As August winds down and kids go back to school, there’s no better way to end your summer on a high note than at The Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Never heard of a “hooley”? It’s an old Gaelic term for a party with music and entertainment with fun for the whole family. Returning for its eighth year, this year’s festival kicks off August 30-September 2 and offers a rip-roaring, toe-tapping, dance-in-your-seat party featuring incredible music and of course amazing food and drink.

With a focus on Irish music, you’ll expect to hear everything from traditional Irish, Celt grass, folk, blues and soul styles both indoors and out. Here’s a look at this year’s exciting headliner bands:

Billow Wood – Playing Irish and U.S. music festivals, this four-piece band fuses its unique brand of instrumentation with multi-vocals and harmonies for a blend of Irish and folk music.

Strings & Things – Before returning to Raglan Road this summer, the original Irish folk/trad four-piece band Strings & Things toured in London and throughout Ireland with their own original sound and a variety of crossover songs featured on their first original album,

“Turbulence.”

High Time – This fresh new trio from Connemara, Ireland, combines Irish music and an intriguing blend of modern folk influences to produce a rich sound and exciting experience. The band rocks an energetic statement with its instrumental lineup of flute, whistles, harp, bodhran, guitar and vocals – as well as some Irish dance steps thrown in.

TradGad – Three talented musicians from Kerry, Dublin – Colin Foley (guitar, vocals); Fionn Morrison (Uilleann pipes, whistles); and Ciara Ni Bhrian (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, banjo and bazouki) – are sure to charm guests with their vibrant performances.

Maca – These two Irish sister-musician-songwriters from Wexford, Ireland are dubbed “Ireland’s next big thing” and will be rocking Raglan Road Pub stages with their extraordinary talent with guitar, fiddle and vocals.

The Rolling Wave – Stephen and Abby are one of the finest traditional Irish music duos around.  These energetic performers work their crowd for some lively audience participation.

Atlantic Bridge – These accomplished musicians blend their rich musical backgrounds to create a fresh, exciting mix of country, folk and Irish trad music.

Of course, you’ll also enjoy a lively performance from our favorite Raglan Road Irish Dancers plucked from the stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows. Bring your dancing shoes, because you’ll be learning an Irish jig or two (no experience necessary!)

Big appetites are welcome as well because Raglan Road celebrates in the most authentic way—with incredible Irish fare, beer, and cocktails. My go-to favorite dish is the classic Fish and Chips but if you’re planning to stop by Saturday, August 31-Monday, September 2 the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch will be served (9 a.m.-3 p.m. ; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2) offering everything from a Full Irish Breakfast to Rockin’ Sausage Rolls and more. The pub will also be pouring a new local craft beer collaboration with Crooked Can Brewing: The Devil’s Foot Blackberry Golden Ale.

With no cover charge and four full days of fun there’s no reason not to stop by. If you would like to learn more and a make a reservation, click here for more information. We hope to see you there for a rocking good time!