Biffy Clyro
January 9th, SSE Arena, Belfast, £73; January 10th, 3Arena, Dublin, €72.70, ticketmaster.ie
Scottish rock band arrive just in time to kick the new year into orbit.
Emmylou Harris
January 18th, 3Arena, Dublin, €76.25/€67.70, ticketmaster.ie
The queen of the silver dollar returns to Ireland after far too long. Unsurprisingly, there are very few tickets available.
James Arthur
February 1st, 3Arena, Dublin, €46.20; June 29th, Trinity College Dublin, €59.90; June 30th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €59.85/€49.20, ticketmaster.ie
Songs with heart from one of the far better X Factor alumni. He’s back in the summer for those hibernating.
Jason Derulo
February 9th, 3Arena, Dublin, €72.70/€67.70, ticketmaster.ie
The US singer, songwriter and dancer, who has sold more than 250 million singles, brings his Last Dance world tour to Ireland.
Motionless in White
February 10th, 3Arena, Dublin, €61.85, ticketmaster.ie
All the way from Scranton, Pennsylvania, no, not the staff of the US Office but the highly rated metalcore band who released their debut demo 20 years ago and haven’t stopped since.
Deftones
February 16th, 3Arena, Dublin, €94/€79; August 25th, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, €89.90/€79.90, ticketmaster.ie
Excellent US band nominated for the Grammy for best rock album last year, for Private Music.
Stereolab
February 21st, NCH, Dublin, €35; February 22nd, Mandela Hall, Belfast, £32, ticketmaster.ie
In search of an Anglo-French music unit that will make you sway and swoon with a synthesis of motorik beats and 1960s pop? Look no further.
Dublin Bowie Festival
February 24th-March 1st, various venues and prices, dublinbowiefestival.ie
The enduring festival celebrates 50 years of David Bowie’s Station to Station and pays tribute to the singer 10 years after his death, on January 10th, 2016. Guests include guitarist Earl Slick and pianist Mike Garson.
Alter Bridge
February 28th, 3Arena, Dublin, €62, ticketmaster.ie
On the back of their new self-titled album, the Florida rockers bring their What Lies Within tour to Ireland. Special guests include Daughtry and Sevendust.
Dave
March 2nd, 3Arena, Dublin, €61.85, ticketmaster.ie
Acclaimed UK rapper whose latest album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, became the fastest-selling rap album on vinyl in 2025.
Tyler Childers
March 3rd, 3Arena, Dublin, €45.70, ticketmaster.ie
Many of us may not be familiar with this country singer, but the American is well able to fill big venues such as 3Arena.
Raye
March 4th-5th, 3Arena, Dublin, €58, ticketmaster.ie
The singer otherwise known as Rachel Keen, who in 2024 won a record-breaking six Brit Awards in a single year, and has also co-written songs for Beyoncé and Charli XCX, concludes the European leg of her This Tour May Contain New Music shows.
Laufey
March 6th, 3Arena, Dublin, €73.15/€53.15, ticketmaster.ie
The Icelandic singer, aka the “TikTok jazz ambassador”, performs songs from her three acclaimed albums.
MGK
March 12th, 3Arena, Dublin, €50.05, ticketmaster.ie
The musician formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly tours his seventh album, Lost Americana.
David Byrne
March 13th, 3Arena, Dublin, €61.85 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
The former Talking Heads frontman presents his new album, Who Is the Sky?, to Irish audiences for the first time. Expect one of the smartest stage shows of 2026.
Sombr
March 16th, 3Arena, Dublin, €37 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
The Grammy-nominated New York singer, who’s not yet 21, is already selling out arenas. He returns to Ireland for Electric Picnic, at the end of August.
Giveon
March 17th, 3Arena, Dublin, €158.95/€61.85, ticketmaster.ie
US singer and songwriter indebted to Philly soul, Barry White and Al Green. The love train leaves from platform 2 at 6pm.
Kesha
March 21st, 3Arena, Dublin, €54.85; July 7th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €78.25/€67.35, ticketmaster.ie
US pop star arrives in Ireland as part of her Tits Out tour to promote her latest album, Period.
Reneé Rapp
March 22nd, 3Arena, Dublin, €56.85, ticketmaster.ie
North Carolina singer-songwriter and actor whose album Bite Me was, according to Rolling Stone, one of the “most delightful pop blowouts” of 2025.
5 Seconds of Summer
March 26th, SSE Arena, Belfast, £63.75; March 27th, 3Arena, Dublin, €92/€59.70, ticketmaster.ie
Australian group now fully morphed from boy band to serious pop-rock act.
Tash Sultana
March 28th, 3Arena, Dublin, €49.20, ticketmaster.ie
Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer.
Josh Groban
March 29th, 3Arena, Dublin, €122.40/€87.40, ticketmaster.ie
Multihyphenate US singer-songwriter-actor.
Gorillaz
March 31st, SSE Arena, Belfast, £90 (sold out); April 1st and 2nd, 3Arena, Dublin, €94.25/€84.25, ticketmaster.ie
From animated virtual band to real-life touring outfit, fronted by Damon Albarn of Blur. The band return to Ireland to play Electric Picnic at the end of August.
Rick Astley
April 14th, 3Arena, Dublin, €48.70, ticketmaster.ie
Enduring UK star whose special guest is another steadfast UK pop singer: Gabrielle.
Yungblood
April 14th, SSE Arena, Belfast, £62.50/£38.95; April 15th, 3Arena, Dublin, €39.20, ticketmaster.ie
English performer plugs his latest album, Idols. Special guests are The Warning and The Molotovs.
The Prodigy
April 28th, 3Arena, Dublin, €47.35 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
Electropunk act once described as the godfathers of rave. Special guest is the DJ Carl Cox.
Big Thief
April 29th, 3Arena, Dublin, €76.45/€65.30, ticketmaster.ie
Brooklyn indie folk act fronted by Adrianne Lenker, who’s also a solo artist.
The Big Star Quintet
April 29th and 30th, Button Factory, Dublin, €44.20 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
A small venue for a star-studded band featuring Jody Stephens, the last surviving original member of Big Star; Mike Mills, formerly of REM; and Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub.
Louis Tomlinson
April 30th, 3Arena, Dublin, €41.20, ticketmaster.ie
The former One Direction singer plugs How Did I Get Here?, his third studio album, as well as performing a few choice 1D tunes.
Tame Impala
May 13th, 3Arena, Dublin, €71.20 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
Aka Kevin Parker and his unfeasibly psych-pop earworms.
Richard Ashcroft
May 16th, 3Arena, Dublin, €70.70 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
Following his Oasis support gigs at Croke Park last year, Ashcroft is back with his bittersweet symphonies.
The Neighbourhood
May 17th, 3Arena, Dublin, €57.95 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
US rock band follow the release of Ultrasound, their fifth album, with a highly anticipated Irish show.
Doja Cat
May 19th, 3Arena, Dublin, €56.85, ticketmaster.ie
One American rapper, who’s bringing her Tour Ma Vie show to Ireland, is one of the defining pop stars of the era, according to Billboard.
Night and Day
May 29th-31st, Lough Key Forest Park, Co Roscommon, €165, nightandday.ie
Rustic vibes and rock’n’roll with The Saw Doctors, Hothouse Flowers, Richard Thompson, Thumper and M(h)aol.
CMAT
May 30th, St Anne’s Park, Dublin, €69.90/€59.90; June 20th, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €69.90/€59.90, ticketmaster.ie
The queen, simple as. CMAT also performs at Electric Picnic at the end of August.
Kingfishr
June 5th, St Anne’s Park, Dublin, €69.90/€59.90; June 8th and 9th, SSE Arena, Belfast; June 11th and 12th, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €69.90/€59.90; June 13, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €69.90/€59.90, ticketmaster.ie
Immensely successful Irish folk-pop group with the Midas touch. Resale tickets are all you can expect to get your hands on at this point.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
June 10th, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €91;25/€81.25, ticketmaster.ie
The heart of darkness descends on sunny Malahide.
Guns N’ Roses
June 10th, 3Arena, Dublin, €530.46/€168.25/€98.25, ticketmaster.ie
November Rain in June? Axl Rose and chums are back (but check out the top ticket price).
Beyond the Pale
June 12th-14th, Glendalough Estate, Co Wicklow, €235.75, itsbeyondthepale.ie
Headline acts at this bucolic boutique festival include Caribou, Soulwax and Father John Misty.
David Gray
June 13th and 14th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €87.45/€77.55; June 17th, Fairview Park, Dublin, €87.45/€77.55, ticketmaster.ie
Past and present songs delivered with the usual vigour and vinegar. Special guest: The Divine Comedy.
Zach Bryan
June 20th and 21st, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork, €182.25/€97.25; June 23rd and 24th, Boucher Road, Belfast, £141/£116, ticketmaster.ie
As if playing Phoenix Park for three nights last year wasn’t enough.
Olivia Dean
June 20th and 21st, Fairview Park, Dublin, €66.10, ticketmaster.ie
Multi-award-winning UK neosoul singer and songwriter.
Two Door Cinema Club
June 23rd, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €67.35, ticketmaster.ie
Bangor band with banging tunes.
Lewis Capaldi
June 23rd and 24th, Marlay Park, Dublin, €91.10/€81.10; June 26th, Thomond Park, Limerick, €91.10/€81.10, ticketmaster.ie
For many, the master of the heartbreaking ballad. All of these shows have already sold out.
Alanis Morissette
June 24th, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €99.90/€89.90, ticketmaster.ie
Highly influential 1990s-2000s singer with one hand in her pocket, the other playing the piano.
Katy Perry
June 24th, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €79.90/€69.90, ticketmaster.ie
Will there be fireworks? We can but hope.
The Lumineers
June 25th, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €71.05/€61.05, ticketmaster.ie
Alternative folk-pop group from New Jersey. Special guest is the Ivor Novello Award-winning English songwriter Tom Odell.
Amble
June 26th, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €69.90/€59.90, ticketmaster.ie
You want cosy folk songs with heart? You got ’em.
The Cure
June 26th, Marlay Park, Dublin, €91.25/€81.25; June 28th, Belsonic, Belfast, £86/£76, ticketmaster.ie
Goth-pop par excellence. Special guests include Stella and the Dreaming, the Dundalk band Just Mustard, and The Twilight Sad.
Addison Rae
June 26th, Imma, Dublin, €71.95, ticketmaster.ie
Quality indie-pop and alt.R&B from Grammy-nominated singer and actor. Eighty-eight million TikTok followers can’t be wrong, can they?
Scissor Sisters
June 26th, Collins Barracks, Dublin, €57.44, ticketmaster.ie
The Mother Pride opening-party headliners will be joined by Peaches, Panti Bliss and Tara Kumar.
Paul Weller
June 26th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €73.25; ticketmaster.ie
The modfather. Simple as.
Michael Bublé
June 27th, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €99.90/€89.90; June 28th, Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick, €136.25/€54.85, ticketmaster.ie
The Canadian crooner eases his way through the Great American Songbook.
Florence + the Machine
June 27th, Thomond Park, Limerick, €85.90/€79.90; June 28th, Marlay Park, Dublin, €79.90/€69.90, ticketmaster.ie
The forceful, dramatic English singer Florence Welch brings her band to Ireland.
Calvin Harris
June 27th, Marlay Park, Dublin, €87.45 (sold out); June 28th, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €79.90, ticketmaster.ie
Scottish dance-pop whirlwind. Special guest is the Irish singer Jazzy.
Kings of Leon
June 29th, Belsonic, Belfast, £91; July 1st, Thomond Park, Limerick, €99.75/€89.75, ticketmaster.ie
The Followill family return to a welcoming, dedicated fan base.
Maroon 5
June 30th, Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, €89.90/€69.90, ticketmaster.ie
The US band’s first Irish gig for more than 10 years, you say? Watch this one sell out.
Lily Allen
June 30th and July 1st, 3Arena, Dublin, €88.25/€67.70, ticketmaster.ie
Spiky singer-songwriter performs tracks from West End Girl, her lacerating 2025 album, and other perceptive, possibly chord-striking pop songs.
Wet Leg
July 1st, Trinity College, Dublin, €59.90, ticketmaster.ie
Take a bow, winners of Ticket’s virtual award for best international group.
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts
July 1st, Virgin Media Park, Cork, €99.90/€89.90, ticketmaster.ie
Mr Heart of Gold himself. Special guests include Elvis Costello and the Imposters (with Charlie Sexton).
Kaleidoscope
July 3rd-5th, Russborough House, Blessington, Co Wicklow, €60.85/€41.20, kaleidoscopefestival.ie
Headliners at this family-friendly festival include The Saw Doctors and Natasha Bedingfield.
The Wolfe Tones
July 3rd, 4th and 24th, 3Arena, Dublin, €159.45/€77.70, ticketmaster.ie
Just when you thought they’d retired…
OMD
July 4th, Trinity College Dublin, €59.90, ticketmaster.ie
Superlative synth-pop legacy act.
Take That
July 4th, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, €266/€146.25/€126.25, ticketmaster.ie
Durable UK pop act revive their lauded Circus arena show. You will be entertained.
The Kooks
July 5th, Trinity College, Dublin, €59.90, ticketmaster.ie
Herman’s Hermits influenced by 1990s Britpop, anyone?
Tom Grennan
July 9th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €61.70, ticketmaster.ie
The English songwriter performs as part of the tour for his fourth album, Everywhere I Went Led Me to Where I Didn’t Want to Be.
Johnny Marr
July 10th, Live at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, €61.70, ticketmaster.ie
The man with a back catalogue of golden Smiths songs that he co-wrote.
James Taylor & His All-Star Band
July 10th, Live at the Marquee, Cork, €61.70; July 12th, Live at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, €98.80, ticketmaster.ie
Resilient US songwriter of classics such as Fire and Rain and Carolina on My Mind.
Dermot Kennedy
July 11th and 12th, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, €111.25/€101.25 (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
Two shows here for the revered Irish songwriter.
Patti Smith Quartet
July 14th, King John’s Castle, Limerick, €84, ticketmaster.ie
The lyrical, poetic, erudite Patti Smith returns to Ireland following her triumphant 3Arena show in October 2025.
Luke Combs
July 18th and 19th, Slane Castle, Co Meath, €166.25/€156.25/€131, ticketmaster.ie
US country singer claims a record as the first act to play two consecutive shows at this historic venue.
Forest Fest
July 24th-26th, Emo Village, Co Laois, €210, forestfest.ie
Acts announced so far include Madness, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Charlatans, The Lemonheads and Lloyd Cole.
All Together Now
July 30th-August 2nd, Curraghmore Estate, Co Waterford, €275/€260, ticketmaster.ie
Kneecap are among the headliners, and the festival has announced that Christy Moore will also be performing. Phase 1 and 2 tickets have sold out.
Sepultura
August 9th, 3Arena, Dublin, €99.50/€87, ticketmaster.ie
The Brazilian metal band bid farewell to Ireland on their final tour. Special guests include Biohazard, Malevolent and Sacred Reich.
The Weeknd
August 22nd and 23rd, Croke Park, Dublin, €690/€505.60/€395.10, ticketmaster.ie
The Weeknd at the weekend? Perfect. And, yes, the unreal ticket prices. Even more than Guns N’ Roses’!
Amyl and the Sniffers
August 25th and 26th, Collins Barracks, Dublin, €54.85, ticketmaster.ie
Australian punk band, for fans of The Stooges and The Damned. Special guests are Mannequin Pussy and Spider.
Electric Picnic
August 28th-30th, Stradbally Hall, Co Laois (sold out), ticketmaster.ie
Headline acts include Gorillaz (August 29th) and Fontaines DC (August 30th). Other big names include CMAT, Zara Larsson and Wunderhorse.
Mac DeMarco
August 29th, Collins Barracks, Dublin, €74.25; August 31st, Ulster Hall, Belfast, £55, ticketmaster.ie
Canadian songwriter and producer beloved for his easy-going acoustic tunes.
Bon Jovi
August 30th, Croke Park, Dublin, €161.25/€116.25, ticketmaster.ie
New Jersey rockers visit one of their favourite cities on their first tour for six years.
The Waterboys, featuring Steve Earle
September 5th, 3Arena, Dublin, €39.70, ticketmaster.ie
Mike Scott presents the Fisherman’s Blues Revue, featuring the fiddle player Steve Wickham and the US singer-songwriter Steve Earle (who’ll perform in his own right and as an honorary Waterboy).
Westlife
September 10th-12th, 15th-16th, 18th-20th and 22nd-26th, 3Arena, Dublin, €80; October 27th-31st and November 5th-6th, SSE Arena, Belfast, £119.95/£73, ticketmaster.ie
Now down to three – Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne – the boy band celebrate their 25th birthday with an unprecedented run of shows at each venue.
Gilbert O’Sullivan
October 10th, 3Arena, Dublin, €75.25, ticketmaster.ie
Irish-born songwriter’s biggest headline show (and only show this year in Ireland).
Brandi Carlile
October 15th, 3Arena, Dublin, €117.25, ticketmaster.ie
The US singer-songwriter, who recently made the album Who Believes in Angels? with Elton John, performs a solo show that will focus on her two-decade-plus back catalogue.
Interpol and Bloc Party
November 30th, 3Arena, Dublin, €67.70, ticketmaster.ie
A double-headliner show featuring two highly influential acts performing songs from their 20-year back catalogues, including Antics, Interpol’s momentous 2004 album, and Silent Alarm, Bloc Party’s debut album, from 2005.
