Annual canalside festival takes place this weekend in Kildare

The Féile na Sollán – Sallins Tradfest will take place over the last weekend in August (Friday to Sunday 29-31).

It promises an exciting mix of established and emerging traditional musicians and singers to Sallins, alongside a programme of cultural and Irish language events for all ages.

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This year’s headline act is The Jeremiahs, a dynamic Irish folk band from Dublin known for their rich melodies, intricate arrangements, and soulful storytelling. With a repertoire that blends traditional roots and contemporary flair, The Jeremiahs have earned acclaim both in Ireland and abroad for their engaging performances and warm, authentic sound.

Inni-K (Eithne Ní Chatháin) is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter whose music draws from her extensive background in sean-nós and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories.

Festival favourites Inisowiacy, the Polish folk group from Ennis, Co. Clare, also return in 2025. They promote Polish culture and heritage through traditional dance, music, and costume, and connect with the wider community by celebrating the similarities and unique qualities of Irish and Polish folk traditions.

Friday kicks off with the festival launch in JP Healy’s at 8.30pm, featuring an open trad session with our own local group Sult and a Pop-Up Gaeltacht.

Saturday will see Sallins Harbour come alive with music and dance, including performances from The Jeremiahs, Inni-K, Polish folk group Inisowiacy, Sult, Rita Sutton Dancers, Naas Men’s Shed, Pádraig Ó Conghaile, Kate Ní Raoghaill and Kilteel Comhaltas. Throughout the day, there will be barge trips with live traditional music (some featuring a Pop-Up Gaeltacht), cultural workshops and children’s events.

The day finishes with an open Trad Session in Lock 13 featuring members of the Jeremiahs and local musicians.

Sunday, features the Open Mic Stage on the canal harbour with Spraoi and the Fletcher’s Group, a performance from Sallins Dramatic Society and a street céilí with Rita Doyle. More barge trips will run during the day and the festival concludes with the Finale Open Trad Session with Tom Moran from 8pm in The Railway Inn, open to all musicians and singers.

The cultural events offer something for everyone including a children’s céilí and long puck competition Sallins GAA, Music and storytelling for children under 8 with Julie Anne de Brún. Drumming workshops take place with Conor Moore (all ages), a puppet show with Little Gem Puppets Fun and games for children with Sarah Sparkles.

There will also be family yoga with Ciara, board games with Eclecticats in the parish

hall, street céilí with Rita Doyle by the canal and bricfeasta as gaeilge at Café Grange.

The event is proudly bilingual (English and Gaeilge), creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can use as much or as little Irish as they wish.

Many events, including the performances at the harbour on Saturday, are free of charge – so all are welcome to come along, enjoy the music, and be part of the wonderful community celebration. Some events need to be booked in advance for some of the and tickets may be purchased on www.feilenasollan.com.

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