Lover of the Blues? Howth Roots and Blues Festival is back on this August 9th to 11th! The festival is mostly free, with venues scattered all over Howth and over 40 acts set to play over the weekend.
Established in 2019, this festival celebrates the finest Irish roots and blues artists, along with some international talent, and offers an eclectic mix for fans of Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Americana, and Reggae. Experience the charm of wandering from gig to gig, much like at Electric Picnic, but without the need for a ticket.
With 36 free gigs across 6 unique venues around the village and the scenic hill of Howth, 4 exclusive ticketed headline shows at the historic Abbey Tavern, and one at Howth Angling Centre, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience. Headline acts include internationally acclaimed singer ‘Mary Coughlan’, Award winning blues artist ‘Grainne Duffy’, UK all star blues trio ‘The Dirt Road Band’, Award winning rock trio ‘Crow Black Chicken’, and the living legend ‘Rob Strong’ and his Band.
Full Lineup of Free gigs:
Mik Pyro & Dublin Blues Cartel
Mary Stokes Band
Doc MacLean
Bree Harris
The Skalps,
Fiona Kennedy
The Savage Hearts
Susan Tomelty Band
Square Pegs
Niamh Strong
Parchman Farm
Des Hopkins Dixieland Jazzband
Kelly’s Lot
Dead Letter Devils
Dermot Byrne & Danny Tobin
Roisin McAlinden Band
Pete Cummins & Ger Kiely
Colm Skwirbat
Mr. Castle Blues Band
Rye River Band
Moher
Backbone Blues Band
Crazy Crow
Ben Reel
The Stone Cold Hobo
Paul Sherry
Jukedom Ft Dubh Lee
Tom Horan’s Legends of Country Music
Neon River
Rhys Crimmin
Driving Blue
Garry Cogdell
King and Whittredge
Dickie Lee Erwin
Ben Catley
Susanne Rhattigan
Niamh Duffy
Frank Francone
The Festival Rootenanny with Paul Byrne and friends.
The Venues
The festival now has 8 venues including The Summit Inn, McNeills, The Bloody Stream, The Harbour Bar, Findlaters, O’Connells, Howth Angling Centre and The Abbey Tavern.
Some of the venues have created outdoor spaces for summer gigs. O’Connells will have the East Pier Stage, an outdoor performance space on the prom at The East Pier. The Bloody Stream has the well known Phil Lynott Stage in their tented beer garden. The Harbour Bar has the Garden Stage, an intimate outdoor performance space in their covered beer garden.
Additional Information
The festival is set to run from the August 9th – 11th, and you can find additional information re tickets and paid acts on the official festival website here.
