Starting in January, Ireland is getting a head start on this year, which promises to be both forward-looking, and full of nostalgia. Quite appropriately, the residents of Dublin are calling the first festival of the year, from January 27-31, 'Temple Bar Tradfest'.

Temple Bar was once a Viking stronghold, the area still has its original medieval street plan, so you’re literally walking through history. Dublin’s cultural quarter and creative hub it also happens to be well-endowed with traditional pubs, art galleries and multicultural restaurants like Toscana and The Whiskey Corner. You’ll find yourself wandering through narrow cobbled lanes, dipping into intimate pub sessions, special screenings or any of the other 200 free events that catch your eye.

You’ve got to love a festival that chooses venues like St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church and where writer Jonathan Swift was once Dean. At TradFest, musicians perform under the cathedral’s arched nave shaped like a cross. St Michan’s Church will send shivers down spines: it contains mummified remains, including an alleged crusader housed in underground vaults that were said to have inspired Bram Stoker.

The church has a musical past, too, as Handel is said to have composed his Messiah here. Other stellar spots include Dublin City Hall, which swings open its Georgian doors for the occasion, as does St Werburgh’s Church, founded in 1178 and seldom open to the public.

The Dubliners, Clannad, Sharon Shannon: basically some of the biggest names in traditional Irish music have performed at TradFest since its inception in 2006. The 2016 line up is no different. Platinum-selling Duke Special is performing his newest album, a deeply personal work that explores some new ground. Then there’s Kildare-born Katie Talbot. With a hauntingly lyrical style that's rooted in traditional folk, she’s described by The New York Times as having “a voice that’s both awestruck and tender”. The renowned duo Tír na nÓg are back, along with the legendary Luka Bloom, and many more performers.

Ireland’s traditional music as we know it has been around since the 18th century. Its distinct instruments such as the uilleann pipes and dances such as Riverdance are recognised around the world.

TradFest is open to literally everyone… and some of the best bits are free! Music might take centre stage at TradFest, but the face-painters, pipe bands, mobile farms, outdoor stages and craft market are all for free! And probably what makes this cultural extravaganza and two-time winner of the Best Traditional Festival award all the sweeter...  Find out more....