Rea hails traditional music scene

Hollywood star Stephen Rea has paid tribute to Ireland's thriving traditional music scene saying it defines the nation in an ever shrinking world.

The Belfast-born actor, patron of this year's Temple Bar Trad Festival, said the tradition is alive and vibrant and an important part of culture which celebrates Ireland's national heritage.

Launching the programme for the five-day celebration of Irish music, Rea said Dublin city's legacy of great traditional musicians means it more than deserves its right to showcase and celebrate native music and culture. More than 200 musicians will descend on heart of capital's cultural quarter for the Temple Bar Trad Festival, which kicks off on January 23