Smithwicks Sessions at Temple Bar TradFest 2025
Luke McLeod | Last Updated 17 December 2024 | 5 Minute Read
From 23rd until the 26th January 2025, TradFest will take over a lot of Temple Bar's bars and pubs. As part of Tradfest, the Temple bar company run the Smithwicks sessions, Irish music sessions in various venues around temple bar.
This experience celebrates Irish Culture and traditional music in unique venues around the capital. Some of our historic museums, theatres and churches welcome legendary artists, and up and coming musicians to play in this concert series, host workshops and céilí's over the long weekend of events.
All of the main headline events are ticketed, with low prices for the quality of talent on display. That's where the events around the pubs take centre stage, these free events are perfect when looking for something to do in Dublin!
Grab a pint of Ruby Red ale, a packet of crisps (or Scampi Fries, if you know your stuff) and find a seat to listen to the best array of artists in the country. Even our littlest visitors will be in awe of the magical sounds of traditional Irish instruments in these historic locations.
Smithwicks has a long tradition of brewing, it's rich history stems to Kilkenny, dating back to 1710. The brewing heritage of Smithwicks still lives on to this day, almost 314 years later. When you think of Smithwick Session, many think of the Session Ale, but this January they're turning malty notes to musical notes.
With support from Dublin City Council & Failte Ireland, The TradFest Temple Bar celebrates this vibrant culture of traditional music with free and unticketed shows in some of the best pubs, lounges and restaurants in along the cobbled streets of the Cultural Quarter.
These gigs are free and showcase the a blend of the biggest trad bands on the underground scene. The event locations are a mixture of group friendly venues and others that you will need to squeeze into, no matter what, I'd recommend getting there early to have the best seat in the house.
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Event times for this fantastic music festival are laid out below, with Zampas making its debut as a venue for Smithwick's Sessions at the landmark festival in the trad calendar.
The Temple Bar Folk Festival allows both Irish people and visitors in Dublin to celebrate our cultural identity through music. Community events like the smithwicks sessions are important opportunities for everybody in Dublin city centre to get involved in Irish culture.
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Whether you're a local looking for a brilliant cultural event, or you're staying at the Arthaus and looking for things to do in Dublin on your holiday. This iconic festival programme offer an action packed five days in Temple bar and on the surrounds.
The Smithwicks Sessions are the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into the waters of trad music. These free events give a taster of Irish craic and ceol. If 2023 is anything to go by, you're in for a fun filled weekend at the TradFest 2023
Meet our passionate and seasoned Travel and Culture Editor, Luke McLeod. With an insatiable wanderlust and an unquenchable thirst for cultural exploration, Luke is your trusted guide to unlocking the soul of Ireland.
With years of experience in the realms of travel and culture journalism, Luke has made it their mission to hand-pick the most captivating and authentic experiences that the Emerald Isle has to offer.
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