Milwaukee Irish Fest Announces Partnership with Ireland’s Historic Record Label Claddagh Records

Milwaukee, WI—[May 6, 2025] — Milwaukee Irish Fest, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Ireland’s Claddagh Records. The historic Irish record label joins as the official ticket partner for Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025, set to take place August 14–17 along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.

As the official ticket partner, Claddagh Records will collaborate with Irish Fest to bring their Irish music catalog to a North American audience through promotional efforts and original, digital content.

“We are thrilled to welcome Claddagh Records as our official ticket partner,” said Caitlin Ward, executive director of CelticMKE, the nonprofit organization behind Milwaukee Irish Fest. “Claddagh Records has played a significant role in preserving traditional Irish music while also promoting the evolving sounds of Irish artists today, mirroring what Irish Fest has sought to do for the past four decades. This partnership is rooted in a mutual passion for sharing Ireland’s musical heritage with the world.”

Nick Younger, general manager of Claddagh Records, echoed that sentiment, stating, “It felt like a natural fit to partner with Milwaukee Irish Fest. Their team shares a complementary vision of promoting Irish music across generations. We’re proud to partner with a festival that has become such an important cultural ambassador for Ireland.”

Co-founded in 1959 by Garech Browne, Browne had a lifelong mission to make Irish music more accessible internationally. With Claddagh Records signing a global licensing agreement with Universal Music in 2020—and now, partnering with Milwaukee Irish Fest—Claddagh’s legacy continues to grow as it reaches new audiences around the world.

About Claddagh Records

Claddagh Records is an Irish traditional and folk music label and online store based out of Dublin, Ireland. It has long served as a cornerstone in the preservation of traditional Irish music, spoken word, and song. With a catalog that includes legendary artists like The Chieftains, Seamus Heaney, Christy Moore, and Liam O’Flynn, Claddagh Records continues to champion Ireland’s cultural past while ushering in the new wave of Irish music with artists like DUG, Niamh Bury, OXN, and Lemoncello. In 2021, Claddagh relaunched its online store, CladdaghRecords.com, with the goal of becoming the first stop for Irish traditional and folk music.

About Milwaukee Irish Fest

Milwaukee Irish Fest is part of CelticMKE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish music and culture in North America. Since 1981, Irish Fest has featured hundreds of musicians and cultural performers from Ireland and across the globe. Beyond the festival, CelticMKE offers year-round programming and educational opportunities. Learn more about CelticMKE at celticmke.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.