Sold-out concerts, packed pub sessions, sunshine-filled streets and world-class performances made TuneFest 2026 one of the most successful festivals to date, as thousands of visitors transformed Dungarvan into a vibrant celebration of Irish traditional music from June 18th to 21st.
From morning workshops and bustling Gig Rig performances in Grattan Square to late-night sessions that spilled from the town’s pubs, music echoed through the harbour town for four unforgettable days.
Across the weekend, Dungarvan welcomed visitors from across Ireland and beyond as every corner of the town embraced the festival atmosphere. Whether enjoying headline concerts, discovering emerging talent, joining outdoor performances in the sunshine or squeezing into packed pub sessions that carried on late into the night, audiences experienced the unique blend of musicianship, community and hospitality that has made TuneFest one of Ireland’s best-loved traditional music festivals.
The festival began in style with a sold-out Town Hall Theatre welcoming Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy, following an energetic opening performance by the Clancy Boys from An Rinn. It set the tone for a weekend that celebrated both the rich traditions of Irish music and the next generation carrying those traditions forward.
Friday evening delivered another packed house as internationally acclaimed ensemble, Cherish the Ladies, captivated audiences with a performance that earned standing ovations inside the Town Hall Theatre. Earlier in the evening, award-winning young group Bríomhar impressed concertgoers with an accomplished opening set, highlighting the bright future of traditional music.
Outside, Dungarvan enjoyed glorious summer weather as festivalgoers gathered around the popular Gig Rig in Grattan Square. Patrick O’Sullivan had crowds on their feet dancing and singing along before leading a lively social dancing evening at Lawlors Hotel, while free outdoor performances throughout the weekend added to the festival atmosphere and brought music into the heart of the town.
As day turned to night, TuneFest’s famous pub sessions once again became one of the defining features of the weekend. Across Dungarvan’s pubs, internationally recognised performers, local musicians and visiting players came together for spontaneous sessions where tunes were shared into the early hours, creating the kind of magical moments that have, while difficult to capture in words, undoubtedly become synonymous with the festival.
SUNDAY CONCERT ‘ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS’
Sunday afternoon’s concert featuring legendary fiddle player Frankie Gavin and pianist Catherine McHugh proved to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Joined by Dónal Murphy, Patrick Doocey and David Doocey, the performance received widespread praise, with concertgoers describing it afterwards as “absolutely brilliant”, “an incredible afternoon of music” and “one of the highlights of the weekend.”
The festival reached a fitting crescendo on Sunday evening as Danú closed TuneFest 2026 before a packed audience at the Park Hotel. Following memorable performances by Ger O’Donnell and Don Stiffe, Danú delivered a spectacular finale that was made even more special by the return of original members Tom Doorley and Daire Bracken to the stage. Festival favourite Bobby Gardiner was also recognised during the evening, delighting the audience with a number of tunes that had the room singing along together.
Beyond the headline concerts, workshops attracted musicians eager to learn from some of the country’s finest performers, while the festival’s busking competition brought fresh energy to the streets. Combined with the outdoor programme, CD launches, bustling cafés, restaurants and pubs, and the constant soundtrack of traditional music throughout the town, TuneFest once again showcased Dungarvan as one of Ireland’s premier destinations for lovers of traditional music.
Festival organiser Donnchadh Gough of The Local, thanked everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.
“What a weekend. Everywhere you looked there was music, whether it was inside our concert venues, in Grattan Square or in the pubs around the town. The atmosphere throughout the four days was fantastic and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the festival. We’d like to thank every performer, volunteer, sponsor, local business and everyone who travelled to Dungarvan to be part of it. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again next year.”
2027 EVENT
With another memorable TuneFest complete, organisers have already confirmed the dates for next year’s festival, with TuneFest Dungarvan returning from June 24th to 27th in 2027. Following four days of exceptional music, packed venues and an atmosphere that filled the town from morning until late into the night, many festivalgoers were already making plans to return before the final notes had faded.
