A Raglan Road Hooley

Combining Orlando with a traditional Irish music festival might seem like an odd idea, but we are here this week to tell you it’s a truly classic combo – and it is all set for its annual outing from August 29 to September 1 this year.

The fact is, our favourite destination has several Irish connections, including the soccer-centric Harp & Celt Pub in downtown Orlando, Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub in Curry Ford West and Finnegan’s Bar & Grill in the Universal Studios Florida theme park. Each one offers a genuine taste of the Emerald Isle, and some fine food and drink, too.

But no-one offers the full-on, authentic Irish experience quite like Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in the heart of Disney Springs. This superbly original venue has been a Disney staple since 2005 and has built up a well-deserved reputation for its food, drinks and entertainment ever since.

Now, with one of their annual highlights in the offing, it’s well worth underlining what makes this the foremost Guinness-serving emporium in Central Florida as we mark “Countdown to Hooley” time in eager anticipation of the 13th annual Great Irish Hooley, a roots revival music festival beginning Friday, August 29, and continuing through Monday, September 1.

What’s the craic?

In best Gaelic style, the Hooley is all about serving up top-notch music and entertainment over the full duration of the four-day bank holiday weekend. It features seven outstanding Irish bands that hail from Glasgow to Belfast, Galway to Tipperary and beyond, who will take it in turns to storm Raglan Road’s indoor and outdoor stages, with traditional jigs and ballads, Neo-Folk, Celt grass and pop tunes. Entertaining guests throughout the extended weekend-long party will be:

Strings & Things: These four talented lads are back for an encore on the Raglan Road stage. Their fresh, high-energy Tipperary Neo-Folk sound mixes trad and folk with a twist, and introduces their exciting new 2025 track, “On the Brink.” Expect a raucous evening of music and song.

Bridín: This contemporary folk harpist, singer and composer hails from County Sligo and carries on the tradition of Irish music into the fourth generation of her family. She has achieved many accolades, including being an RTÉ Folk Awards Nominee and winning multiple All-Ireland Titles. Bridín’s style is influenced by her natural surroundings and is deeply rooted in trad Irish music.

Plain Sailin: A dynamic four-piece Irish trad/folk band from Clare and Offaly, these good-looking lads feature Ronan O’Connell (lead vocals, guitar), Seamus Kinsella (fiddle), Darragh Cuddihy (percussion, vocals, whistle) and Graham Lynch (banjo). Blending traditional tunes with contemporary genres and a signature Irish twist, the group creates a vibrant experience rooted in the spirit of Ireland.

Men of Aran: These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle and whistles) and Dave Curley (banjo and vocals), have toured, performed and recorded with numerous traditional music luminaries. They’re known for charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship and electric energy.

The Byrne Brothers: Hailing from Donegal, this multi-award-winning family band and Irish dancers have garnered much success and recognition. Luca plays accordion; Finn the banjo, mandolin, and guitar; Dempsey shines on bodhran and whistle; and father Tommy completes the line-up on uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar and bagpipes. The Byrne Brothers are known for sprinkling their infectious humour throughout each performance.

Bean an Tí: This exciting new band came together from across Waterford, Kerry, Cork and Galway. Ruby Falvey, Iona Ritchie, Éabha Breathnach and Gráinne Ahern met while living in University College Cork. Each are multi-award-winning singers, musicians and dancers who entertain audiences with their traditional take on old and new Irish tunes.

Northern Crossing: Traditional Irish music is also the forte of this duo, hailing from Glasgow and Belfast. It features Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo and mandolin) and Niall McIlroy (guitar, whistles, flute and vocals), and both are accomplished musicians who offer an exciting live show.

And don’t forget the pub’s award-winning Irish dancers, who kick up their heels and defy gravity before your very eyes! On Sunday and Monday (Aug 31 and Sept 1), the dancers will also lead guests in an Irish Ceili dance through the pub.

Eats & Drinks

It is a party after all, so the full-on Irish menu will, of course, feature Raglan Road’s extensive line-up of traditionally crafted beers, cocktails, whiskeys and authentic dishes. Fan favourites include the Pork Schnitzel, both classic and veggie versions of Shepherd’s Pie, the OMG Burger, and crispy beer-battered Fish and Chips.

In addition to its All-Day Menu, the restaurant will also serve its weekend Rollicking Raglan Brunch from 9am to 3pm on both the Saturday and Sunday. On Monday (Labor Day in the US), the pub will open at 10am with its All-Day Menu and add Brunch specials – to include The Full Irish, Hipsters Lament and Bread Pudding French Toast – until noon.

As they like to say: “When you hear the Gaelic word “hooley,” you know you’re in for plenty of fun at a lively, family-friendly party. And we guarantee you’re in for some grand entertainment at Raglan Road,” says general manager Rachael Conroy. “Come soak up the last vibes of summer with us, enjoy our new drinks and dishes, and celebrate authentic Irish music at the Hooley!”

About Raglan Road

A consistent TripAdvisor Hall of Fame honoree and multi-award-winning restaurant, Raglan Road is widely known for its frequently refreshed menu of first-rate pub cuisine. Its broad array of exclusive locally crafted beers is created jointly by the resident Raglan beerheads with the best of Florida’s craft brew masters. Reservations are recommended. Call +1 407 938 0300 or visit raglanroad.com, and plan to join in with the annual Great Irish Hooley!

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