John Dwyer Trad Weekend

This event is a revival of a lapsed festival formerly held in Waterford City (as Féile John Dwyer) but being staged in 2026 in New Ross, Co. Wexford.

The event incorporates recitals of Irish traditional music (including unique local music and the compositions of John Dwyer), informal music gatherings ('sessions'), street performances (by a mixture of young groups from the locality, older musician groupings (plus an inclusive session with The Cumas Tradband), workshops for young musicians, an archival recording project of older musicians performing their unique compositions, the holding of a set dancing Céilí (the first in this area for some time) ,a special instrumental workshop to pass on the traditional-form compositions of John Dwyer ( who was renowned nationally as a traditional musician and a recipient during his lifetime of national awards through TG4) to a new generation of musicians.

Additionally, an event is planned to encourage the revival of the unique Wexford tradition of mumming to the New Ross area. A visual display of photos, audio and video on the life and music of John Dwyer is also planned by a family member.

Many of the events will take place in heritage buildings in the town and at heritage locations within the town centre.