Whelanslive.com in assoc. with Smithwick’s Irish Ales presents

WHELAN’S TRAD & FOLK FESTIVAL 2026

featuring

GRÁDA

plus support

Christof Van Der Ven

Whelan’s Main Venue • Wed 12th August 2026

“Gráda is to Irish music what Arcade Fire is to Indie – informal, prodigious and full of spirit” – The Washington Post.

A highlight on the traditional Irish music scene from 2001 – 2011, trad group Gráda are reuniting this summer to play two shows in Dublin and Galway.

With members from both Ireland and New Zealand, Gráda spent much of their time touring internationally, performing in over 1000 cities in 30 countries from the Sydney Opera House to the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall to Ireland’s National Concert Hall and headlined multiple European and American folk festivals.

In 2011, Gráda disbanded to work on individual projects. This saw the members involved in various ventures including musical groups The Whileaways and ALDOC, Gráda’s sound is rooted in trad, while drawing influences from folk, jazz, world music and Americana. The band’s live shows exude energy, with an improvisation element that made them unique within the trad music world. The repertoire is seeded with original songs and instrumentals that have captured the imaginations of audiences all around the world.

CONNECT

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp

TICKETS

€23.50 available online from Whelan’s – €1 per ticket service charge applies.

Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required

AFTER THE GIG

Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar