The seaside village of Howth will come alive with blues, roots, Americana and rock when the Howth Roots and Blues Festival returns August 7th through 9th.
With more than 40 free gigs across local pubs, plus headline shows at The Abbey Tavern and The Summit Inn, it’s one of Dublin’s best-value live music weekends.
If you’re visiting Ireland in August (or you live nearby), this festival is well worth adding to your plans.
What is the Howth Roots and Blues Festival?
Established in 2019, the festival has quickly earned a spot on the Irish and international music circuit.
Supported by Guinness Zero and Fingal County Council, it showcases Irish roots and blues artists alongside blues rock, country, bluegrass, and Americana performers.
Expect intimate pub gigs, big‑energy headline performances, and one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal backdrops.
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2026 Headline Acts
This year’s ticketed shows at The Abbey Tavern and The Summit Inn feature an exciting mix of established names and rising stars, including The Hothouse Flowers (acoustic show), Crow Black Chicken (Cork blues rock trio), The Rob Strong Band (blues and soul legends), and Zoé Basha (emerging Americana talent).
The Summit Inn Mini Festivals
For the second year running, The Summit Inn will host two special “mini festivals,” including The Guitar Legends Triple Bill featuring Mik Pyro with Dublin Blues Cartel, US guitarist Silas Caldwell and his band, and award‑winning guitarist Paul Sherry and band.
The Women in Blues Triple Bill will feature Niamh Strong, French rock artist Elise Frank, and Mary Stokes and her band.
Explore the Free Pub Trail (With Over 40 Live Performances)
One of the best parts of the festival is the free gig pub trail.
Festival‑goers are encouraged to wander between venues, discover new artists, and soak in Howth’s harbor views along the way.
Venues include:
The Abbey Tavern
The Summit Inn
The East Pier Stage at O’Connell’s
The Smokin’ Stage at MacNeill’s
The Phil Lynott Stage at The Bloody Stream
The Garden Stage at The Harbour Bar and
The Roots & Blues Barstool Stage at Wrights-Findlater
Getting to Howth the Budget-Friendly Way
One of the biggest advantages of this festival is how easy it is to reach.
You can take the DART from Dublin city center in about 30 minutes. Irish Rail will be extending services until 12:25 a.m. during the festival.
Camper Van Parking
If you traveling around Ireland in a camper van, the Suttonians Rugby Club (one stop from the Howth DART station) is offering camper van parking.
To book, contact Emer at 353-87-981‑6320 or email [email protected].
Where to Purchase Tickets
Full performance schedule can be found at http://www.howthrootsandblues.com/. Headline tickets can be purchased at Universe.ie.
Ticketed shows typically sell quickly, so it’s wise to book early if there’s a particular act you want to see.
Read: How to Get Around Dublin on Public Transportation
Why Add This Festival to Your Ireland Trip?
- Free live music all weekend
- The chance to enjoy a seaside setting just outside Dublin’s city center
- Easy public transport access via the DART
- A mix of established Irish talent and rising stars
- Combine your visit with a Howth cliff walk or a seafood dinner
It’s the kind of event where you can spend the afternoon walking the cliffs, grab fish and chips by the harbor, then wander into a pub and discover your new favorite band.
If you’re planning an August trip to Dublin, the Howth Roots and Blues Festival is an easy, affordable way to experience Irish music in a stunning coastal setting.
