Traditional music festival returns to County Waterford
Local musicians launching TuneFest 2026 Photo: John Foley
TuneFest is returning to Dungarvan from June 18 to 21.
Organised by a voluntary committee deeply rooted in the local trad community, the festival is driven by a genuine passion for traditional Irish music and for creating something special in Dungarvan.
This year’s programme brings together leading names in Irish traditional music alongside emerging performers and local musicians, with Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy, Cherish the Ladies, Frankie Gavin, Danú, Damien Mullane, The Rising and The Johnny Quinn Macs all featuring across the four-day festival.
TuneFest 2026 opens on Thursday 18 June at Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre with Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy. Sons of Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, their performance brings together songs and stories rooted in one of the most influential legacies in Irish folk music.
Friday and Saturday evening see the Town Hall Theatre host Cherish the Ladies, one of the most internationally recognised ensembles in Irish music. Led by flute and whistle player Joanie Madden, the Grammy-nominated group has spent four decades performing worldwide, with appearances ranging from major concert halls to the Olympics and the White House.
Beyond the headline gigs, much of the festival’s atmosphere comes from the pub sessions that take place throughout the weekend. Musicians of the same calibre as those appearing on the main stages gather informally across Dungarvan’s pubs, creating sessions that regularly continue into the early hours and draw packed crowds throughout the town.
Commenting ahead of the 2026 festival, organiser Donnchadh Gough said: “TuneFest has always been about bringing the very best musicians together and creating an atmosphere where people can experience them up close. The gigs are at the heart of it, but the energy across the whole town makes it something really special. Dungarvan comes alive for the weekend and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back again this June.”
Tickets and full festival details are available now at www.tunefest.ie
