Festival Events Line-Up
We've got a fantastic line-up of festival events across the weekend. From live music to family-friendly races and events, see the full line-up below.
Live Music Events
As part of this year’s packed Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival programme, we’re delighted to introduce Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest – a dedicated live music event bringing big names, crowd favourites and unforgettable performances to the heart of Newport.
Taking place in a festival marquee from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, Harbour Fest adds an exciting new dimension to a weekend already full of family events, children’s activites, entertainment and festival traditions. Tickets are limited, so book yours today.
Friday, 31st July
Derek
Ryan
Derek Ryan brings chart-topping Irish country to Newport with the hits, heart and energy that have made him one of Ireland’s most loved live performers. Expect a fantastic atmosphere and a set full of crowd-pleasing entertainment. More info
Saturday, 1st August
Hermitage Green
Hermitage Green are renowned for their electrifying live performances, rich harmonies and genre-blending sound. With a unique mix of folk, rock and trad, they have built a reputation as one of Ireland’s standout live bands. More info
Sunday, 2nd August
The Highstool Prophets
The Highstool Prophets have built a huge following with their modern take on Irish folk. After sold-out shows and major support slots, they arrive in Newport as one of the most talked-about acts on the folk scene. More info
3-Day Ticket
Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest Weekend Pass
Why not make a weekend of it? Our 3-day weekend pass gives you access to all three nights of live music. Derek Ryan, Hermitage Green, and The Highstool Prophets, and more, all under one roof across the bank holiday weekend. Tickets are limited, so pick yours up today!
More About the Bands
Derek Ryan
Derek Ryan is one of Ireland’s best-loved country music stars, known for chart-topping albums, sell-out tours and feel-good live shows. A gifted songwriter behind favourites including God’s Plan, Hold On To Your Hat and Down On Your Uppers, Derek blends traditional Irish country with a fresh modern edge.
Fresh from recording in Nashville and with new music including It’s All Country, Derek brings singalong hits, warmth and high-energy entertainment to Newport for a Friday night full of country music and dancing.
Hermitage Green
Hermitage Green are one of Ireland’s most exciting live bands, celebrated for rich harmonies, driving rhythms and a distinctive acoustic sound. With acclaimed releases including Connection, international tours and sold-out shows at major venues, they have earned a reputation for unforgettable performances.
On Saturday night, Hermitage Green bring their powerful, harmony-driven sound to The Quay for what promises to be a standout night of live music at Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival.
Festival Events
Opening of the Festival - Thursday 30th July
On Thursday the 30th of July, at 7pm, The 60th Annual Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival kicks off. We’re so excited to have the official opening take place as our festival queen for 2026, Sarah Chambers, opens the festival and raises the flag. We’re also looking forward to introducing some of our past festival queens on what is a momentous year for the festival. We’re also excited to welcome festivalgoers to the very first Harbour Fest, with 3-nights of electric live music.
Teenage Disco - Thursday 30th July
While the parents are away enjoying the live music up the town, the Harbour Marquee will be rocking for our teen disco. DJ Michael McNeil will be on the decks. We’ll even be organizing shuttle buses from Castlebar, Westport, Achill, and Mulranny!
Shuttle bus information and tickets for the shuttle bus coming soon.
Paul Kelly Music - Thursday 30th July
Kicking off the festival music line-up, Paul Kelly is playing live on Main St. in Newport, Thursday, 30th of July. This is a free festival event. Enjoy the buzz and the energy of the opening night.
Harbour Kidz with Jay Ryan - Saturday 1st August
The Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival is delighted to launch Harbour Kidz with Jay Ryan of RTÉjr and our own Laura White, for a fun-filled day of stories, puppets, science, music and imagination for our younger festivalgoers.
Taking place Saturday 1st August in the Marquee on the Quay, Harbour Kidz will bring children right into the magic of the festival, with:
📖 Storytelling
🎭 Puppet Show
🔬 Science Workshop
🎶 Kid’s Disco
Laura White will put on a dancing disco show like no other to tire everyone out and make sure everyone has a blast!
📅 When: Saturday 1st August
🕙 Time: Starts at 10am but can join between shows
📍 Where: Marquee on the Quay, Newport
🎟️ Tickets: €5 per show, available at the door – 4 shows €15 – Adults go free!
See All Events in the Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival Brochure
Hard-copy brochures can be obtained from any local business premises. View it below or download to your phone for easy access.
