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Spain's Irish Fleadh set to celebrate 21st anniversary
homecoming |
The Cáceres Irish Fleadh has grown into a unique international celebration of Irish culture abroad
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Guests last night, including members of the Spanish embassy and the tourist board in Dublin, attended the official launch of Irish Fleadh Festival Cáceres 2025.
Hosted at Urban Brewing in the IFSC, the launch unveiled exciting details about the festival, which brings the very best of Irish traditional music, dance, language, and culture to the stunning medieval city of Cáceres in western Spain.
Now in its 21st year of the festival, Cáceres Irish Fleadh has grown into a unique international celebration of Irish culture abroad, drawing thousands of attendees from Ireland, Spain, and beyond.
This festival has established itself as one of the most important events in the local cultural and festive calendar.
It has become a key reference point for cultural, tourism, and musical exchanges with Ireland and with traditional music lovers around the globe.
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News in 90 Seconds - 6th June 2025
The 2025 edition promises a weekend of live performances, workshops, sessions, and cultural exchange — all set against the UNESCO World Heritage backdrop of Cáceres' ancient stone streets and plazas.
September 19, 20, and 21 are the dates when the heart of the city will be taken over by musicians from various parts of the world, playing traditional Irish instruments – bodhrán, banjo, concertina, fiddle, whistle, or Uilleann pipes.
Among the musicians on this year's lineup is Michael McGoldrick, considered one of the finest living flautists in Irish music.
Also featured is Tim Edey, an English multi-instrumentalist and composer, who was named Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and, along with Brendan Power, Best Duo. He was also named "Musician of the Year" at the 2020 MG Alba Awards for Scottish Traditional Music.
Edey has been described as an "instrumental genius." The full program features more than 60 musicians from Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, Germany, and Sweden.
The Friel Sisters, composed of Anna, Sheila, and Clare Friel, are a renowned Irish traditional music group known for their powerful performances and rich unison singing. They are known for their close combination of instruments (fiddle, flute, Irish bagpipes) and for performing songs in both English and Irish, many from their family repertoire. The Friel Sisters have toured extensively throughout Europe, America, and Asia. Read more
Also at the function yesterday evening were representatives of the Government of Extremadura, the Hon. Provincial Council of Cáceres, the City Council of Cáceres, the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, the Irish Ambassador to Spain, and figures from O'Hara's Brewery, the official sponsor of the event.
The Dublin launch event in Urban Brewing included a live traditional music session, attended by well-known musicians from Ireland and beyond, friends of the Cáceres Irish Fleadh.
'Irish Fleadh Festival Cáceres is a powerful reminder of the global love for Irish culture,' says Patricia Bravo García, festival director.
'Our launch in Dublin was not just a celebration — it was a homecoming. We're excited to invite the Irish public to come join us in Cáceres in 2025 for what promises to be our biggest and most vibrant festival yet.'
In 2025, Spain will enjoy two Irish Fleadhs. The festival that originated in Cáceres will expand to the Canary Islands.
The La Palma Irish Fleadh, organised by Extremadura and Palma residents, will take place on the weekend of October 17, 18, and 19 in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Starting in 2026, it will coincide with St. Patrick's Day in March.. Its program will feature musicians from different countries.
The goal is to expand the structure of the Cáceres Irish Fleadh, founded more than 20 years ago in the city of Cáceres.
The festival can be followed on these links:
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