On from February 20th-24th the Russell festival Weekend in Doolin is a tribute to the famed Russell family—Micho, Packie, and Gussie—three brothers whose music put Doolin on the trad map. Expect live gigs, spontaneous pub sessions, workshops, album launches, and plenty of late nights filled with tunes, stories, and possibly a singalong or two (whether you planned to or not!).
What’s On
This festival is packed tighter than a session in McGann’s on a Saturday night. Here’s what you can expect:
Thursday, February 20th – Gussie Mac Mahon Memorial Trophy
Brand new to this year’s festival is a Sean Nós Dancing competition in honor of Gussie Mac Mahon and Brian Mc Mahon! There will be a novice competition for Under 18 (The Gussie Mac Mahon Memorial Trophy) and a juvenile competition for Under 12 (The Brian Mc Mahon Memorial Cup).
This Sean Nos dancing competition is only open to students of Céim ar Chéim Dance School, but everyone is welcome to watch. The event begins at 7.30pm at The Attic in Hotel Doolin, and admission is free with optional donations at the door for the Irish Heart Foundation and Pieta House.
Friday, February 21st – Opening Concert
The Russell Festival’s main Friday event featuring Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Dónal O’Connor followed by James & Carol Cullinan, Mick Conneely, Dermot Byrne & Steve Cooney. The event will take place at the Russell Community Centre with doors opening at 7pm. Admission is €25, and you can buy tickets on Eventbrite.ie
Get your weekend tickets here!
Saturday, February 22nd – More Music, More Magic
Kids sessions, traditional Irish singing, fiddle and flute workshops keep the energy going on Saturday! But don’t think the action stops there—Doolin’s pubs will be buzzing with live sessions.
Throughout the Weekend
The real magic happens in the pubs – wander into:
- McGann’s (from 11am)
- McDermott’s (from 3pm)
- Fitz’s Bar at Hotel Doolin (from 1.30pm)
- Russell’s Bar at Fiddle + Bow (from 5pm)
All of these pubs will be hosting live trad sessions during the festival, with free admission!
Workshops, Singing Circles & Album Launches
Want to learn from the best? Grab your fiddle, tin whistle, or bodhrán and join one of the instrument workshops led by top musicians. Love the sound of your own voice? Good news—there are singing circles too!
And if you’re looking for something fresh, album launches will introduce you to new music from Ireland’s finest trad artists.
More details on the events? Check out the full lineup here: Russell Festival Weekend
Festival Essentials – What You Need to Know
Dates: Thursday, February 20th – Monday, February 24th, 2025
Location: Doolin, County Clare, Ireland (Russell Cultural Centre + local pubs)
Tickets:
- Weekend pass for concerts: €50
- Instrument workshops: €40 for two days
For more details, check out the official festival site: Russell Festival Doolin. See you in Doolin—don’t forget your dancing shoes!
