Howth Roots & Blues 9 August 2026, Howth, Dublin

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Howth Roots & Blues

Howth Roots & Blues

Set just outside Dublin in the seaside village of Howth, the Howth Roots & Blues Festival brings a fresh, easygoing take on the blues scene every August. Rather than a single stage, the festival unfolds across a network of pubs and small venues, turning the whole village into a live music trail. Over three days, you can wander from spot to spot, catching everything from blues and Americana to soul and bluegrass, all while soaking in coastal views and a lively summer atmosphere.

What makes this festival stand out is its accessibility and sense of discovery. With dozens of free gigs alongside a handful of headline shows, it invites both dedicated blues fans and curious newcomers to explore the music at their own pace. Local venues open their doors to a mix of Irish talent and international acts, creating an environment where the line between audience and performer feels pleasantly blurred. It's less about big crowds and more about those spontaneous moments-stumbling into a set, staying longer than planned, and letting the music guide your evening.

More than just a festival, it feels like a full village experience shaped by rhythm and connection. The streets of Howth come alive with people moving between venues, sharing drinks, conversations, and new musical discoveries. It's this relaxed, social energy that makes the festival so memorable-and such a perfect entry point into the wider world of blues in Ireland.

 

 

Lineup

Here are the bands and artists playing at the event who have their own profile on Blues Ireland, where you can find more information about them, discover their music and see their upcoming gigs.

More artists playing

These are the bands and artists playing in this festival. They don't have a profile on Blues Ireland yet, but they're part of the lineup and we've included them here so you don't miss anyone.

  • Alba Rose
  • Alan McKelvey Band
  • Bonnie Raitt A Celebration (with Susan Tomelty)
  • Colette Clinton
  • Colm Skwirbat Band
  • Dead Letter Devils
  • Dermot Byrne
  • Doc MacLean
  • Dubh Lee
  • Dublin Blues Cartel Ft Mik Pyro
  • Dublin Soul
  • Elise Frank
  • Frank Carbery Duo
  • Frank Francone
  • Hothouse Flowers Acoustic
  • Hubert Murray
  • Jilly Cox Duo
  • Kenan Flannery
  • Kirris Riviere and the Delta Du Bruit
  • Lily Sheehan
  • Mal O'Brien Band
  • Mary Stokes Band
  • Megan Burke
  • Melted
  • Midnight Muse
  • Monroe Acoustic Duo
  • Mr Castle Blues
  • Niamh Duffy
  • Niamh Strong
  • Paul Sherry
  • Pete Cummins
  • Rob Strong Band
  • Ronan Byrne
  • Roscó Flanagan
  • Roisín McAlinden
  • Samuel Ashton
  • Silas Caldwell
  • Square Pegs
  • The Evergreen Brothers
  • The Festival Rootenanny (with Paul Byrne & Friends)
  • The Reds
  • The Two Five Ones
  • The Uncontrolables
  • The Velvet Tide
  • The Woolverstones
  • Zoe Basha

More Blues in Dublin

Looking for more Blues? Discover upcoming gigs, live music and other events happening around Dublin, with plenty of ways to catch some Blues.