Tunefest returns to Dungarvan with packed lineup of trad music
Photo:Philip Olckers
Fiddles, flutes and foot-tapping tunes will echo through the streets of Dungarvan this June, as TuneFest 2025 brings a weekend of traditional music to the Waterford town.
The festival organisers officially launched the programme with a line-up including Cherish the Ladies, Danú, Talisk and The Rising.
There will also be numerous lively pub sessions, open-air gigs, workshops and youth busking
Now in its fifth year, TuneFest has established itself as a welcoming and authentic gathering for musicians, singers, and dancers from across Ireland and beyond.
This year’s festival will welcome a remarkable gathering of musicians, including the internationally acclaimed Cherish the Ladies, marking their 40th anniversary, alongside Danú who are marking their 30th year, and award winning talents Talisk, and The Rising.
Grattan Square, in the centre of town, will once again be the heart of the festival with the outdoor gig rig hosting free performances, while pubs across Dungarvan will welcome players from near and far for impromptu, spirited sessions.
On Saturday, June 21, at Ard Scoil na nDéise, aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s finest players in workshops covering fiddle, concertina, whistle, banjo, accordion, and bodhrán.
These workshops will culminate in a tutor and student concert, offering a unique opportunity for participants to perform alongside their mentors.
Meanwhile, the town itself will be buzzing with youthful talent, as the festival’s busking competition invites young musicians to showcase their skills on the streets of Dungarvan, bringing their own energy and enthusiasm to the tradition.
TuneFest Dungarvan is driven by a dedicated voluntary committee, committed to celebrating and sustaining the town’s strong musical roots.
In a statement the festival organisers said: “Dungarvan and the surrounding areas of West Waterford have long been home to a thriving traditional music community, influenced by the nearby An Rinn Gaeltacht and an active Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann presence, ensuring that the festival remains authentic and deeply connected to the tradition.
"TuneFest Dungarvan is more than a festival - it’s a gathering of people who share a love of traditional music. Whether you’re settling in for an intimate session, joining the crowds at an open-air performance, or playing tunes late into the night, this is a weekend that captures the true spirit of Irish music.”
TuneFest returns from June 20 to 22, 2025.
For more details on tickets, workshops, and the full festival schedule, visit www.tunefest.ie
