Ennis Trad Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Ennis Trad Festival, held annually in Ennis, County Clare, is a premier celebration of Irish traditional music, song, and dance, running from November 6–10, 2025. Established over 30 years ago, it attracts thousands of musicians, singers, and dancers from Ireland and beyond, drawing over 10,000 attendees to its 100+ sessions across 20+ venues.

Known for its relaxed and informal atmosphere, the festival features world-class acts, free session trails, and family-friendly events like Trad 4 Teens, making it a cornerstone of Ireland’s traditional music calendar. Organized by local volunteers, it showcases Ennis’s rich musical heritage along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Event Highlights

• Session Trail: Over 100 free traditional music sessions in pubs across Ennis.
• Evening Concerts: Major performances by renowned artists at venues like Queens Hotel and Old Ground Hotel.
• Trad 4 Teens: Free youth-focused music workshops and performances.
• Trad Disco: Late-night dance events with traditional music, following major concerts.
• Masterclasses & Workshops: Educational sessions on instruments and dance.
• Cultural Events: Album/book launches and Irish-speaking sessions.

City

• Ennis, County Clare, Ireland: Events span Ennis’s historic town centre, pubs, and cultural venues, set in the heart of County Clare’s musical tradition.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, with key activities at Queens Hotel, Anney Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 YX67, and Old Ground Hotel, Station Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 A00F: Central hubs for evening concerts and major events.

Date & Duration

• Dates: November 6–10, 2025 (Thursday–Monday).
• Duration: 5 days.

Venue / Location

The festival takes place across Ennis’s vibrant town centre, with events in pubs, hotels, and cultural spaces.

• Key Venues:
  • Queens Hotel: Anney Street, Ennis, V95 YX67 (evening concerts, Trad Disco).
  • Old Ground Hotel: Station Road, Ennis, V95 A00F (Sunday night concert).
  • Cois na hAbhna: Gort Road, Ennis (workshops, céilís).
  • Glór Theatre: Causeway Link, Ennis (concerts, cultural events).
  • Pubs for Session Trail: Considine’s Bar, Cruise’s Pub, Brogan’s Bar, and others (free sessions).
• Note: Full venue list and schedule announced September 2025; check ennistradfest.com.

Contact Information

• Email: ennistrad1@gmail.com (general inquiries).
• Website: www.ennistradfest.com
• Social Media: Follow @ennistradfest on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.
• Address: Festival Office, c/o Glór Theatre, Causeway Link, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland (inquiries only, not a ticketing venue).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at ennistradfest.com (individual event pages), in-person at venues (e.g., Queens Hotel, Old Ground Hotel), or via festival office (details TBD). Card payments preferred; cash accepted with exact change.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated Based on 2024, in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD):
  • Evening Concerts: €25 (~$28 USD) per concert, based on 2024 pricing for acts like Michael McGoldrick Big Band and Sharon Shannon Band.
  • Trad Disco: Included with concert tickets (~$28 USD total).
  • Masterclasses/Workshops: ~€10–€25 EUR (~$11.20–$28 USD, estimated).
  • Session Trail & Trad 4 Teens: Free, no tickets required.
• Notes:
  • 2025 pricing and full program announced September 2025; expect similar costs to 2024.
  • No booking fees specified for 2024; check ennistradfest.com for 2025 updates.
  • No refunds/exchanges; contact ennistrad1@gmail.com for waiting list inquiries.
  • Free events (e.g., Session Trail) require no registration.

Cultural Significance

The Ennis Trad Festival is a vital celebration of Ireland’s traditional music heritage, bringing together top Irish musicians in Ennis, a historic hub for trad music. Its 100+ free sessions and major concerts create an inclusive, community-driven atmosphere, drawing global visitors. Events like Trad 4 Teens foster the next generation of musicians, while album launches and céilís preserve cultural traditions. The festival boosts Ennis’s economy, with local pubs and businesses thriving during the five-day event, reinforcing County Clare’s status as a musical heartland.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Pubs like Considine’s Bar and Cruise’s Pub offer Guinness, craft beers (~$5–$8 USD), and pub fare (e.g., fish and chips, $10–$15 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Old Ground Hotel: Station Road, Ennis (modern Irish, $15–$25 USD, festival concert venue).
  • Brogan’s Bar & Restaurant: 24 O’Connell Street, Ennis (traditional Irish stew, $12–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Poet’s Corner Bar: 39 Parnell Street, Ennis (sandwiches, burgers, $8–$15 USD, near Queens Hotel).
• Street Food: Limited pop-up stalls during outdoor events (e.g., soup, pastries, ~$5–$10 USD).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at licensed pubs and venues; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Trad 4 Teens: Free workshops and performances for youth, held at venues like Cois na hAbhna.
  • Free Session Trail suitable for all ages; under-16s require adult supervision for evening concerts.
  • Check ennistradfest.com for age guidance on ticketed events.
• Accessibility:
  • Queens Hotel and Old Ground Hotel are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Glór Theatre and Cois na hAbhna have accessible facilities; some pubs (e.g., Considine’s) may have steps.
  • Contact ennistrad1@gmail.com for specific accommodations or ISL-interpreted event details (TBD).
  • Free Session Trial enhances financial accessibility.

Getting There

• By Air: Shannon Airport (SNN, 25 km, 20-minute drive) or Dublin Airport (DUB, 220 km, 2.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 51 to Ennis (O’Connell Street, 5-minute walk to Queens Hotel).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Ennis Station (5-minute walk to Old Ground Hotel).
• By Car: Parking at Clarecastle Car Park (5-minute walk, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD) or O’Connell Square.
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from SNN (~$25–$40 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Expected 2025 Similarities)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Session Trail: November 6–10, daily, 100+ free sessions in pubs like Considine’s, Cruise’s, and Brogan’s.
  • Evening Concerts: November 6–10, 9:00 PM–11:55 PM, at Queens Hotel and Old Ground Hotel (~$28 USD).
• Expected 2025 Events:
  • Friday Night Concert: Queens Hotel, featuring a major act (e.g., 2024’s Michael McGoldrick Big Band), ~$28 USD, followed by Trad Disco.
  • Saturday Night Concert: Queens Hotel, featuring a prominent band (e.g., 2024’s Sharon Shannon Band), ~$28 USD, with Trad Disco.
  • Sunday Night Concert: Old Ground Hotel, featuring artists like 2024’s Leonard Barry and Brìghde Chaimbeul, ~$28 USD.
  • Monday Night Concert: Queens Hotel, featuring artists like 2024’s Tim Edey and Dermot Byrne, ~$28 USD.
  • Trad 4 Teens: Free workshops at Cois na hAbhna, November 7–9.
  • Masterclasses: Instrument and dance sessions at Glór Theatre, ~$11.20–$28 USD.
  • Céilí & Irish-Speaking Sessions: Free or ~$11.20 USD, venues TBD.
• Note: Full program announced September 2025; check ennistradfest.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Concerts: Michael McGoldrick Big Band (Friday), Sharon Shannon Band (Saturday), Leonard Barry/Brìghde Chaimbeul (Sunday), Tim Edey/Dermot Byrne (Monday).
• 2023 Highlights: Lúnasa, Dervish, and Altan performed major concerts.
• Session Trail: Informal sessions with visiting musicians like Martin Hayes (2023).
  These showcase the festival’s focus on top-tier traditional music.

Educational Impact

• Masterclasses: Workshops on fiddle, uilleann pipes, and sean-nós dance at Cois na hAbhna, ~$11.20–$28 USD.
• Trad 4 Teens: Free sessions for youth, fostering traditional music skills.
• Cultural Talks: Free album/book launches at Glór Theatre, exploring Irish music heritage.
• Community Engagement: Volunteers and local schools participate, preserving traditions.

Cultural Activities

• Session Trail: Free daily music sessions in 20+ pubs, November 6–10.
• Trad Disco: Late-night dance events post-concerts, included with ticket (~$28 USD).
• Céilí: Free or ticketed traditional dance events at Cois na hAbhna, ~$11.20 USD.
• Album/Book Launches: Free cultural events at Glór Theatre, November 7–9.
• Irish-Speaking Sessions: Free language-focused music events, venues TBD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Concert tickets sell out; book via ennistradfest.com in September 2025.
• Weather Prep: November in Ennis (40–50°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Visit Ennis Friary (5-minute walk, $5.60 USD) or Clare Museum (5-minute walk, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Bus Éireann and Irish Rail.
• Festival Info: Check ennistradfest.com for digital schedules (no dedicated app).

Local Attractions

• Ennis Friary: Abbey Street, Ennis (5-minute walk, $5.60 USD).
• Clare Museum: Arthur’s Row, Ennis (5-minute walk, free).
• The Burren: 30 km, 30-minute drive (scenic landscape, free).
• Cliffs of Moher: 40 km, 45-minute drive ($10 USD).
• Bunratty Castle: 15 km, 20-minute drive ($15 USD).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Old Ground Hotel: Station Road, Ennis ($100–$180 USD/night, festival venue).
  • Temple Gate Hotel: The Square, Ennis ($90–$160 USD/night).
• Hostels: Rowan Tree Hostel (Harmony Row, Ennis, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Ennis town centre ($70–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for the November peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Queens Hotel and Glór Theatre; nearest hospital is University Hospital Limerick (35 km, 30-minute drive).
• Security: Garda presence at concert venues; bag checks for ticketed events.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor performances.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for pub transitions.