A fresh and exciting new musical event is coming to Howth later this month as organizers of the popular Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival unveil a brand-new evening music festival, which will take place alongside the daytime celebrations.
With the main festival now moving to May, the newly introduced nighttime program titled, Howth Maritime by Night, promises to transform the picturesque coastal village located outside of Ireland’s capital into a vibrant hub of live music, culture, and entertainment.
Kicking off Friday evening, May 22nd, the boutique-style festival will feature a packed schedule of gigs across nine unique venues, as well as a dramatic Viking-themed spectacle.
Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and experience the full atmosphere of the weekend, with performances taking place in settings ranging from cozy pubs to historic cultural spaces dotted throughout Howth and the scenic surroundings of Howth Hill.
Organizers describe the experience as reminiscent of Electric Picnic, one of Ireland’s most popular outdoor concerts, but with a distinctly local feel.
Many events will be free to attend.
Headline Performances Take Center Stage
At the core of the evening program are four headline shows. Three will take place at the iconic Abbey Tavern, while a special performance will be hosted in the stunning setting of St. Mary’s Church.
Among the standout acts is legendary Irish folk singer-songwriter Luka Bloom, who will perform on Sunday, May 24th at 6 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church.
The Abbey Tavern lineup includes:
- Friday, May 22nd (8 p.m.): Trad-fusion group The Wran
- Saturday, May 23rd (8 p.m.): Havana-inspired sounds from Havanah Roots
- Sunday, May 24th (8 p.m.): Energetic Celtic rhythms from Kíla
Tickets for all four headline shows are available at tickets.ie.
Meanwhile, The Summit Inn will host a nostalgic K2 80s & 90s Club Night, with tickets available through Ticketmeo.com.
Free Music Across the Village
Beyond the headline acts, festival goers can enjoy a wide-ranging program of free live music throughout the village. Participating venues and performers include:
- 353 Samba Club at McNeills
- Allied Irish Bandits at O’Connell’s
- The Guilty Party at Crabby Joe’s
- Ultras and Taylor D at The Bloody Stream
- Dublin City Rounders at The Harbour Bar
- The Mafia Cats at Wrights-Findlater
A special feature of the weekend’s events is called Songs From Howth, a curated songwriters’ showcase celebrating local talent. Artists performing include Paul Byrne, Luke Howard, Colm Skwirbat, Lee Page and Dave Chesney, Celine Daly, Martello, and Rob Keogh.
Vikings, Sea Air, and a Full Weekend Escape
Adding a dramatic historical twist, the festival will also feature a Viking parade and battle reenactment on Friday evening, May 22nd, at 7 p.m.
The procession will begin at the Tesco supermarket and make its way to the green area opposite the King Sitric Seafood Bar, promising a visually striking start to the weekend.
Camper van parking will be available at Suttonians Rugby Club, making it easy to turn the festival into a full weekend getaway.
Festival Director Paul Byrne encourages visitors to embrace the full experience, with a “blend of live music, fresh seafood, coastal scenery, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere.”
With its unique combination of culture, music, and heritage, the Howth Maritime by Night evening festival looks set to become a standout addition to Ireland’s summer events calendar.
Find out more at the festival website.
