Féile Frank Harte 2026: a Dublin guide to traditional singing, 25–27 September

Féile Frank Harte runs in Dublin from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026, centred on Club na Múinteoirí at 36 Parnell Square. For international residents who want to experience Irish traditional singing in a setting built around listening rather than spectacle, it is one of Dublin’s most distinctive cultural weekends this September.

The festival marks its 21st anniversary in 2026 and commemorates Dublin singer and song collector Frank Harte. The programme combines open singing sessions, a bilingual workshop, an illustrated talk, a grand concert and a singing-and-walking tour at Kilmainham Gaol.

Féile Frank Harte 2026 at a glance

• Dates: 25–27 September 2026
• Main venue: Club na Múinteoirí, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
• Weekend ticket: €40
• Grand Concert: €25
• Individual sessions: mostly €5–€10, with one free illustrated talk

Which events are best for a first-time visitor?

The Friday launch and called singing session starts at 8pm and costs €5. It is an easy introduction if you have never attended a traditional singing session before.

On Saturday, Liam Ó Maonlaí leads a bilingual song workshop at 11am for €10. A free illustrated talk, Only the Eskimo Knew — The Irish in the search for Franklin, runs from 1pm to 2.30pm. Open singing sessions follow from 3pm to 5pm for €5.

The main Saturday event is An Cheolchoirm Mhór, the Grand Concert, at 8pm. The 2026 line-up includes Dónal Lunny with Daoirí Farrell and Leonard Barry, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Rita Gallagher, Méabh Mulligan and Pádraig Ó Nualláin. Tickets are €25.

What happens on Sunday?

The most unusual event is the Singing and Walking Tour at Kilmainham Gaol from 11am to 1pm. Songs and poems are used to tell stories connected with people imprisoned and executed there. Numbers are limited because of OPW health and safety requirements, so this is the event most worth booking early. Tickets are €10.

The weekend ends with a singing session and farewell at Club na Múinteoirí from 3pm to 5.30pm for €5.

Do you need to know Irish traditional music already?

No. An Góilín Traditional Singers describes its gatherings as open to singers and listeners. The emphasis is on traditional song, often unaccompanied, and attentive listening. Songs can be in Irish, English or other languages. International residents can simply attend as listeners.

Where is the festival?

Most events take place at Club na Múinteoirí, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, close to O’Connell Street and city-centre public transport. The Sunday walking tour takes place separately at Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Inchicore Road, Dublin 8.

How much are tickets?

The official site lists a €40 weekend ticket and a €25 Grand Concert ticket. Individual events are mainly €5 or €10, while the Saturday illustrated talk is free. Check the organiser’s live ticket page before travelling because limited-capacity events can sell out.

More Dublin culture

See Babylon’s guides to Tradition Now 2026 and the Dublin Theatre Festival 2026.

Official information

Check the Féile Frank Harte official website and its 2026 programme for live ticket availability and any programme changes.

Last verified: 22 September 2026. Featured image: official Féile Frank Harte 2026 artwork from the festival website.