Tradition Now

Tradition Now has developed into a veritable highlight of the trad & folk calendar, celebrating invention and evolution in traditional music, while staying true to its roots.

The NCH Tradition Now Festival continues to redefine Irish traditional music through bold, contemporary approaches. Supported by The Arts Council, this three-day festival showcases both established and emerging artists pushing the boundaries of the tradition.

The festival opens on Thursday 24 September with Dublin alternative-folk collective Ispíní na hÉireann, making their long-awaited National Concert Hall debut on the Main Stage. The same evening, composer Neil Ó Lochlainn presents Immram, inspired by the poetry of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.

On Friday 25 September, the acclaimed duo Ye Vagabonds join National Symphony Orchestra Ireland for a major collaborative performance on the main stage, while a series of intimate concerts across the building highlights artists including David Murphy and Ether Ensemble, Donegal fiddler Nia Byrne, and fiddler Aoife Ní Bhriain with pianist Cormac McCarthy.

The festival concludes on Saturday 26 September with SIRENS, a specially curated concert hosted by Lisa Hannigan. Bringing together a remarkable line-up of female artists including Amanda Bergman, Anna Mieke, Theodora Byrne and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, this headline event anchors a final day that also features performances from Ceol Ársa Cláirsí, singer and multidisciplinary artist Amano, The Weaving featuring Meabh Ni Bheaglaoich, Owen Spafford and Cait Ní Riain, and Shovel Dance Collective and more.