LAST year saw some incredible gigs take place across the north and south of Ireland and it seems 2025 will be no different with more big names and acts heading this way once again.
It’s set to be a mammoth year for both indoor and outdoor gigs, with international stars like Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan coming to Belfast and/or Dublin.
We’ve pulled together a list of our top 50 artists headling some the north and south’s biggest venues including Belfast’s SSE Arena, Ulster Hall, Waterfront Hall and Dublin’s 3Arena, 3Olympia Theatre and Aviva Stadium.
Boyzlife
January 15, Ulster Hall, Belfast
Boyzlife are returning to Northern Ireland and have called Belfast the “best place” to kick off their world tour.
The pop superduo - comprising Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden - will take to the stage at the Ulster Hall in January.
Joshua Bassett
January 13, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Like his former co-star and frequent collaborator Olivia Rodrigo, pop-rock prodigy Joshua Bassett rocketed from his starring role in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series into global pop megastardom.
Kicking off the new year in style, Joshua will bring his effortless allure and musical talents to Ireland this January.
Pillow Queens
January 23, Empire Music Hall, Belfast
Pillow Queens have come a long way since forming in 2016. The Irish indie rock band from Dublin have received critical acclaim from both the UK and American press, played sold-out gigs and appeared on James Corden’s US TV show. After signing with Canada’s Royal Mountain Records, they released their second album, Leave the Light On in 2022, touring the UK, US and Europe extensively.
James Blunt
February 11, SSE Arena, Belfast / March 6, 3Arena, Dublin
Following a sold-out show in Dublin’s National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in August, James Blunt returns to the Emerald Isle with his ‘Back to Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour.’
Celebrating the album that cemented his career but also spawned one of the UK’s most hated songs (You’re Beautiful) it promises to be a nostalgic, slightly annoying but ultimately “beautiful” night out.
Cyndi Lauper
February 16, SSE Arena, Belfast
A living icon known for her infectious energy and punky, yet glamourous style, Cyndi Lauper is embarking on her first major tour in over a decade – including a stint in Belfast’s SSE Arena in February.
James Bay
February 10/11, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter James Bay has announced his headline gig at 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, on Monday 10th February 2025.
He will also be opening for Stereophonics when they play Belfast’s Ormeau Park in June.
Pitbull
February 19, 3Arena, Dublin
Part of the European leg of the Party After Dark tour, Pitbull will play the UK, Ireland, Amsterdam, Paris and Cologne. This is the singer’s first Irish date since opening for Britney Spears in the 3Arena in 2018.
Loreen
March 27, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin / March 28, Ulster Hall, Belfast
Eurovision Song Contest winner Loreen will be playing Belfast’s Ulster Hall on March 28, 2025. The Swedish singer is well known for winning Eurovision with the hit song “Euphoria” in 2012 and again in 2023 with the song “Tattoo”.
Jamie Duffy
March 8, Source Arts Centre, Tipperary / March 15, Purple Room, Drogheda / March 17, National Concert Hall, Dublin / September 13, glór, Clare / September 17, Belltable, Limerick / September 20, The Garage Theatre, Monaghan / September 27, Ulster Hall, Belfast
Pianist Jamie Duffy is taking his unique blend of contemporary and Irish traditional music on the road, stopping off in Tipperary, Drogheda, Dublin, Clare, Limerick, Monaghan and Belfast.
His 2022 single Solas has been streamed on Spotify over 71 million times, making it the most streamed debut song by an Irish artist since Hozier’s Take Me to Church. The tune has even been praised by fellow musician and DJ Mark Ronson, producer of hits from artists including Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
Gracie Abrams
March 10, 3Arena, Dublin
Gracie Abrams will be bringing her The Secrets of Us tour to Dublin’s 3Arena. The American singer-songwriter released her new album of the same name back in June which includes hits like ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’ and ‘That’s so True’. The star also opened for some of Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” shows in 2023.
You Me At Six
March 6 & 7, 3Olympia, Dublin / March 8, The Telegraph Building, Belfast
After a long and successful career, UK rock royalty, You Me At Six, have announced their split.
Over a career that spans 20 Years, You Me At Six have had some amazing career highs including two number one albums, world tours, streams that recently topped over a billion worldwide and faces that have graced the covers of magazines across the globe.
The band will embark on a 2025 farewell world tour to say goodbye to fans.
Teddy Swims
March 12 & 13, 3Arena, Dublin
Teddy Swim’s I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy tour is coming to Dublin’s 3Arena on March 12 and 13, 2025. The Lose Control Singer will be playing in Ireland as part of his European tour. Swims recently played at the Electric Picnic Festival in Stradbally in the summer of 2024.
David Kushner, The Dichotomy Tour
March 17 & 18, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
American singer-songwriter David Kushner shot to fame with his hits ‘Miserable Man’ and ‘Daylight’ and will be playing in Dublin as part of his European and UK tour DICHOTOMY.
Bilk
March 28, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast
Fusing elements of rock and roll, punk, indie and rap, Essex-based band Bilk cannot be pigeonholed. Lead singer and guitarist Sol Abrahams is backed by Luke Hare on bass guitar and Harry Gray on drums.
FINNEAS
April 14, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Finneas’ second self-prduced solo studio album For Cryin’ Out Loud! was released in October 2024. The album sees the producer, singer and songwriter expand his creative horizons, steering things away from the bedroom producer mentality and to a classic studio/band environment. It also follows the release of his sister Billie Eilish’s third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT which has further cemented him as one of the most critically acclaimed, award-winning producers and songwriters of his generation.
Olly Murs, 15 Years of Hits – Live 2025
April 30, SSE Arena, Belfast
It’s been 15 years since Olly Murs came runner-up on The X Factor - since then he has released seven studio albums, embarked on five concert tours as well as hosting prime time shows like Starstruck and coaching rising stars on The Voice UK.
Describing the new tour as a “celebration” of his career, Olly will be playing all the classics from Dear Darlin’ to Dance With Me Tonight.
Ryan McMullan
April 17, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin / April 18, Millennium Forum, Derry / April 22, The Telegraph Building, Belfast
Renowned for his magical live shows, McMullan has garnered widespread acclaim for his captivating performances and poignant song writing.
Since the early days of his career, he garnered significant attention from industry heavyweights, including Ed Sheeran, who called Ryan’s voice a ‘rare jewel’, and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, who likened his voice to that of an angel.
Ryan invites audiences everywhere to experience the magic of his new single ‘Us’ and join him on what is sure to be an unforgettable musical journey.
Gary Barlow, The Songbook Tour
April 22/23, Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Take That star Gary Barlow will perform in Belfast next year as part of a new solo tour celebrating four decades in the music industry.
In addition to playing Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on April 22 and 23 he will also play Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney and 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin.
The tour will celebrate his four-decade-spanning career that will see him perform an array of songs from his back catalogue of hits with Take That and as a solo artist.
Gareth
April 26, Limelight, Belfast
2025 is set to be another busy year for Castlederg country singer Gareth, between heading to Nashville to “get a band together” and setting off on his first headline tour across Ireland, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.
Jason Donovan Doin’ Fine 25
April 6, Ulster Hall, Belfast
Jason Donovan’s Doin’ Fine 25 tour, is a spectacular celebration of his remarkable career in music, theatre, film and TV. This exciting tour will take fans on a journey through 35 years of hits on stage and screen via Jason’s energetic and unique live performance style.
Scissor Sisters
May 27, SSE Arena, Belfast
Scissor Sisters are back and preparing for their first live shows in over 12 years.
The era-defining pop stars will bring their signature mix of showmanship, songcraft and galvanising queer energy to Northern Ireland in 2025.
2024 marked the 20-year anniversary of the band’s debut album ‘Scissor Sisters’, one of the UK’s top 40 best-sellers of all time, selling over 3 million copies globally.
The band are already batting around setlist ideas but plan to perform every single track from the album on the tour.
They will also cherry-pick highlights from their three subsequent albums, 2006′s Ta-Dah, 2010′s Night Work and 2012′s Magic Hour, which contain some of the band’s biggest hits and most cherished fan favourites.
Twenty One Pilots
May 8, SSE Arena, Belfast
Alternative rock and electric pop duo Twenty One Pilots are bringing their biggest headline tour ever to Belfast in 2025.
Having amassed over 33 billion streams worldwide, the band – made up of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun - have established themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.
Daniel O’Donnell
May 11, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh / May 12, The Landmark Hotel, Leitrim / May 15, The Great Northern Hotel, Donegal
Experience a magical evening with one of Ireland’s national treasures, Daniel O’Donnell, as he takes the stage at Armagh City Hotel during his 2025 Irish Tour. With a career spanning over 40 years, Daniel has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of country, folk, and Irish music. The Irish singing icon is promising a wonderful show full of classics from his popular music songbook.
Bryan Adams Roll with The Punches Tour
May 20, 3Arena, Dublin / May 21, SSE Arena, Belfast
Canadian musician Bryan Adams is set to perform in Dublin’s 3Arena on May 20, as well as in Belfast’s SSE Arena on May 21 as part of his Roll with The Punches 2025 tour.
The 11-date UK and Ireland tour will kick off on May 8 in Newcastle and wrap up around the end of the month in Belfast.
Having garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live musicians in the world, Adams released four studio albums in 2022, including his Grammy nominated So Happy It Hurts and Pretty Woman - The Musical.
BIIRD
May 2, Cyprus Avenue, Cork / May 10, The Button Factory, Dublin / May 23, Limelight 1, Belfast
Girl power might not be something that we immediately associate with the world of trad music, but BIIRD – a new 11-piece, all-female collective - hopes to change that.
This troupe of talented women brings a truly unique collective energy to the stage that will have you going “feral” one minute and weeping with pride the next. BIIRD will soon be a household name so don’t miss your chance to see them on their first ever tour.
Lionel Richie
May 31, SSE Arena, Belfast / June 1, 3Arena, Dublin
Say Hello To The Hits will kick off at Belfast’s SSE Arena on May 31 and Dublin’s 3Arena on Sunday June 1.
The Grammy-winning singer (75) is expected to play songs from across his back catalogue including including Hello, All Night Long, and Stuck On You.
Tate McRae
May 16 & 17, 3Arena, Dublin
Canadian pop singer Tate McRae will be playing Dublin’s 3Arena as part of her Miss Possessive Tour. The You Hurt Me First singer is also releasing her new album So Close to What in February 2025.
David Gray
May 2, 3Arena, Dublin / August 27, Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney / August 30, Custom House Square, Belfast
After NI TikToker Danielle Collins almost single-handedly brought David Gray back into the mainstream media by posting videos using his song Babylon, now is the time to catch the noughties icon on his Past & Present Tour.
Gray’s highly anticipated new album, Dear Life, will be released on January 17, 2025 and is described as “possibly the deepest, strangest and loveliest album of his career to date.”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
May 22, 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
After featuring in the epic final scene of Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, Sophie’s beloved 2001 hit Murder on the Dancefloor saw a huge resurgence with the song reaching over 11 billion global streams across all streaming and social platforms.
Now she is taking her glitteringly catchy sound on tour – including a night in Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre.
The Coronas
May 4, King John’s Castle, Limerick / June 27, Live at The Marquee, Cork
Irish band The Coronas will be playing Limerick’s King John’s Castle in May and Cork’s Live at The Marquee in June as part of their Thoughts and Observations tour.
Bradley Simpson
May 7, The Academy, Dublin
Having performed in front of millions of fans around the world and selling out headline shows as the frontman of The Vamps, Bradley Simpson is now channelling that star power into his debut solo album, ‘The Panic Years’, which he’ll be taking on tour later this year.
Kip Moore
June 1, SSE Arena, Belfast
Country singer Kip Moore is returning to Belfast this summer with his biggest gig to date.
This tour marks a new chapter for the Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck singer since signing with Virgin Music Group and he is already teasing new tunes.
Justin Timberlake
June 26, Ormeau Park, Belfast
Justin Timberlake is set to bring Sexy Back to Belfast for the first time in 17 years.
Irish fans can expect to hear their favourite hit singles spanning across his entire catalogue alongside singles from his latest album Everything I Thought It Was.
Stereophonics
June 5, Ormeau Park, Belfast / June 6, St Anne’s Park, Dublin / June 7, Virgin Media Park, Cork
The Stadium Anthems Tour will celebrate the hits of the acclaimed band and will be their first tour in three years, while the group have also announced an upcoming album next year.
Olivia Rodrigo
June 24, Marlay Park, Dublin
With two sold out shows in Dublin’s 3Arena under her sparkly belt, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo will return to Ireland this year as part of her extended Guts World Tour for her biggest Irish gig yet.
Dean Lewis
June 24, Fairview Park, Dublin
Best known for his single Be Alright, singer Dean Lewis will be playing Dublin’s Fairview Park as part of his The Epilogue World Tour which began in last year.
Dua Lipa
June 27, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Following the release of her third studio album Radical Optimism in May, Dua Lipa is preparing to bring her unique pop synth sound to Ireland this summer.
Lana Del Rey
June 30, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
After a series of sensationally received live shows in 2024 - including headline performances at festivals including Coachella, Reading & Leeds and Rock en Seine, as well as her first stadium show at Fenway Park, Boston, USA - now, Del Rey returns with her first UK and Ireland stadium shows.
Zach Bryan
June 20,21,22, Pheonix Park, Dublin
Country music super star Zach Bryan is set to play three gigs at Dublin’s Pheonix Park in June. An evident musical favourite, all three of the Something in The Orange singer’s dates have already sold out.
Noah Kahan
July 1, Marlay Park, Dublin
After performing sold out shows in both Belfast and Dublin last year, Noah Kahan will make his much-anticipated return to Ireland in 2025. The American singer song writer will headline Marlay Park on July 1.
Picture This Home For Summer Tour
July 26, RSC Waterford, Waterford / August 13 & 14, Live at the Docklands, Limerick / August 22 & 23, Summer Session, Letterkenny
Last year the Co Kildare quartet ended an intensive period of touring by welcoming in 2024 at Dublin Castle before releasing their fourth album Parked Car Conversations in April. However, this year will see them return home for the summer with a string of dates around Ireland.
The Darkness
August 9, Custom House Square, Belfast
The Darkness exploded onto the music scene in the early noughties and changed the face of British rock music forever, with their cheeky, spandex-clad anthems now attracting a new generation of fans around the world.
Kaiser Chiefs
August 10, Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast
Kaiser Chiefs are set to headline next year’s Farmer’s Bash Weekender in Northern Ireland.
The Leeds indie rockers are best known for the number one hit song Ruby.
Irish comedy duo The 2 Johnnies will be the band’s warm-up act, with The Coronas, B*Witched, Mark McCabe, Boyzlife, Garron Noone, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, the Tumbling Paddies, Allie Sherlock, All Folk-d Up and Luke Combs UK completing the main line-up.
Moncrieff
August 7, Breakwater Festival, Wexford / August 9, Live at The Docklands, Limerick
From a small town in Ireland, Moncrieff’s music career has gone from strength to strength. Once a backing singer for Adele, he is now an icon in his own right with many of tracks going viral thanks to TikTok.
Robbie Williams
August 23, Croke Park, Dublin
Following the release of his highly anticipated musical biopic film Better Man, pop musical powerhouse Robbie Williams is preparing to entertain the UK, Ireland and Europe throughout the summer.
Opening in Edinburgh, the Angels singer will then head to London, Manchester and Bath before dates across Europe in Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Sweden.
Pierce The Veil
September 20, 3Arena, Dublin
Blending explosive post-hardcore energy with soaring emo melodies, Pierce The Veil have spent almost two decades redefining the emotional edge of modern rock.
As they prepare to return for their highly anticipated 2025 headline tour, Pierce The Veil are poised to celebrate nineteen years of evolution and connection. Their live show defined by its cathartic, unrestrained expression, the trio have become a beacon for fans seeking solace and strength through music.
Simply Red
September 23, SSE Arena, Belfast / September 24, 3Arena, Dublin
To celebrate this impressive 40-year milestone, Simply Red are heading back out on the road in 2025, telling the musical story of Simply Red so far – from ‘Picture Book’ to ‘Time’, and everything in between.
Deacon Blue
October 8, 3Arena, Dublin
2025 marks 40 years since Ricky Ross met Dougie Vipond and they started to form Deacon Blue. The songs on their latest studio album, The Great Western Road, reflect the journey the band has taken and remains honest to the age and experience they all share.
Busted vs McFly
October 20 & 26, 3Arena, Dublin / October 21 & 22, SSE Arena, Belfast
The pop-punk bands are teaming up once again, announcing a new joint tour scheduled for 2025.
During McFly’s celebratory 21st birthday show in London’s O2 arena last year, Busted stormed onstage to break the news to their fans.
The UK and Ireland arena tour kicks off next autumn and includes four Irish dates.
Brett Young
October 31, SSE Arena, Belfast
After performing at Botanic Gardens last summer, American country singer Brett Young will return to Belfast as part of his Back to Basics World Tour.
Nathan Carter
November 14, Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Nathan Carter has confirmed he will be returning to play shows in Dublin and Belfast in 2025 at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Friday, September 19, and the Waterfront Hall on Friday, November 14. For these shows, he will be joined by special guests CEOL.