pre-orders close 16th July. Collect-at-festival only. 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
"Founded by Belgian fiddle player Jeroen Blancke, Cobh Trad Group has become one of Cobh's most beloved musical institutions — a weekly gathering of musicians of all levels at the Great Island Community Centre. A thriving community and a vital part of the town's musical life, we are delighted to welcome them to the Commodore stage as special guests for the Karan Casey night. cobhtrad.com"
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.
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.
