The Howth Roots and Blues Festival returns to the picturesque fishing village of Howth from 7 to 9 August 2026, transforming the coastal peninsula into a vibrant hub of live music. Established in 2019, this internationally recognised event showcases the finest Irish roots and blues artists alongside international talent, blending blues, blues rock, country, bluegrass, Americana and more.
Over forty free live performances fill pubs and outdoor stages, creating an accessible, community-driven atmosphere where visitors can wander between venues along the harbour and hillside.
Highlights centre on the mix of free and ticketed shows. Free gigs take place across multiple locations including The Harbour Bar (Garden Stage), Wrights Findlater (Roots and Blues Bar Stool), The East Pier Stage at O’Connells, The Smokin’ Stage at MacNeills, and The Phil Lynott Stage at The Bloody Stream. These sessions feature a wide range of solo and band performances, from traditional blues to up-and-coming Americana acts, allowing music lovers to sample different styles throughout the day and evening.
Ticketed headline events at the historic Abbey Tavern and The Summit Inn elevate the weekend. At the Abbey Tavern, Zoé Basha opens on Friday evening with her rising Americana sound. Saturday brings Crow Black Chicken’s Cork blues-rock energy, a Bonnie Raitt celebration with Susan Tomelty & Band, and more. Sunday features the Rob Strong Band’s blues and soul, followed by Hothouse Flowers delivering an acoustic show that closes the festival on a high note. At The Summit Inn, two mini-festivals stand out: the Guitar Legends Triple Bill on Saturday (Mik Pyro with Dublin Blues Cartel, US guitarist Silas Caldwell, and award-winning Paul Sherry) and the Women in Blues Triple Bill on Sunday.
The festival’s charm lies in its relaxed, walkable format set against Howth’s scenic backdrop of harbour views and coastal walks. Late DART trains support evening travel, while camper-van parking is available nearby at Suttonians RFC. With its emphasis on authentic roots music, free access to dozens of shows, and a friendly village atmosphere, the weekend offers an unforgettable celebration of Irish and international blues traditions that appeals to dedicated fans and casual listeners alike. Whether settling into a pub session or catching a headline acoustic set, visitors experience the best of live roots music in one of Dublin’s most beautiful settings.
Ireland’s Festivals
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
