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Sligo Live – North West Ireland's Premier Music Festival
Sligo Live is a community centred festival created by musicians and music lovers to showcase the very best of talent – internationally established and emerging.
Fri 24 Oct, 4pm | Queen Maeve Square | Free (Arrivals)
There’s no better way to experience Jaywalkers than live. Their shows are fun, intimate, and bursting with the kind of energy only possible when a band is fully immersed in its music. Channelling Country heartbreak and Bluegrass dynamism into tales of modern life – often while stuck on the M6 – Jaywalkers are perfectly at home playing on a bus. This special free gig in partnership with Bus Éireann, opens the festival in Queen Maeve’s Square.
Fri 24 Oct, 6pm | Liber Bookshop | Free (Arrivals)
June Carousel, the Berlin-based indie-folk duo of German-Irish artists Meret Ester and Tricia Collins, bring their richly narrative and emotionally charged songs to the intimate setting of Liber Bookshop. With Meret’s distinctive open tunings and unusual harmonies woven together with Tricia’s lyrical hooks, together, they create a richly narrative and emotionally resonant sound that blends storytelling with unforgettable melodies. An unmissable opportunity to hear one of folk’s most exciting new duos, up close between the bookshelves.
Fri 24 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €25.50/€12.75 u18s
Hailing from Finland – this jolly bunch is riding harder and faster than ever. Their take on AC/DC classic ‘Thunderstruck’ took the internet by storm, their music videos have gathered close to 280 million views in YouTube alone. Jaywalkers have developed a combination of powerhouse bass, flame-fingered mandolin, blistering fiddle and their three-part harmony packs a punch.
Fri 24 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Knocknarea Arena ATU | €35.00 / €17.50 u18s
In late February 2020, Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill appeared live on The Late Late Show to perform their stand-out song Baby Talk, which was released the following week. The collaboration sparked a creative connection between the two artists that would soon grow into something much bigger. Now, five years after that first performance, Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill return to the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. The Fynches have a strong vocal-harmony sound which echoes the likes of CSN, The Band, and The Beach Boys.
Sat 25 Oct, 3pm | Lyon’s Café | Free (Arrivals)
Cork born, alt-folk artist Sarah Buckley brings her soulful voice and sharp, introspective songwriting to the atmospheric Lyon’s Café. Joined by Sean Hanlon on electric guitar, she delivers intimate, compelling songs that blend heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable melodies. Drawing influence from the lyricism of Alex Turner and the honesty of Julia Jacklin, Sarah has carved out a sound that’s entirely her own – intimate, thoughtful, and compelling.
Sat 25 Oct, 4pm | Lillie’s Cocktail Bar | Free (Arrivals)
David San Clair, hailing from Drogheda, County Louth, is a genre-blurring artist known for his electrifying stage presence and dynamic fusion of folk, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and indie. With timeless melodies, raw energy, and heartfelt songwriting rooted in Irish culture, he captivates audiences – no two performances are ever the same.
Sat 25 Oct, 5pm | Furey’s Pub | Free (Arrivals)
Live is where this band is. Getting people onside is what it’s all about. Polar Bolero do it better than almost anyone else. The Derry-rooted band have carved out a space entirely their own. They are, quite simply, a singular proposition in Irish music right now; a band that folds pop precision, folk storytelling, jazz flair and theatrical sweep into something instinctive and whole with a sound that feels both completely their own and quietly timeless.
Sat 25 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €35.00
Joel Dommett returns to his stand-up roots with a brand-new show, ‘Happy Idiot’. Joel has established himself as one of the UK’s most trusted and beloved presenters and a firm favourite in UK and Irish households, as presenter of Saturday night smash-hit The Masked Singer, ITV2’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here: Extra Camp, BBC’s reboot of Survivor and the hugely popular quiz show In With A Shout.
Sat 25 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Knocknarea Arena ATU | €54.00/€49.00/€24.50 u18s
Sharon Shannon and her extraordinary ensemble of musicians and singers, including the legendary Steve Earle, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mundy and Camille O’Sullivan—bring you a celebration of Ireland’s world-famous musical tradition and its far-reaching influence, both at home and abroad. Drawing from the rich anthology of Irish music and the traditions it has inspired, this show is a vibrant journey through the songs that define us.
Sun 26 Oct | Doors 2.30 pm | Hawk’s Well | €18.00 / €9.00 u18s
Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet. Joined by Helge Lien on piano and master percussionist Helge Andreas Norbakken, this world-class trio effortlessly fuses the spirit of jazz with the exquisite harmonic language of classical music. In association with Sligo Jazz Project and Music Network.
Sun 26 Oct, 3pm | Maeve’s Bar | Free (Arrivals)
MSG, a rock and funk powerhouse from Maynooth, delivers high-energy grooves and unforgettable live performances. The sextet of Mark Galvin (drums), Jonathan Clarke (bass), Cian Horan and Johnny McIvor (guitars), Daniel McCartney (saxophone), and Sligo’s Eddie Fitzpatrick (vocals), were runners-up in this year’s All-Ireland Inter-Varsity Battle of the Bands. Having rocked venues across Dublin, Maynooth, and Cork, MSG are set to get the crowd moving and fully entertained at their Sligo debut.
Sun 26 Oct, 11pm | Furey’s Pub | Free (Arrivals)
GUSH are a high-energy, riff-driven alt-rock band, based in Belfast, blending influences from the grunge, punk, and desert scene. Delivering fiery vocals, heavy, fuzz-drenched guitar tones, thunderous bass lines, and unrelenting energy, GUSH have chewed up their various influences and spat them out as something entirely their own. Since bursting onto the scene in 2023, GUSH have built a reputation for explosive live shows across Ireland.
Sun 26 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €29.50 / €14.75 u18s
“Drag Queens in Limousines” is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. For twenty-five years, Mary Gauthier has united audiences with her deeply personal yet universal songwriting. Recently praised for her song “Mercy Now” featured in Netflix’s Yellowstone, she’s joined by the wonderful Texas-born singer-songwriter Jaimee Harris.
Bank Holiday Mon 27 Oct, 4pm | The View Bar, Glasshouse | Free (Arrivals)
Without Willow, the acclaimed acoustic folk singer songwriter duo from Co Donegal, are known for their hauntingly beautiful vocals and intricate guitar work. Drawing from acoustic folk, country and singer-songwriter traditions, Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty create music that feels both deeply personal and refreshingly authentic.
Bank Holiday Mon 27 Oct, 5pm | Osta | Free (Arrivals)
Hailing from rural Donegal, George Houston is an eclectic singer-songwriter praised for his poetic, cinematic sound and deeply personal themes. Since debuting with 2020’s Boo Fucking Hoo, Houston has released four albums, toured with Paul Weller, and received acclaim from BBC Radio One, RTÉ Radio One, and played Later… with Jools Holland. His work explores grief, queerness, and resilience, wrapped in lush harmonies and gothic-folk aesthetics.
Bank Holiday Mon 27 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €35.00
BAFTA and Perrier award-winning comedian Dylan Moran is bringing his brand new stand-up show ‘DOLLA HO’ to his homeland this autumn with choice servings of his thoughts on everything and anything – delivered with his trademark poetic panache.
Bank Holiday Mon 27 Oct, 9pm | Bree’s Bar | Free (Arrivals)
Emerging from the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford, The Wran are four brothers – Tommy, Danny, Sean, and Stephen Dunford – blending traditional Irish music with punk attitude and psychedelic flair. Inspired by Moving Hearts, Lankum, Planxty, and Mary Wallopers, their performances fuse old folk tunes with originals, built on banjo, guitar, accordion, harmonium, electric guitar, bass, drums and blood-harmonies. Steeped in folklore and fury, The Wran won’t be Ireland’s best-kept secret for long.
Tue 28 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €34.00/€17.00 u18s
Frazey Ford is one of Canada’s most distinctive voices, a singer-songwriter whose music defies easy categorization. Emerging as a founding member of the folk trio The Be Good Tanyas, Ford helped pioneer a roots revival in the early 2000’s blending Americana, folk, and alt-country. Stephen O’Dowd, County Sligo born and bred, is a 4th generation member of the renowned O’Dowd family, musical, rooted in Irish traditional music, but at home in multiple genres.
Wed 29 Oct, 1pm | Hawk’s Well | Free
North Atlantic Drift, a natural, unifying force connecting Scotland, Ireland and the Canadian east coast, bringing people and traditions together. The band rides this current and lets the traditions smash together like the waves. The lilt from Sligo, the snap from Cape Breton and the skirl of the pipes. Featuring Brian Taheny, Dan MacDonald, and Ross Griffiths. In association with Hawk’s Well Theatre and Rethink Ireland.
Thurs 30 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €28.50/€14.25 u18s
As a solo acoustic act with a big voice and intense guitar style, Luka Bloom channelled the energy and power of rock into his many albums, rising to international acclaim and becoming one of Ireland’s best-loved contemporary folk artists. Plus very special guest, Ennis born singer-songwriter Sabrina Dinan has recently appeared on a tribute album to the late John Martyn alongside David Grey, Beck and Paulo Nutini.
Fri 31 Oct, 4pm | Number 45 | Free (Arrivals)
Jane Willow, the Dutch-Irish singer-songwriter with a hauntingly expressive voice, brings her alt-folk sound to the welcoming community space, Number 45. Drawing on influences from Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, and Richard Hawley, she has been hailed as a captivating live performer. Her music, from Burn So Bright to her new EP Watch Me Fall, is richly textured, emotive, and unforgettable.
Fri 31 Oct | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €26.00/€13.00 u18s
The Crankie Island Project artistically presents and archives the songs of those gone before us. Combining music, sound and visuals to share musical traditions with a new generation. Featuring – Cathy Jordan on Vocal, Bodhrán and Ukulele, Seamie O’Dowd on Guitar and Vocals, Rick Epping on Harmonica and Concertina, Claudia Schwab on Fiddle and Vocals, Anna Housten on Cello and Banjo and Peter Crann on Projections.
Saturday 01 Nov, 12pm | Pink Clover Cafe | Free (Arrivals)
Patrick Stefan is rapidly establishing himself as a must-see modern folk artist, captivating audiences with his hypnotic charm. An award-winning songwriter, he recently made his UK debut and released his debut album Wayfare, an indie-folk journey inspired by his upbringing and travels across Scandinavia, Brazil, and West Africa. His songs blend the intimate with the profound, earning praise from Nialler9 and BBC’s Across The Line, and securing spots on RTE Radio 1 editorial playlists for his distinctive, compelling sound.
Saturday 01 Nov, 2pm | Sligo Central Library | Free (Arrivals)
With her profound storytelling and rich, transcendent vocals, BLÁNID’s indie-folk transports you from grief to ecstasy – and everywhere in between. At over a million streams amassed on Spotify, national TV appearances & radio play, and featured credits on soundtracks for both Netflix’s The Witcher anime and World of Warhammer video game, she cuts a fresh and powerful new voice on the UK and Irish scene.
Sat 01 Nov | Doors 7 pm | Knocknarea Arena ATU | €32.50/€16.25 u18s
Ye Vagabonds brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, are a celebrated Irish folk duo known for their close harmonies, rich storytelling, and understated musicianship. Drawing on traditional songs and original writing, their sound is intimate yet timeless, rooted in heritage but never static. With fiddle, bouzouki, and guitar, they craft songs that are quietly powerful, resonant, and deeply connected to place. Niamh Bury is one of the most exciting new voices on the Irish folk scene. Her debut album, Yellow Roses, received wide critical acclaim and earned #3 on Mojo’s Best Folk Albums of 2024 list.
Sun 02 Nov | Doors 2 pm | Yeats Building | €15.00
Sligo’s own icons, Old Hannah, return for their first hometown show in six years, with luminous harmonies and a sweeping blend of roots, pop, and progressive rock. They are joined by Zoé Basha, whose powerful voice and adventurous style weaves Appalachian sway, Irish ornament, and ragtime pulse into something wholly her own. Completing the line-up, Glasgow born singer-songwriter Michael McGovern blends poetic lyricism with folk roots and fingerpicked nylon-string guitar, crafting a deeply emotional sound. In association with The Yeats Society.
![The Máirtín O’Connor Trio Plus guest – Zoé Basha](https://sligolive.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Trio_Web-1.png")
Sun 02 Nov | Doors 7 pm | Hawk’s Well | €28.50/€14.25 u18s
The Máirtín O’Connor Trio are a prominent force in traditional Irish music. At the trio’s core is Máirtín O’Connor, known for his time with De Danann and contributions to Riverdance. Cathal Hayden is an All-Ireland champion on fiddle and banjo, and Seamie O’Dowd is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a notable career touring with groups like Dervish. The Máirtín O’Connor Trio blends these amazing talents to spark a whirlwind tour of Irish musical tradition. The bill is rounded by another opportunity to enjoy rapidly rising star, Zoé Basha who opens the show.
