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.
- Irish National Opera presents Vivaldi’s L’Olimpiade
SpringIrish National Opera presents Vivaldi’s L’Olimpiade Four young people, one an Olympic champion. Tangled relationships. Forbidden love, twice over. An unsuccessful assassination. An execution avoided. And a royal father who has to accept his children as they are.
- Declan Nerney with Special Guests John McNicholl & John Hogan
SpringDeclan Nerney with Special Guests John McNicholl & John Hogan Declan Nerney and special guests return to Siamsa Tíre, live on stage for one night only in April 2024!
- The Game presented by Zyber Theatre
SpringThe Game presented by Zyber Theatre Local Tralee theatre group, Zyber Theatre returns with another wonderful production at Siamsa Tíre Theatre.
- Free Concert with The Whistleblast Quartet
SpringFree Concert with The Whistleblast Quartet The Whistleblast Quartet is delighted to return to Siamsa Tíre to work with schools and youth orchestras nationwide.
- Radio Kerry’s Tóg Sos
SpringRadio Kerry’s Tóg Sos Radio Kerry’s Tóg Sos takes to the Siamsa Tire Stage. Get ready for a night of rousing musical entertainment!
- A Medley of Musicals
SpringA Medley of Musicals The Transition year students from Colaiste Íde agus Iosaf Abbeyfeale return to the Siamsa Tíre stage to produce their variety show, ‘A Medley of Musicals’.
- Born to Dance by Kerry School of Music Dance Academy
SpringBorn 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
SpringThe Tom Ollendorff Trio Live jazz music at Siamsa Tíre Tralee with The Tom Ollendorff Trio as part of their European tour this Spring.
- 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.