In the Summertime | An Irish Gig Guide

Some of the world’s greatest living musical artists are set to grace the Emerald Isle with their presence this summer, performing at venues across Ireland.

In May, alongside three days of gigs from the likes of Deacon Blue, Madness and Primal Scream at Dun Laoghaire Harbour from May 31 – Jun 2 (for more information see here), Dublin’s 3Arena will be hosting a few legendary performers.

May 14 will see influential hip-hop groups Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy and De La Soul come together in the venue for Gods of Rap. The tour was set-up to mark the anniversary of each of the bands’ most acclaimed albums – Wu Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising.

Promoting her most recent record Caution, global superstar Mariah Carey can also be seen in the 3Arena May 22, followed on May 23 by Irish rock band Walking on Cars. Meanwhile, over in Croke Park May 24, the Spice Girls kick-off their 2019 UK & Ireland Stadium Tour. It’s their first time reuniting on stage since the London 2012 Olympics.

The next month is an even busier time for live music. Canadian crooner Michael Buble will play two nights at the 3Arena June 6 and 7, followed on June 8 by American world-renowned magician David Blaine.

Fans of American rock should also be happy as heavy metal legends Metallica enter Slane Castle also June 8. They will be followed the next week by Bon Jovi, playing two-nights in the RDS June 15 and 16.

Not all the fun is in Dublin. Cork venue Irish Independent Park will also be hosting Irish acts Hozier (June 25), The Coronas (June 22) and Walking on Cars (June 21), as well George Ezra (June 20), Oasis’ Liam Gallagher (June 23) and the Fugees’ Lauryn Hill (June 26). Also, during this time global superstar Lana Del Rey will perform at Malahide Castle June 22.

July kicks off with a bang with the Trinity College Summer Series. While many will be flocking to see the likes of Vampire Weekend (July 1), Foals (July 2), Paul Weller (July 4), Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott (July 5), Stereophonics (July 6) and New Order (July 7), we recommend trying to catch Janelle Monae’s show on July 3. Having released one of the best albums of 2018 with Dirty Computer, her Prince-esque blend of funk, R&B and psychedelic soul should make for a great gig.

The month will also see Irish legends Westlife return to Croke Park on July 5 – 6. The two nights will see the global pop kings celebrating 20 years of hits and playing their 14 number 1 singles.

In August, seek out Love Sensation, an all-new festival taking place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, August 17 – 18.  Aimed at the LGBT+ community and their many friends, it will see Lily Allen, Clean Bandit, Gossip and Kelis top the bill across the weekend.

For a more comprehensive list of Irish gigs this summer, see below.