Returning for just its second year, The High Road Sessions have announced their 2026 line up. Taking place in Inishbofin, Connemara, the concert series will run from July 3rd-5th and tempts a unique weekend of music for all.
Stemming from a collective of locals and friends of Inishbofin island and the arts coming together again, the special three-day concert series returns to the beautiful pop-up venue along Inishbofin’s high road.
This year features a standout lineup of performers, including the return of award-winning British songwriter Kate Nash, as well as the much loved duet project of multi-platinum Cork artist Mick Flannery and Co. Clare’s acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Susan O’Neill, both set to perform on the Saturday.
New arrivals to the island session will include six-piece Folk Rock group The Fynches, Donegal alternative singer-songwriter George Houston, delicious comedian and singer-songwriter Garron Noone.
Friday evening’s performances will kick off with fellow islander Niall McCabe, followed by five piece all female rock band The Kates travelling from West Cork to make their Island Debut. Another Five-Piece-West-Cork-Rock-Band will close the night with a bang with tunes from Leevy.
The Saturday session will kick off with Galway electro-pop artist Laoise, followed by an in the round session hosted by island local Luke Murray, rising Belfast alt-pop singer songwriter Tabitha Smyth, and The Fynches.
While Sunday will see George Houston and his band followed by Garron Noone. Then transition into the traditional music portion of the celebrations with Galway based six piece traditional group Galvian Way, followed by the one and only Sharon Shannon accompanied by Gerry O’Connor and Alan Connor. Finally as per tradition the weekend session will close out with the beloved island mainstays the Inishbofin Ceilí Band.
Concerts will take place in a purpose-built pop-up stretch tent venue created specially for the weekend on the high road with panoramic sea views. In addition to Inishbofin’s array of eateries, local company Breaking Bread will be catering and serving meals throughout the weekend of concerts.
Accommodation is available across the island and in addition there will be a pop-up campsite adjacent to the venue that can be booked along with week-end tickets. This facility includes toilets and running water as well transfers to and from the ferry, as well as a morning shuttle down to the community centre for showers and a breakfast bite at the Salt Box food truck.
Collective friends of the event also include the wonderful Sauna Bó Finne, located near the beach at the island’s east end (limited slots available), Inishbofin Bike Hire and the wonderful The Doonmore Hotel which will as always have nightly music sessions across the weekend.
Tickets are limited and available for individual days or as a weekend pass. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult.
Presented by The Black Gate, Black Gate Studios, Katalane Tents & The Star House Collective
LINE UP:
Friday July 3rd
Niall McCabe,
The Kates,
Leevy
Saturday July 4th
Laoise,
Luke Murray,
Tabitha Smyth,
The Fynches,
Kate Nash,
Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill.
Sunday July 5th
George Houston
Garron Noone
Galvian Way
Sharon Shannon with Gerry O’Connor & Alan Connor.
Inishbofin Ceili Band
+ More to be announced
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