Sunday's Schedule

Mactír Academy of Irish Dance (Mactír is the Irish word for wolf) offers both competitive and performance based classes with a focus on precision, teamwork, and grace. Mactir Academy strives to be the premiere team-based competition school in Minnesota, where dancers and families choose their own journey: whether that's going to a couple feiseanna (competitions) a year, performing with local and international bands, or competing in the Irish Dance World Championships. Their dancers celebrate this exquisite art form in a variety of settings and spread the joy of Irish Dance to everyone they meet. Learn more about Mactír Academy of Irish Dance.

From rousing pub songs to haunting ballads, The Inland Seas belt out Celtic folk with heart and grit. They'll draw you in with songs of the sea, of love and loss, of whiskey and wild nights... Come raise a glass and be swept away by the many moods of The Inland Seas! Learn more about The Inland Seas.

Hailing from Ireland, Clare is an award winning professional singer/songwriter, performing and recording artist, who uses her platform to bring awareness on all mental health matters while being a spiritual and physical advocate too. Clare feels it’s her duty to give back to her listeners and be real, raw and honest to help de-stigmatize the conversations around addiction, suicide, anxiety, depression and many more problems our world is facing. Learn more about Clare Cunningham.

New for 2023! Ardaigh Suas Academy is a new Irish dance school in the northwest metro. They offer both performance and competitive classes from Preschool through Championship levels. Their performance will showcase the skill, creativity, and energy of all of their dancers through both traditional and unique Irish dance choreography. Located in Albertville, MN. Learn more here.

O'Shea Irish Dance (OID) is led by director Cormac O'Sé T.C.R.G. (certified instructor with An Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha), original cast member of Riverdance & native of Dublin, Ireland. Cormac comes from a deep pedigree with the legendary Scoil Rince Uí Shé of Dublin, Ireland, taught by his parents for the last 47 years. Cormac toured for six years with Riverdance, performing over 2000 performances, across four continents to over two million people. He can be seen in the original film, Riverdance, The Show and four other film productions.  Established in 2005, OID provides training for the demanding and technical art form of traditional and competitive Irish Step dance where dancers train as artists, musicians, and athletes. Teaching ages three to adult, OID instructors inform the whole dancer to train a healthy body in strength, flexibility, and fitness as well as a healthy mind in confidence, discipline, and performance.  OID's Minnesota dancers have achieved 9 Regional Solo Championship titles, 2 Regional Ceili Titles, 2 National Championship Titles and 6 top-ten placements in the World Championships bringing the only 2 world globes home to the state.  O’Shea Irish Dance features their dancers in performances throughout the year, and produces two professional, full-length theatrical shows annually at several Twin Cities venues, including Stepping Stone Theater, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, and the Fitzgerald Theater. Learn more about O'Shea Irish Dance.

Willowgreen returns to the performance stage with two new members (fiddles). Willowgreen performs traditional and contemporary music from Ireland, Scotland, Newfoundland, Wales and Canada. They are known for their unique instrumentation and vocal style, and have performed throughout the US and Canada since the 1980s. Learn more about Willowgreen.

Traditional and contemporary Irish songs from a true “Irish” tenor, reminiscent of the early 1900’s John McCormack.  Mike won the Irish Fair’s “Irish Got Talent” contest a few years back. He specializes in singing Irish ballads, simply expressing numerous musical thoughts in song about Ireland's social, religious, and romantic expressions.

Eilís Academy (ay-lish) of Irish Dance aims to inspire dancers to dedicate themselves to the tradition and athleticism of Irish dance.  Eilis Academy is based in Anoka, providing expert Irish Dance instruction to the North Metro. We offer a traditional foundation for ages 5 years old and up, at all levels of dance experience. Classes are offered for both solo competition and team performance with instruction year round. Classes take place in Anoka, MN. Learn more about Eilís Academy of Irish Dance.

Ever wonder if there really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, if fairies grant wishes, or if your little brother is really a changeling? Come explore the emerald isle's rich storytelling tradition with Out of the Mist Celtic Theatre's Irish Myths and Legends. Join us for a rousing, interactive adventure for the entire family, filled with laughter, singing, and, perhaps, a surprise or two.

This year's performance is called Page to stage: Creative dramatics for young people. This play is centered around Irish fairy tales, myths, and legends will be the basis for a short production that the youth will plan and present.  Participation will include acting the roles of people, animals, plants, and all manner of things.  Some children will speak short lines or read from a story book. 

Learn more about Out of the Mist Celtic Theatre.

Dáithí Sproule of Derry, whose first group was the legendary Skara Brae, is one of Irish music’s most respected guitar accompanists, and one of the first guitarists to develop DADGAD tuning for Irish music.  He is also a fine singer in English and Irish.  In addition to performing and recording, Dáithí is a sought-after teacher and lecturer in subjects ranging from guitar styles and song accompaniment to Irish traditional music, language and literature. Learn more about Dáithi Sproule.

The Eddies have been singing for years. Theysing songs without instruments sometimes, and they add guitar and accordion when the song calls for it. At first they sang a lot of sea shanties, but over the years they have added all sorts of songs...songs that tell stories,  songs that are just plain fun, and songs that they can find harmony in. It's all about the harmony. Learn more about The Eddies.

Legacy has been performing traditional Irish tunes and songs since 1999. All four band members play multiple instruments (including flute, tin whistles, sax, accordion, mandola, mandolin, 6- and 12-string guitars, bass, bodhran, bones, etc.), and many of their songs feature 4-part harmonies. Their repertoire includes 150+ engaging songs and 100+ lively jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes, polkas, marches, etc. Learn more about Legacy.

The Twin Cities Robert Emmets hurlers will demonstrate the Irish sport of hurling. A fast paced game involving a hurley (stick) and a sliotar (ball). Watch the 2021 national champions display skills such as lifts, hand passes, solos, and ground strikes. All spectators are welcome to practice skills of the sport after the demonstration. 

The Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band was established in 1962 to preserve and advance Celtic piping, drumming, and dancing. They are one of the oldest existing pipe bands in the Upper Midwest. Over the years the Brian Boru Band has become a fixture in parades, celebrations, dances, and of course, the Irish Fair of MN. They play for local, regional, and national events, adding a sense of tradition and spirit of pageantry to every program in which they participate. Learn more about the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band.

Dogs and Ireland go hand in hand. The Native Dogs of Ireland have been gathering at the Irish Fair since 1985 to educate and inform about the historical uses of each breed. 

We are pleased to have our furry friends back at Irish Fair! Stop by Croke Park to say hello and learn about the different breeds.   Please note, not all Breeds are in attendance each or all day but you may catch a variety of the 8 Native Breeds of Ireland. From the several Terriers, including the Irish, (Red or Black & Tan) Soft Coated Wheaten, Kerry Blue and on a rare occasion the Elusive Glen of Imaal, to the Hunting Breeds of the Red/White & Red Setters, and the Irish Water Spaniels and their webbed toes. Lastly we always have a vast array of the Dog of Irish Kings and Nobles, the Gentle Giant, or Irish Wolfhound.

Couch potatoes rejoice - we have just the race for you! The start and finish lines are a mere three meters apart, and everyone's a winner. 

The Zero K start point to end point is only three meters in length. It may not be long, but this in no way detracts from its genuine race-like feel! And we believe everyone who has the stamina to walk, run, jog, or hop the three meters distance deserves to win first place!

All first place winners receive an Irish Fair branded tote bag. After participating in the race, relax and rehydrate with a cold beer on us. 

Register in advance or procrastinate right up to the day of the run and pay at the ZeroK registration table located in the Guinness Pub Tent. The Zero K Couch Potato Run is held on both Saturday 8/12 and Sunday 8/13. Participants should be at Croke Park by 2pm or just a little before!  Registration for race, tote bag, a beer, and bragging rights are included in the fee. (Please note: This fee does not include the price of general admission . Admission must be purchased separately!) Register now!

There will also be water and soda available for those who want a non-alcoholic beverage option, or for those under 21 years of age!

Contact info@irishfair.com with questions.

The Twin Cities Robert Emmets Camogie players will demonstrate the Irish sport of camogie. A fast paced game involving a hurley (stick) and a sliotar (ball). Watch the 3x national champions, and the 2019 world champions display skills such as lifts, hand passes, solos, and ground strikes. All spectators are welcome to practice skills of the sport after the demonstration. Picture below is Miss Shamrock 2020/2021 Zophia Raleigh demonstrating for fans at Irish Fair. 

For the kiddies, we have the Li'l Spud run. Kids get to decorate their spud before the race. Participants move from start to finish without touching or dropping their potato. Open to kids aged 2-12, hilarious to watch, and everyone is a winner. No registration needed for the Lil Spud Run.

Meet at Croke Park at 1:30pm to decorate the spuds before the race begins!

Kia Cashman has a long history of singing from folk songs with her father to performing with the Bel Canto Voices, with the Roger Anderson Trio, and with other groups over the years. She is a former and a founding member of The Giggin' Siles. Kia sings in Irish and English and plays several instruments. Bill Conlan has been singing Irish traditional and folk music since 1962 when he began singing with The Gallivanters; enjoying the band's 50-year run which also included performing as a duo for many occasions. He's sung at the SPA's nursing home tour since its inception in 1967 and at Minnesota Irish Fairs since their beginning in 1980. Recipient of IAM honors in 2018.

The Eddies have been singing for years. Theysing songs without instruments sometimes, and they add guitar and accordion when the song calls for it. At first they sang a lot of sea shanties, but over the years they have added all sorts of songs...songs that tell stories,  songs that are just plain fun, and songs that they can find harmony in. It's all about the harmony. Learn more about The Eddies.

Meets near Donegal stage; walk lasts ~30 minutes

Stroll along the Mississippi River with CynCity Tours as costumed guides talk about the Irish legends who helped shape St. Paul.  From godfathers to good guys, the city’s rich history includes Archbishop John Ireland and his work with the Catholic church…police chief John O’Connor interesting plan to deal with the city’s crime problem of the early 1900’s...the impact Saint Paul had on a young F. Scott Fitzgerald…and much more!

Hannah Flowers is a singer and harpist from St. Paul, Minnesota. Classically trained from a young age, she discovered Traditional Irish music as a teenager and hasn’t looked back since. Known for her sensitive and lyrical accompaniment of songs as well as her syncopated and rhythmic accompaniment of dance tunes, Hannah enjoys exploring the full depth of traditional Irish music and song. Learn more about Hannah Flowers.

New for 2023! We Lucky Few is a three-piece Celtic/Americana band with violin/fiddle, guitar, percussion and vocals. They cover rock, folk, Americana, and Celtic music, and are not afraid to take some chances! They cover the likes of Son Volt, Jason Isbell, the Beatles, Gear Daddies, SRV, Neil Diamond,  Prince, U2, Lucero, Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Wilco, the Stray Cats, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and many more. Learn more about We Lucky Few.

The Holy Ground Band plays Irish pub music with a three-person line-up of guitar/vocals, keyboard/mandolin, and flute/whistle. They play at Kip's every year for St. Patrick's Day, and other shows fundraisers as well. They keep their shows casual, fun, and spontaneous! Learn more about The Holy Ground Band.

New for 2023! A group of 4 men of questionable celtic heritage with an interest in traditional and modern Irish drinking songs, war anthems, historical oddities, sea shanties, and anything Luke Kelly sings. Fronted by Jesse Freeman and Zach Benson (who combined have done time playing in metal bands, rockabilly, backing up country singers, pop cover bands, elementary school string orchestra’s, funk combo’s, and somehow they’ve ended up doing irish folk?!), and supported by newcomers Ryan Reding and William Dapper (who has an awesome name). They practice in a shack in Apple Valley, MN. Four guys, one Bonnie Drunken Lad. Learn more about Bonnie Drunken Lad.

A capella singers with an Irish and English repertoire.

Included with the price of admission, there will be a Catholic Mass on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 10:00am on the Dublin/Main Stage. 

Students from the Center for Irish Music performing on a variety of traditional instruments. Learn more about the Center for Irish Music.

When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from their homes and now JigJam are here to take it back! Learn more about JigJam.

Hailing from France, Doolin' are an eclectic Celtic ensemble whose mastery of traditional Irish music has earned them an international following. Comprising two different families, Doolin' mix a variety of traditional and contemporary Celtic styles with elements of folk, pop and french chanson. The band consists of brothers  Wilfried (vocals, accordion) and Nicolas Besse (guitar) and their cousin Sébastien Saunié (bass), along with brothers Jacob (whistles) and Josselin Fournel (bodhran), Guilhem Cavaillé (fiddle) and Damien Daigneau (piano).

After signing with Compass Records, they traveled to the U.S. to record their 2016 self-titled fourth LP in Nashville, incorporating American roots music into their already unique sound. Their new album Circus Boy (march 3rd, 2023) was recorded at legendary Studio Ferber in Paris, ft. the Screaming Orphans and Ashley Davis (backing vocals), Niamh Gallagher and Niall Murphy (fiddle) and Vincent Segal (Sting, Elvis Costello, …) on electric cello. Learn more about Doolin'. 

From unknown band in 2014 on their first US endeavor to one of the most sought-after Irish music groups in the world today, Socks in the Frying Pan’s meteoric rise continues still! Performing in 46 American States, extensive tours of Europe, playing for Presidents and dazzling audiences all around the world, they are back to re-release their 2019 live album ‘Raw & Reel’ after two years off. Learn more about Socks in the Frying Pan.

Rince na Gréine (RINK-ah nah GRAHN-ya) means "Dance of the Sun" in Irish. Rince na Gréine is a studio of 100 Irish dancers in Hopkins. They share the joy of Irish Dance through performance, competition, or recreation – however you want to experience it! Director Lauren Adams-Plehal and Assistant Director Margaret Schmitz are both fully certified through CRN, the National Dance Association of Ireland. Learn more about Rince na Gréine.

Cumar is an exciting new musical group which brings together the complex and irresistible rhythms of West African drumming with the beautiful, flowing melodies of traditional Irish dance music. It features two master drummers from Guinea, West Africa, brothers Fodé and Alhassan Bangoura, who are the artistic director and lead dancer/choreographer of Minneapolis-based Duniya Drum and Dance; as well as three well-known musicians from the Twin Cities Irish music scene: Laura MacKenzie on flute and vocals, Jode Dowling on fiddle, and Sean Egan on clarinet. The group, whose name means “confluence” in the Irish language, was created in 2020 through a grant from the Irish Music and Dance Association's Cross Cultural Initiative, and made its debut at the Irish Fair of Minnesota in August of 2021.  Learn more about Cumar.

Leslie Rich grew up in Northern Ireland, listening to a mix of indie rock, acoustic songwriters and traditional Celtic music. Inspired by artists like Luka Bloom and Throwing Muses, Leslie became the principal songwriter, singer and guitarist for bands such as Emily Ryder, A Little Of The Ready and the Celtic folk band Hounds of Finn, recording on various labels including Immortal Recordings, Time To Be Proud Records, New Folk Records and Loud Folk Records. He founded the Rocket Soul Choir in 1994, mainly as an acoustic response to the heavy, guitar-driven, Irish bands cropping up at that time. Even while Leslie recorded solo albums, played in other projects and relocated to Minneapolis, the Rocket Soul Choir continued in various configurations over the years--always with the mission to create stripped-down rock. The band has released four albums, including the 2016 EP Kidder's Son, which received high praise on both sides of the pond, and their new album The Butcher Boy--the first featuring the current lineup. When not making music, Leslie loves to bake and cook and claims his best songs have come from picking up a guitar while waiting on a cheesecake to come out of the oven. He released new solo record that is filled with family stories and a childhood in Northern Ireland. Learn more about Leslie Rich.

Mactír Academy of Irish Dance (Mactír is the Irish word for wolf) offers both competitive and performance based classes with a focus on precision, teamwork, and grace. Mactir Academy strives to be the premiere team-based competition school in Minnesota, where dancers and families choose their own journey: whether that's going to a couple feiseanna (competitions) a year, performing with local and international bands, or competing in the Irish Dance World Championships. Their dancers celebrate this exquisite art form in a variety of settings and spread the joy of Irish Dance to everyone they meet. Learn more about Mactír Academy of Irish Dance.

North Star Irish Dance is a recreational Irish dance program located in Eden Prairie and in Northfield. The focus is on learning Irish dance in an encouraging atmosphere while developing friendships and learning other important life skills. Neurodivergent affirming. Learn more about North Star Irish Dance.

New for 2023! Twin Cities-based duo Danny Diamond (fiddle) & Brian Miller (guitar, bouzouki, vocals) brings together two of the top Irish traditional musicians in the US. Their soulful and compelling live performances run the gamut from sensitive waltzes to tearaway reels, punctuated by impeccable arrangements of newly-unearthed traditional songs. Learn more about Danny Diamond and Brian Miller.

New for 2023! Too Broke Blokes is an Irish Americana band based out of the Twin Cities. Their roots can be found at the Minnesota Rennaissance Festival. Learn more about Too Broke Blokes.

Dòrain is a traditional four-piece band based in St. Paul featuring four part vocal harmonies in English and Scottish Gaelic, as well as toe-tapping arrangements of Irish and Scottish dance tunes on fiddle, flute, concertina, harp, guitar, bouzouki, smallpipes and bodhrán. Learn more about Dòrain. 

Old style Irish dance, kids shows, cross cultural Irish, French Canadian, and Métis Indigenous content. Minnesota-born dancer, musician, and dance historian, Danielle Enblom, has been at the forefront of the study of early forms of dance in Ireland through research, education, and performance. Her expertise extends from regional forms of Irish dance, to the development of modern Irish step dancing, and its relationship to European and various vernacular styles of dance from North America. Danielle began teaching Irish dance in Minnesota in 1992 and has since taught, performed, and lectured around the world. Learn more about Danielle Emblom.

Chris Murphy, aka Gus the Bardic Troubadour, is a one-man-band playing a spirited mix of Traditional and Modern Irish Folk songs. He also performs covers of crowd favorites, as well as what he calls Pub Covers; popular songs, but with an Irish twist. Learn more about Gus the Bardic Troubadour.

New for 2023! Ardaigh Suas Academy is a new Irish dance school in the northwest metro. They offer both performance and competitive classes from Preschool through Championship levels. Their performance will showcase the skill, creativity, and energy of all of their dancers through both traditional and unique Irish dance choreography. Located in Albertville, MN. Learn more about Ardaigh Suas Academy here.

North Star Irish Dance is a recreational Irish dance program located in Eden Prairie and in Northfield. The focus is on learning Irish dance in an encouraging atmosphere while developing friendships and learning other important life skills. Neurodivergent affirming. Learn more about North Star Irish Dance.

*In-Person Class* An Luan has been together for many years, and is always on the lookout for new members - especially melody players on fiddle, concertina or accordion! This experienced group of musicians has a history of performing regularly around the Twin Cities with a large repertoire of session tunes and not-so-well-known tunes since 2010. They strive to play great music together and have fun while they are at it.

The Center for Irish Music (CIM) is a thriving nonprofit community music school based in St. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhood inside the Celtic Junction building. The CIM is dedicated to handing down traditional Irish music to the next generation of musicians in our community. Through private lessons, group classes, sessions and events featuring world-class artists, the CIM aims to inspire and support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities, throughout the Midwest, and Canada. Learn more about the Center for Irish Music.

Eilís Academy (ay-lish)  aims to inspire dancers to dedicate themselves to the tradition and athleticism of Irish dance.  Eilis Academy is based in Anoka, providing expert Irish Dance instruction to the North Metro. We offer a traditional foundation for ages 5 years old and up, at all levels of dance experience. Classes are offered for both solo competition and team performance with instruction year round. Classes take place in Anoka, MN. Learn more about Eilís Academy.

Seasoned musicians, songwriters and long-time friends, Caffrey + Scott is the musical duo of Madi Hannan-Smith (Scott) and Brianna Kocka (Caffrey). Caffrey + Scott met while attending university in rural New Brunswick, Canada, where together they studied music and the arts. Their time living in Atlantic Canada serves as a backdrop to their infatuation with sea shanties and other celtic inspired tunes. Throw in their love of Celtic music and culture, along with family ties to Ireland and Scotland, Caffrey + Scott blend lush harmonies with acoustic instruments, playing a mixture of traditional and modern songs by Celtic artists, as well as original songs inspired by the genre.