Concerts in Ireland 2025: The Honest Guide to Who’s Actually Playing

Concerts in Ireland 2025: The Honest Guide to Who’s Actually Playing

If you’ve spent any time on Irish Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. People are losing their minds over tickets, hotel prices in Dublin are hitting "sell-a-kidney" levels, and everyone is trying to figure out if that one rumor about a secret gig in Whelan's is actually true.

It’s going to be a massive year. Honestly, looking at the schedule for concerts in Ireland 2025, it feels like every major artist suddenly remembered where the Aviva Stadium is at the exact same time.

But here’s the thing: booking a gig in Ireland isn't just about the music. It’s a survival sport. Between the unpredictable weather and the logistical nightmare of getting out of Marlay Park after a show, you need a game plan.

The Heavy Hitters: Oasis, Dua Lipa, and Stadium Fillers

The elephant in the room is obviously the Gallagher brothers. Oasis is finally—finally—back together. They are taking over Croke Park on August 16th and 17th, 2025. If you didn't get tickets in that first bloodbath of a sale, you're basically at the mercy of the resale gods now.

It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be nostalgic. It will probably rain.

But they aren’t the only ones taking over the big grass pitches this year.

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  • Dua Lipa is bringing her Radical Optimism tour to the Aviva Stadium on June 27th.
  • Iron Maiden fans are already dusting off their leather jackets for Malahide Castle on June 12th.
  • Robbie Williams is hitting Croke Park on August 23rd with Elbow in tow.

There was a lot of talk about Coldplay coming back for more dates in 2025 after their 2024 run, but so far, the "Music of the Spheres" hasn't officially landed back on the 2025 Irish calendar. Things change fast in the industry, though, so keep an eye out for late-stage additions.

Why 3Arena Is Where the Real Action Is

Stadiums are great for the spectacle, but the 3Arena is where the sound actually stays in the building. The 2025 lineup there is eclectic, to say the least.

You’ve got Sabrina Carpenter bringing the "Short n' Sweet" energy in March, which sold out faster than you can say "Espresso." Then there’s Limp Bizkit in June for everyone who wants to party like it’s 1999.

The diversity is wild. One night it's the RTÉ Concert Orchestra doing Bowie covers (March 2nd), and a few weeks later, you’ve got Sugababes (April 20th) or Tyler, The Creator (May). It’s a weird, wonderful mix.

And let’s talk about the local legends. Kneecap is taking over the 3Arena in December 2025. Watching a trio from West Belfast transition from small clubs to a 13,000-capacity arena is pretty incredible to see.

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Festivals: More Than Just Mud

If you prefer your music with a side of camping and questionable hygiene, 2025 has plenty. Electric Picnic is moving back to its usual slot in September (September 5-7, 2025) after that experimental August date in 2024.

Stradbally is basically its own city for that weekend. Even if you don't know half the lineup, you go for the vibe.

Then there’s Longitude at Marlay Park. It’s usually the first weekend of July. It’s heavy on hip-hop and dance, and it’s basically a rite of passage for every teenager in the Dublin suburbs.

For something a bit more "grown-up" (read: better wine and less mud), All Together Now at Curraghmore House is happening August 1-3. It’s become a favorite because the setting is stunning and the crowd is generally a bit more relaxed.

What No One Tells You About Gigs in Ireland

The "Irish gig experience" comes with its own set of rules.

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First, the transport. If you are going to a show at Marlay Park or Malahide Castle, do not—under any circumstances—expect to get a taxi home easily. Book the private concert buses. Seriously. It’s the difference between being home by midnight or wandering the streets of Rathfarnham at 2 AM looking for a miracle.

Second, the "Subject to License" tag. You’ll see this on almost every big outdoor announcement. It’s mostly a formality, but it’s a reminder that Irish residents near venues have a lot of say.

Third, the weather. It doesn't matter if it’s July. Bring a poncho. A proper one, not the flimsy plastic bags they sell for five euro outside the gates.

The Rise of the "Boutique" Show

Beyond the massive stages, 2025 is seeing a surge in smaller, "boutique" concert series. Live at the Iveagh Gardens is one of the best ways to see a show in Dublin. It’s right in the city center, surrounded by trees, and it feels much more intimate than a stadium.

Cork's Live at the Marquee is also continuing its run. It’s got that old-school circus tent feel, and the acoustics are surprisingly punchy. They’ve got a massive lineup for June and July, including The Coronas and Christy Moore.

Actionable Advice for Concert-Goers

  • Ticketmaster Transfers: If you're buying from someone online, only use the official Ticketmaster transfer. If they ask for a bank transfer or "friends and family" on PayPal, run.
  • The TFI Live App: Download it. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best way to track the DART and Dublin Bus when you’re trying to escape a venue with 50,000 other people.
  • Stay Outside the City: If Dublin hotel prices are insane (and they will be for Oasis), look at towns along the train lines like Bray, Maynooth, or Drogheda. The commute is worth the €200 you’ll save.

The concerts in Ireland 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you're there for the Gallagher reunion or a quiet night of trad in a pub, just make sure you’ve got your raincoat and a fully charged Leap card.

The best next step is to set up alerts on official resale platforms like Ticketmaster Resale or Twickets. These are the only safe ways to snag last-minute entries for sold-out shows like Oasis or Sabrina Carpenter without getting scammed. Check these sites daily around the two-week mark before a show, as that's when most "change of plan" tickets start to appear.