By Rachel Dennehy
2024 will go down in history for live music. Ireland saw some of the greatest names in music return to give unforgettable performances including the likes of Taylor Swift, Niall Horan, Girls Aloud, P!nk and Coldplay to name a few. 2025 is only proving to be bigger and better than 2024 was for live music as it has been confirmed that several iconic acts will be returning to Ireland this year. I have comprised a list of ten incredible acts that you should try to see this year.
Billie Eilish
If luck was on your side, you may be one of the few lucky people who will get to experience Billie Eilish on her most recent tour in July as she commences a two-date stop in Ireland’s 3Arena in Dublin. She has been praised for her showstopping performances as well as her pop stardom, labelling her as an artist that if you are lucky enough to get your hands on tickets, then you must make sure you do everything you can to attend.
Lana Del Ray
Lana Del Ray is returning to the UK and Ireland this summer for a set of summer outdoor shows including a date at Dublin’s Aviva stadium. Del Ray will be performing to a sold-out crowd at a 65000 capacity later this year in what can be expected to be one of the most anticipated gigs of the year as she makes her long awaited return to Ireland.
Dua Lipa
In her rise to global stardom throughout each of her eras, she has worked miraculously to develop a loyal dedicated fanbase, becoming known for catchy anthems and star power. Dua Lipa brings her Radical Optimism tour this summer to Aviva Stadium. This is one show not to miss as it marks one of her biggest venues in her career and one that is guaranteed to attract an energetic crowd. If you want to have a night filled with dancing and singing your heart out than this is one gig not to miss.
Tate McRae
Although, she only toured last year luck would have it that McRae will be returning to Ireland in 2025 for her biggest tour yet featuring two sold-out nights at the 3Arena. McRae is known for her energetic performance and unique vocal techniques thus making her an incredible artist to go and see. If you have found yourself singing songs like “It’s Ok I’m Ok,” “2 Hands” and “Exes” recently than you should find yourself singing along and having the time of your life this May as Tate McRae brings the energy to Dublin.
Olivia Rodrigo
If you think Olivia Rodrigo can ever stop then you are wrong. After a sold-out global tour, she is back with her biggest Irish show yet headlining Marlay Park this June. Including support from Beabadoobee, this is one show not to miss as Olivia Rodrigo brings and combines all the emotions ensuring that there is something for everybody. Whether you want to cry or sing and dance, then make sure you are at Marlay Park this summer.
Sabrina Carpenter
After making headlines in the last year, the latest Ticketmaster battle was Sabrina Carpenter as she heads to 3Arena for two sold-out shows this March. Bringing along rising indie-pop star Rachel Chinouriri this show is definitely one not to be missed. It bridges cheek and fun in an hour and half slot exhilarating stardom and a decade of hard work.
Noah Kahan
After headlining Electric Picnic and naming Ireland as his second home, Kahan is heading back to Dublin later this summer for his biggest Irish gig in his career. Taking to the stage of Marlay Park with support yet to be announced. 2025 proves to be one for the history books as he proves he is only getting started and what better way to be a part of the journey than securing tickets to seeing him at one of Ireland’s most iconic outdoor venues.
Charli XCX
If you thought Brat summer was staying in 2024 then you were so wrong, despite skipping Ireland on her arena tour, Charli XCX has confirmed that she will be bringing Brat summer back to Ireland as she headlines Malahide Castle this summer. With support from The Japanese House, undeniably this will be one summer not to forget. After going mainstream in recent years, tickets to this event are like gold dust so don’t delay, if you get the chance there is only one place you should be this summer singing brat with Charli XCX at one of Ireland’s largest outdoor venues.
Robbie Williams
After the release of his biographical film, Better Man, Robbie Williams is going on tour to support this project by embarking on an outdoor stadium tour across Europe this summer featuring a date at Croke Park. This show is expected to be one of the highlights of the summer as Robbie Williams knows how to put on a show. If you want to hear his greatest hits live this summer, then there is only one place for you to be!
Gracie Abrams
Arguably, she has had one of the biggest years of her career so what better opportunity to celebrate this milestone than to witness her latest arena tour for her album, The Secret of Us. She stops in 3Arena this March and without a doubt cannot be missed. However, tickets are as likely as winning the lotto so if you manage to get your hands on some, take this as a sign to go and have the night of your life.