Dublin Gig Guide Highlights: September 8th to 14th. Highlights: Last Days Of Dalymount, District x, Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival, Broken Social Scene, Metric and Stars, Kurt Vile, For The Love of Dolly, Joe Goddard, KRS One, Silverbacks, Cormac Begley, SOAK, Disco Dána, Sei Green, corto.alto…
This week’s guide runs from Bohemians’ four-night Last Days Of Dalymount farewell to the third edition of Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival, taking in a Canadian indie triple bill of Broken Social Scene, Metric and Stars at the Olympia, KRS-One at the Button Factory, the big District X out at Palmerstown House Estate, Joe Goddard and Cian Ó Cíobháin on the decks at Fidelity, and Kurt Vile & The Violators closing the week at Vicar Street.
What gigs are on this week in Dublin city?
Dublin venues, clubs and bars – A guide
Skip to day: Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon
Tuesday September 8th
the next new low @ NCH Studio
Metronome series. bye bye bi polar polarbear album Launch from Brian Mooney (The Idiots / Trust Me I’m A Thief label). With support from: The Sentimental Tourists (acoustic set) / featuring Dave Long (Into Paradise) & Paul Page (Whipping Boy)
Wednesday September 9th
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle @ Pavilion Theatre (8pm)
The third edition of Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival, curated by Foggy Notions, opens with Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle. Known for their brilliantly successful combination of traditional and non-traditional, Pentangle forged a whole new era in folk, and McShee remains the central link back to the beginning.
Broken Social Scene, Metric and Stars @ Olympia Theatre
Three of Canada’s finest indie exports share one stage for a joint Dublin show. Broken Social Scene’s sprawling collective songwriting, Metric’s sharp electro-rock, and Stars’ widescreen melancholy make for a genuinely special triple bill. Stars due on at 7pm, Broken Socials Scene at 8pm, and Metric at 9.30pm.
corto.alto @ The Bernard Shaw
District Magazine present the project of Glasgow-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and trombonist Liam Shortall, and one of the most exciting forces in the current wave of UK jazz. New album Some Small Fortune just released.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby @ Whelan’s
Chicago alt-rock band Brigitte Calls Me Baby play Whelan’s main room.
David Thomas Broughton @ Cleary’s
Young Hearts Run Free present the Leeds-based songwriter – now living in Tokyo who hasn’t played in Ireland since 2019. He’ll be playing music from his forthcoming record Heavy Weather alongside older work. YHRF events are consistently low-key, high-warmth occasions and this one will be no different.
ISSUE 0.8 @ The Grand Social
Mother of Pearl, Epilogue, Grenade Sports play MCD’s live new music showcase.
Thursday September 10th
Festivals
Fontaines D.C DJ set, THEATRE and Black Nylon @ Dalymount
Last Days Of Dalymount series – Bohemian FC to host four nights of gigs at Dalymount Park before its redevelopment.
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Broadside Hacks presents Bright Phoebus Revisited @ Pavilion Theatre (8pm)
London promoter and label Broadside Hacks celebrate Lal and Mike Waterson’s cult album Bright Phoebus, featuring Marry Waterson, Eliza Carthy, Lankum’s Daragh Lynch, Matt Deighton, Martyn Barker and Ben Nicholls. One of the standout nights of the whole festival.
Elysian Transmutation – Eluna & Kid Kuba @ The Grand Social
Dublin Fringe Fest. Blending immersive visual art with live performances, this musical experience moves between alternative hip hop and ethereal R&B, transforming the grit of the city into an enchanted forest.
Gleaming World Unit @ The Sugar Club
New project from Belfast-based drummer and improvisor Stephen Davis who is a member of Anthony Braxton’s ‘The New Standard’ and the Alexander Hawkins Trio, and has worked with Marc Ribot, Evan Parker, Kris Davis, Paul Dunmall, Django Bates, and Van Morrison.
Focus @ Whelan’s
Dutch progressive rock legends Focus, of ‘Hocus Pocus’ fame, play Whelan’s main room.
Kez, Rob Keogh, Ash Buggle @ Anseo
Three live acts for a pay what you can gig.
Tengu Jazz: Michael Buckley presents The Great Quintets of Jazz with Ryan Quigley @ Yamamori Tengu
Saxophonist Michael Buckley leads a night exploring the great jazz quintets, with trumpeter Ryan Quigley. Two shows.
Friday September 11th
Festivals
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Bonnie “Prince” Billy @ Pavilion Theatre (8pm)
Will Oldham brings his singular, weathered songwriting to the Pavilion Theatre as Bonnie “Prince” Billy. First of two nights. Sold out.
District X Festival 2026 @ Palmerstown House Estate (2pm – 11:30pm)
The big electronic music festival returns a Friday opener of Chris Stassy, Kolter, Special guests.
Annie Mac, Mango, Sally Cinnamon. @ Dalymount
Last Days Of Dalymount series – Bohemian FC to host four nights of gigs at Dalymount Park before its redevelopment.
SOAK, Rua Rí, Gilla Band (DJ Set) @ Guinness Storehouse SETS
SOAK curates the Guinness Storehouse’s SETS series, with Rua Rí playing live and a DJ set from Gilla Band. A genuinely interesting bill bringing together three very different corners of Irish music.
Sei Green @ The Grand Social
Adam Garrett and Ellen Sleator recently teamed up as Sei Green, and the Dublin-based duo wasted no time in making music that traverses soul, lite funk and disco, as exemplified on the dreamy vibes of ‘Bored Of Resting’.
Albums Worth Talking About with Joe Donnelly @ Rascal’s, Inchicore
Joe Donnelly sits down with three special guests, and together they each bring one album. Guests Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Rachel Hannon, Ed Smith. Albums: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill, Out of Time by REM, I gCnoc na Graí by Noel Hil and Tony MacMahon.
Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy Perform R.E.M. @ Vicar Street
Actor Michael Shannon and musician Jason Narducy play a full R.E.M. album live at Vicar Street, part of their ongoing tribute series to classic alternative rock records. An unusual and genuinely well-regarded touring show.
RAW: Rising Artist Watch by House of Hibernia @ The Sound House
KULDESAK, Whoiskalla?, Elishka Lane, Eyejust
Fin Divilly & Gareth Quinn Redmond & friends @ International Bar Comedy Club
Gareth Quinn Redmond & Fin Divilly will perform separate lively trio shows with mouths, violin, guitars, bass and drums. Accompanying musicians Aidan Grey on the bass, Jordan O’Leary on guitar and Graham Hopkins and Daniel Kearns on drums.
Delush @ Whelan’s
Dublin indie-pop band with support Merricat and The Donnys.
Talllon, DC Dolls, Notions @ Whelan’s Upstairs
Galway post-punk alt-grunge band headline.
While We’re Still Young: Emo Tribute Band @ The Workman’s Club
A full night of 2000s emo classics from tribute act While We’re Still Young.
Clubs and DJs
Cian Ó Cíobháin’s Disco Dána @ Fidelity Studio (10pm – 1am)
Cian – known to radio heads as the host of long-running cult show An Taobh Tuathail on RTE RnaG – plays disco and house, but mixes it up with indie, post-punk, Italo, soul and whatever else feels right in the moment.
Apartment Records presents: Jo Johnson, Being, DRM @ Bello Bar (8pm – 12:30am)
Kenny Hanlon’s Apartment Records celebrates 15 years with a rare label night, hosting live Irish debuts from veteran electronic producers Jo Johnson and Being.
Club Comfort presents: JD Reid @ Yamamori Tengu
JD Reid could play “hip-hop, jazz, dancehall and grime like it’s nothing”, with Selky and Roo Honeychild.
Iconic Underground Magazine Presents Detroit Centric @ Curveball (11pm)
Raw, uncompromising underground techno from Dublin techno tactician REOSC.
Wigwam presents: Demuja @ Wigwam
Austrian house, disco and electro DJ and producer.
Block. Marie Vaunt @ block.
Marie Vaunt, with Leo Cardi and Connect, play block.
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Silent Disco & Karaoke @ Little Whelan’s
Whelan’s Indie Club, with silent disco and karaoke, at Little Whelan’s.
Skip to day: Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon
Saturday September 12th
Festivals
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Bonnie “Prince” Billy @ Pavilion Theatre (8pm)
Second and final night of Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Sold out.
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Andy Irvine with Tessa Rose Jackson & Roisín Gowen @ Pavilion Theatre (2pm)
Celebrated for his time in Sweeney’s Men and Planxty, Andy Irvine is joined by emerging Irish singer-songwriter Roisín Gowen and Dutch-British folk artist Tessa Rose Jackson.
District X Festival 2026 @ Palmerstown House Estate (2pm – 11:30pm)
The big electronic music festival returns with a genuinely stacked lineup: Nina Kraviz, Mall Grab, Route 94, Chloé Caillet, Sammy Virji, DJ Heartstring, EMA, Ewan McVicar and dozens more.
Fuinneamh Festival @ Bellurgan Park, Louth
The independent electronic-focused Irish festival returns takes place this weekend with Shanti Celeste, KiNK, Peach, Madra Salach, Gemma Dunleavy, Curtisy & Lil Skag, General Levy and more.
John Francis Flynn, Bricknasty, Gemma Dunleavy, Brian Brannigan of A Lazarus Soul, Paul Page of Whipping Boy and Róisín El Cherif, Special Guest @ Dalymount (2:30pm)
Last Days Of Dalymount series – Bohemian FC to host four nights of gigs at Dalymount Park before its redevelopment.
DHD / Yard Sessions @ The Bernard Shaw (2pm – 10pm)
Deep House Dublin with Fizzy Waters, Viktor Marina, JUST_IVA, TÎTCH (Geoff Foley) and Gavin Rochford.
KRS-One @ Button Factory
Hip-hop legend KRS-One brings his My Philosophy Tour to Button Factory. As an architect of Boom-Bap and one of the most important voices in the culture, KRS-One remains a genuinely essential live rap draw.
Silverbacks @ Bello Bar
Irish six-piece indie-alt-rock band Silverbacks play a rare headline show.
Cormac Begley @ Vicar Street
Kerry concertina legend.
Pilgrims: Paul Noonan & Brian Crosby @ NCH
Pilgrims is a collaboration between Noonan and Crosby, two musicians whose debut album Wintering was released earlier this year, marking their first full project together in 16 years.
Marisa Anderson @ The Cobblestone
Portland experimental guitarist plays The Anthology Of UnAmerican Folk Music
Hudson Freeman @ The Workman’s Club (8pm)
Hudson crafts a moody blend of bedroom pop, folk, and slowcore, drawing clear lines of inspiration from artists like Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver.
Natalie Moran @ CURVEBALL
Irish pop artist with nostalgic soul and synth influences.
These Charming Men: A Tribute to The Smiths @ Whelan’s
The Smiths tribute act These Charming Men play Whelan’s main room.
Fiends of the Stone Age @ Sin É
QOTSA cover band with special guests the Dorkness.
Jenny Greene @ 3Olympia Theatre
Balearic nights with guest DJ Collie.
Clubs and DJs
Joe Goddard @ Fidelity Studio (9pm – 1am)
Hot Chip man in his DJ selector mode on his birthday. Sold Out.
101 Depeche Mode Party @ Fibber Magee’s (9pm)
Two DJs will be spinning over five and a half hours of Depeche Mode music on the decks – from original versions, b-sides, live tracks and a selection of synthpop tunes – all accompanied with Depeche Mode video projections.
Backstory @ Commercial Rowing Club (10pm)
An Rince Deareanach Samhradh 2026. Donal Dineen’s club night with Billy Scurry and Alba.
DX Afterparty: Route 94 @ Centre Point (11pm)
The official District X afterparty, with Route 94 and James Nash.
DX Afterparty: Beave @ Wigwam (11pm)
District X afterparty at Wigwam.
DX Afterparty: Yasmin Gardezi @ Yamamori Tengu (11pm)
District X afterparty with Yasmin Gardezi.
DX Afterparty: Veseli @ The Grand Social (11pm)
District X afterparty with Veseli.
DX Afterparty: Archie Hamilton + ADR @ block. (11pm)
District X afterparty at block.
DX Afterparty: Ewan McVicar @ Index (11pm)
District X afterparty at Index, with Ewan McVicar and ShaunaDee.
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Silent Disco & Karaoke @ Little Whelan’s (11pm)
Whelan’s Indie Club, with silent disco and karaoke, at Little Whelan’s.
Skip to day: Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon
Sunday September 13th
Festivals
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Ellie O’Neill, Aongus, Rua Rí @ Pavilion Theatre (2pm)
Irish intimate folk singer-songwriter Ellie O’Neill closes the daytime programme, joined by Aongus and Rua Rí.
Fuinneamh Festival @ Bellurgan Park, Louth
The independent electronic-focused Irish festival returns takes place this weekend with Shanti Celeste, KiNK, Peach, Madra Salach, Gemma Dunleavy, Curtisy & Lil Skag, General Levy and more.
A Bohemian Fan Farewell, featuring Johnny Logan and the Eugene McCarthy Big Band @ Dalymount
Last Days Of Dalymount series – Bohemian FC to host four nights of gigs at Dalymount Park before its redevelopment.
Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival: Destroyer (solo) @ Pavilion Theatre (8pm)
Dan Bejar closes the festival with a solo Destroyer show.
For The Love of Dolly: Celebrating The Life of Dolly Parton @ The Workman’s Club (3pm)
An afternoon celebrating the life and music of Dolly Parton at the Workman’s Club featuring DJs Kelly-Anne Byrne, Louise McSharry, Sally Cinnamon & Aoife McElwain; Dolly Cabaret Hosted by Joe on the Dolan aka Breda Larkin, A Dolly Sing Along Social, 9 to 5 Movie Screening.
Kalia Vandever @ Curveball
New York trombonist and composer Kalia Vandever plays Curveball. Enthusiastic Eunuch Presents.
Organ Freeman @ The Big Romance (6pm)
Live jazz every Sunday. Breffini (DJ) from 9pm.
Skip to day: Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon
Monday September 14th
Kurt Vile & The Violators @ Vicar Street
Kurt Vile brings the KV’s Been Good to Me Tour to Vicar Street, with special guests Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band. His hazy, endlessly discursive guitar rock remains one of the most distinctive sounds in American indie – a genuinely great full-band show.
Creativity & Electronic Sound: September synth workshops @ NCH Dublin (6pm – 9pm)
Prior Art Soundworks wants to make hands-on electronic music education, hardware synth exploration, and audio production accessible to musicians and beginners across Ireland. This autumn, we’re piloting Creativity with Electronic Sound, a 3-week foundational program designed to make the history, appreciation and practice of electronic music more accessible. You’ll learn about classic works of electronic music, get hands-on with the iconic instruments used to create them, and produce your own music in a series of immersive workshops.
The Rising @ Whelan’s Upstairs
10 years of the rowdy trad trio.
Saz Esther, Nora Grace & Leah Fine @ The Grand Social
A triple bill of independent Irish artists.
Song Cycle @ Whelan’s Bar
Whelan’s weekly free singer-songwriter night.
Dublin venues, clubs and bars – A guide
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
