John Joe's Bar in Cill Charthaigh to feature on TG4 trad show Geantraí on Sunday

Geantraí, the beloved Irish traditional music series on TG4, will come to you this weekend from John Joe's Bar in Cill Charthaigh.

The show returns for its 19th season with a fresh approach, capturing the rich musical landscape of Ireland like never before.

This new series, hosted by acclaimed singer Pauline Scanlon, takes viewers on a nationwide journey from Donegal to Cork, showcasing the wealth of musical talent that thrives in the country’s most intimate and hidden venues.

The programme features sublime music from Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney, Iarfhlaith O Domhnaill, Natalie Ní Chasaide, Jim Byrne, Fiona Byrne, Peter Carr, Connie and Shauna Drost, Sinead Haughey, Stephen Gallagher and Stephen Gallagher junior, Mick Brown, Peter Carr, Aisling Curran and Derek Williamson. The show airs on Sunday, February 16, on TG4 at 10.30pm

“Geantraí has always been about the living tradition of Irish music. This series continues to celebrate that, bringing the music and its creators into the spotlight,” said Scanlon. “We’ve focused on capturing not just the music, but the environments where these sessions happen—places where the heart of Irish culture beats strongest.”

The new series is both a continuation of Geantraí’s legacy and a fresh reinvigoration of the beloved program. For 16 years, Geantraí served as a platform for countless Irish musicians, and this new series promises to highlight the continued vibrancy of traditional music in communities across Ireland. Filmed in relaxed pub sessions and intimate settings, Geantraí presents the music at its purest capturing the deep connection between performers and their audience.

“Geantraí has always been about community and connection, particularly between the musicians and their listeners,” said Paschal Cassidy, Director of Hedgerow Films, taking the helm of the series after a long history with the programme. “Through modern film and audio technology, we’re capturing that magic in a way that will resonate with both traditionalists and new audiences alike.”

Hedgerow Films has been recording episodes across the country over recent months, aiming to shine a light on both well-known venues and lesser-explored regions of Irish traditional music. This approach not only celebrates the wide diversity of Irish music but also pays homage to its vibrant future.