Over 15,000 people flock to Tunefest

Over 15,000 people attended Tunefest in Dungarvan this year, for a full weekend of trad, culture and more.

The fabulous weather throughout the weekend also attracted large number of campervans to the town.

Now in its fifth year, the festival was organised by a dedicated voluntary committee headed up by Donnacha Gough, Valerie O’ Gorman, Brendan Clancy and Cllr. Damien Geoghegan.

The 2025 lineup featured a stellar mix of talent.

Irish-American supergroup Cherish the Ladies marked their 40th anniversary with two packed performances.

Meanwhile, Danú also celebrated 30 years together with a rousing festival finale.

Talisk brought high-energy Scottish trad to the festival, with genre-defying Irish group The Rising also lighting up the stage.

Grattan Square was once again the beating heart of the festival. 

The outdoor gig rig hosted free, family-friendly shows under open skies, while the surrounding streets buzzed with visitors enjoying Dungarvan’s vibrant outdoor hospitality scene.

There was no shortage of impromptu music either, as the festival’s famed pub session trail saw traditional tunes flowing late into the night in venues across the town.

Workshops at Ard Scoil na nDéise were a major draw, with over 150 musicians taking part in sessions across fiddle, concertina, whistle, banjo, accordion, and bodhrán.

Acclaimed tutors, Tara Breen, Keith O'Loughlin, Brian O'Loughlin, Conor O'Loughlin, Keelan McGrath, Joseph McNulty, and Sorcha Costello, led the day, helping participants develop their skills before a special tutor-student performance capped off the experience.

The town was also brought to life by the busking competition, with young musicians filling the streets with energy and melody. 

The winning ensembles impressed both the public and the judges with their performances.

They also added to the celebratory mood of the weekend.

The festival closed with a powerful joint performance from Taobh Na Mara and Danú at The Park Hotel.

Festival organisers are already looking forward to next years event.

TuneFest will return in 2026 from June 19 to June 21.