Siamsa Tíre has hosted an annual Festival of Folk every summer since 1968. This festival consists of theatrical productions by the National Folk Theatre’s professional cast of performers. Over the decades, their productions have become renowned for their energy, wildness and sheer passion for tradition.
The festival also includes the interactive Folk Homecoming Exhibition. Using archive photos, audio and video footage, it celebrates the rich diversity of Irish folk culture while highlighting the role Siamsa Tíre has played in nurturing it for over half a century.
There are immersive visitor experiences too. These include members of the National Folk Theatre cast leading visitors on a guided tour of the exhibition, backstage tours, intimate performances from the cast and workshops where participants are taught to play tunes on traditional instruments, sing songs from the Siamsa Tíre repertoire, or dance some traditional steps from the region. These workshops are facilitated by traditional arts masters from the National Folk Theatre Training Academy.
Throughout the rest of the year Siamsa Tíre hosts touring theatrical productions, art exhibitions from local, national, and international artists, musical performances, workshops and more. Its a theatre that showcases the thrilling diversity of Irish culture, from its rich past through to its exciting present and its bright future.
Visit Siamsa Tíre on your next trip for an authentic cultural experience that you will treasure forever.
- Born to Dance by Kerry School of Music Dance Academy
Family funBorn to Dance by Kerry School of Music Dance Academy Kerry School of Music Dance Academy celebrates thirty six years of dance education in Kerry with 2 live shows at Siamsa Tíre this April.
- The Tom Ollendorff Trio
Arts and cultureThe Tom Ollendorff Trio Live jazz music at Siamsa Tíre Tralee with The Tom Ollendorff Trio as part of their European tour this Spring.
- West End Wonders
Family funWest End Wonders Following on from the successful Panto ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the award-winning director Oliver Hurley presents a variety of musical theatre excerpts.
- Eitilt: presented by The National Folk Theatre Academy
Family funEitilt: presented by The National Folk Theatre Academy A highlight in the calendar each year is the end of year showcase presented by the students of The National Folk Theatre Academy.
- Dolly and Mick
Arts and cultureDolly and Mick Dolly and Mick is a funny, engaging story with a poignant denouement and several well-known songs, performed live.
- Time to Shine
Family funTime to Shine The students of Oliver Hurley School treat us to performances that will leave you uplifted and full of the joys of summer when they present their variety show.
- Onóir Live in Concert
Onóir Live in Concert These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique.
- SIMPLY THE BEST Rebecca O’Connor as Tina Turner
SIMPLY THE BEST Rebecca O’Connor as Tina Turner In the words of Eibhlin Gleeson, theatre manager of Cork Opera House — “It was like a freight train came through the theatre and blew the doors off…what a show!!!”
- Revel in top class folk, drama, and traditional Irish music, song and dance stage productions.
- Take part in workshops, be guided backstage, or enjoy intimate performances from traditional artists .
- Explore the many inspiring exhibitions at the venue.
While you're in the area, take a relaxing stroll through Tralee Town Park where the theatre is based. Delight in the Rose Garden, Garden of the Senses, large green areas and children's playground.