Sheeran Stuns in Unexpected Irish Folk Set

Global Star Joins Traditional Musicians at Wexford Festival

Global music phenomenon Ed Sheeran surprised festival-goers in Wexford on Tuesday evening, delivering an impromptu performance of traditional Irish tunes alongside local artists at the Sky and The Ground pub. The intimate gig was part of the renowned Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations.

A Taste of Tradition

Sheeran, who has publicly embraced his Irish heritage, sharing that his father hails from Belfast, captivated the audience with renditions of beloved folk songs. He collaborated with Irish bands Amble, BIIRD, Beoga, and singer **Aaron Rowe**, immersing himself in the vibrant traditional music scene.

The singer-songwriter shared the stage for a performance of “Wild Mountain Thyme,” a poignant Scottish and Irish folk song. Accompanied by violin and bodhrán players, **Sheeran** himself strummed a guitar, drawing enthusiastic singalongs from the crowd.

Later, **Sheeran**, **Aaron Rowe**, BIIRD, and Amble united for “Raglan Road,” a song penned by poet Patrick Kavanagh and made famous by The Dubliners. The musicians formed a circle, creating a communal atmosphere with fiddle, accordion, and guitar.

The set concluded with a collective performance of “The Parting Glass,” featuring vocals and instrumentals from all the assembled artists. This well-known ballad, with roots in Scotland and popularized in Ireland, added a poignant end to the unexpected collaboration.

For those outside the packed venue, **Sheeran** didn’t disappoint, stepping out to perform an acoustic version of his global hit “Perfect,” ensuring everyone could share in the moment.

Understanding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, often simply called the Fleadh, is recognized as the world’s largest annual festival dedicated to Irish music. The week-long event draws immense crowds, with past festivals attracting up to 600,000 attendees. It showcases traditional music through competitions, concerts, and street performances.

The festival is organized by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an organization established in 1951 by traditional musicians and Gaelic culture enthusiasts. Comhaltas oversees numerous regional festivals across Ireland, culminating in the national Fleadh Cheoil.

The festival’s reach is expanding, with Belfast set to host the prestigious event in 2026. This move highlights the enduring and growing appeal of traditional Irish culture on a global scale, much like the recent surge in interest in traditional crafts, with Google searches for “Irish knitting patterns” increasing by over 40% in the past year alone (Google Trends).