Best New Gigs Roundup: Antony Szmierek, Ash, Open Ear, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Ibibio Sound Machine, Féile Na Gréine, MUNA and More

Key Takeaways

• Féile Na Gréine fundraiser tickets $16.35, festival Aug 14‑16
• Ash’s 30‑year reunion tour ends in Dublin Dec 9, Belfast Dec 10
• Open Ear ’26 sold out; added lineup includes ex_libris debut
• Rhiannon Giddens, Grammy winner, performs Vicar Street Sep 30
• MUNA’s “Gets So Hot” tour hits Dublin’s Olympia Theatre Nov 11

Pulse Analysis

Ireland’s live‑music circuit is entering a peak period, driven by a blend of legacy festivals and fresh programming. Féile Na Gréine’s early‑year fundraiser sets the tone, offering affordable €15 ($16.35) tickets that feed into a larger August celebration, while the International Literature Festival’s May music series demonstrates how literary events are expanding into cross‑disciplinary performances, attracting broader audiences and sponsorships. This convergence of arts sectors reflects a strategic push to diversify revenue streams amid post‑pandemic recovery.

High‑profile acts such as Ash, Rhiannon Giddens and MUNA bring international clout to Irish venues, reinforcing Dublin and Belfast as essential stops on global tours. Ash’s 30‑year anniversary tour, supported by a new BMG reissue, creates a dual revenue model of album sales and ticket demand, while Giddens’ Grammy‑winning pedigree draws media attention and premium pricing (tickets from €40.15, about $43.80). MUNA’s dance‑pop showcase adds a contemporary edge, appealing to younger demographics and streaming‑linked merchandise.

For promoters and ancillary businesses, the packed schedule translates into sustained cash flow and opportunities for cross‑promotion. The sold‑out Open Ear ’26 event, despite a full house, expanded its roster, indicating that demand for niche electronic and world‑music acts remains robust. Initiatives like BLAB’s multimedia magazine and fringe shows illustrate innovative content monetization, blending print, cassette and live gigs. Collectively, these dynamics suggest a resilient Irish market poised for growth, with ticket revenues, ancillary sales and cultural tourism all set to benefit.