Traidphicnic

Festival of music & art in An Spidéal

Traidphicnic is the uniquely Irish community-based festival of music, art and inclusion in the beautiful Conamara village of An Spidéal. Cancelled in 2023 so please check closer to the time to confirm the 2024 event will proceed.

In previous years…
Located just 15 kilometres west of Galway city, this picturesque location on the Wild Atlantic Way is expected to host an array of Ireland’s and beyond most talented musicians and artists in 2023. It is hoped the festival will be based in and around the grounds of An Ceardlann, Craft Village and Café in An Spidéal.

As well as three full days of performances on the Traidphicnic stage, this family-friendly gathering has a jam-packed programme of events ranging from sessions from ‘Ardín Buí’ storytelling, wool-spinning ,wood turning, and a guided shore-walk with Gasóga Mara na Gaeltachta to discover the hidden treasures of the Atlantic Coast and a talk on the Archaeology and History of Galway Bay ‘Séidte Isteach ‘ / ‘Blown in ‘ with Michael Gibbons. There will be workshops in music, sean-nós singing and dancing underway throughout the weekend, as well as the opportunity to create your very own piece of art with the help of the our team this years contemporary visual arts projects ‘Amharclann na gCupóige’ with Nuala Ní Fhlathúin & Máirín Mhic Lochlainn and ‘Saltair na Rann ‘ with Noel Arrigan & Gabriel Henry.

Inclusivity is the defining factor of the Traidphicnic, and it is embodied in the opening act of the festival on Friday afternoon. The Gathering Session, followed by the Community Stage is open to anyone who wants to play this years set of tunes, whatever their age, ability or instrument. A host of talented musicians and singers are set to entertain each day from 2.30pm till late evening, providing a wide and varied range of traditional and folk music.

Throughout the weekend, you will hear the true sean-nós song sung by some of our young singers.

As well as the impressive line-up of musical talent, there are ongoing alternative activities throughout the weekend, and visitors are encouraged to get creative by participating in workshops held in the brightly coloured cottage studios around the Ceardlann – basket-making, glass craft, t-shirt design, weaving and clay modelling to name but a few. Drumming classes and heritage displays intersperse tunes from our new village ‘Ardín Buí’.

Full details of the exciting programme can be found at Traidphicnic.com