Summer 2026 is shaping up to be something special at the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. From a living legend of Irish folk to a viral TikTok sensation, from the heart and soul of country music to three of Ireland’s greatest female artists sharing the same stage, the lineup this season is genuinely one to mark in your calendar.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional Irish music or just looking for a brilliant night out in the west of Ireland, there’s a show here for you. And with pre-event dining available at the Green Room Bar & Restaurant and hotel rooms right on-site, it’s easy to make a full weekend of it.
Here’s your guide to the top six Irish and folk concerts coming to TF Royal this summer.
1. Christy Moore Live in Concert | Friday 5th June
There are few names in Irish music that carry the weight of Christy Moore. A performer who has been captivating audiences for decades, Christy returns to TF Royal Castlebar on Friday 5th June following a sold-out show last year, proof, if any were needed, that his connection with audiences hasn’t dimmed one bit.
What makes Christy Moore so enduringly special is his ability to reach people on a deeply personal level. This is reserved seating, show time at 20:00, and post-event music from Keith McDonald is included on the night.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
2. A Country Night in Nashville | Friday 12th June
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a downtown Nashville honky-tonk, this is as close as you’ll get in the west of Ireland. A Country Night in Nashville brings together some of the genre’s most beloved artists, think Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson and Kacey Musgraves, in a high-energy tribute show that spans country’s rich history from the classic era right through to today.
Leading the night are Dominic Halpin & The Hurricanes, a band whose powerful vocals and tight musicianship really do justice to the songs they’re performing. From timeless anthems to more recent crowd-pleasers, this is a show for country fans of all ages and a great option if you’re bringing a mix of generations along.
Doors open at 19:00, show at 20:00. Unreserved seating.
Tickets: €33.65 (+ fees)
Book your ticket for A Country Night in Nashville
3. Onóir Live in Concert | Saturday 25th July
Formed in 2020 by four Donegal musicians, Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan and Diarmaid McGee, Onóir quickly made a name for themselves when their contemporary take on the classic Irish ballad The Auld Triangle was seen by over three million people worldwide. Since then, they’ve been selling out venues at pace, and it’s easy to understand why.
Their shows are a real emotional journey, from the quiet, haunting beauty of traditional Irish ballads to the energy of modern Irish classics, with plenty of laughter and genuine onstage chemistry thrown in. If you’ve never seen Onóir live, this is a great chance to experience what all the fuss is about.
Doors open at 19:00, show at 20:00. Unreserved seating. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (levels 2 and 3 only).
Tickets: €36.65 (+ fees)
4. George Murphy & The Rising Sons | Friday 31st July
With over 20 years on the road and a career that has seen him perform alongside legends like The Dubliners and The Fureys, George Murphy is one of Ireland’s most respected folk voices. In 2019, he brought together an eight-piece band, The Rising Sons, born out of a local pub session and driven by a shared love of bringing classic songs to new audiences.
What sets this show apart is the format. George and the band perform in the round on a central stage, surrounded by the audience in a full 360° setting, recreating the intimacy of a traditional Irish session, but on a genuinely spectacular scale. It’s an immersive, high-energy experience that feels different from your standard concert, and audiences have been responding to it with standing ovations across Ireland.
Doors open at 19:00, show at 20:00. Unreserved seating.
Tickets: €33.00 (+ fees)
Book your ticket for George Murphy & The Rising Sons
5. Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon & Frances Black | Saturday 1st August
This is the one that arguably tops the whole summer programme. Three of the most iconic female artists in Irish music, Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black, sharing the same stage for one extraordinary night at TF Royal.
All three will perform their own headline sets with their respective musicians, giving audiences the chance to savour each artist individually before the three come together for a joint finale. It’s a format that feels genuinely generous, you’re not getting a brief cameo from each; you’re getting full shows.
Sharon Shannon’s traditional Irish roots are well-known, but she’s spent her career fearlessly blending them with everything from reggae to hip-hop to classical music. Frances Black has been one of Ireland’s most beloved voices since the late 1980s, with a warmth and clarity in her singing that’s immediately recognisable. And Mary Coughlan occupies a space all her own, a blues and jazz-influenced singer whose voice carries the kind of emotional depth that stops people in their tracks.
If you only make it to one show this summer, make it this one.
Doors open at 19:00, show at 20:00. Unreserved seating.
Tickets: €35.00 (+ fees)
Book your ticket for Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon & Frances Black
Planning Your Visit to TF Royal
TF Royal Hotel & Theatre is located on the Old Westport Road in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, centrally placed and easy to get to whether you’re driving or arriving by public transport. You can find full details on getting here, including parking and conditions of entry.
One of the best things about attending a show here is the option to make a proper evening of it. The Green Room Bar & Restaurant is open for pre-event dining, so you can arrive early, settle in with a meal, and head straight into the theatre feeling relaxed. If you’re coming from further afield, the hotel has rooms on-site, perfect for a weekend break in Mayo without the stress of arranging late-night transport.
Tickets for all events are available through the TF Royal box office and Ticketmaster.ie. Please note that TF Royal is now a cashless venue, so bring your card.
For the full upcoming events listing, visit tfroyal.ie/events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best venues to experience live Irish music sessions?
Ireland has no shortage of brilliant live music venues, but for a proper sit-down concert experience in the west of Ireland, TF Royal in Castlebar, Co. Mayo consistently stands out. It’s a dedicated theatre space with great acoustics, a welcoming atmosphere, and a programme that regularly features some of the biggest names in Irish folk and traditional music. For a more informal session atmosphere, many pubs across Mayo and Connacht host traditional music nights throughout the summer.
What events are on in County Mayo this summer?
County Mayo has a packed events calendar across the summer months, with everything from festivals and outdoor events to live theatre and concerts. TF Royal in Castlebar is one of the county’s leading entertainment venues, hosting a strong programme of Irish folk, country, and comedy shows from June through August 2026. The 5 concerts featured in this guide are among the highlights, but it’s worth checking tfroyal.ie/events regularly for new additions to the lineup throughout the season.
Where should I stay after a concert at TF Royal?
The simplest answer? Stay right where you are. TF Royal is a hotel as well as a theatre, with comfortable rooms available on-site at the venue itself. It means you can enjoy the show without worrying about driving afterwards, and there’s no rushing for a late taxi. Book your room here.
