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Shoot the Crows, Pub, Sligo Town, Co Sli
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Sligo Live Music Festival

Sligo Live 2026

Bed & Full Irish Breakfast

Bed & Full Irish Breakfast

From €190  

Sligo Live 2026 – Stay in the Heart of the Music 

 

Experience Ireland’s premier music event with front-row access from the comfort of The Glasshouse Hotel. Over the October Bank Holiday weekend, the Sligo Live Music Festival 2026 will light up the city with a vibrant mix of folk, roots, indie, and traditional sounds—plus unforgettable comedy performances. Be part of the celebration while staying just steps from the action. 

🎶 What is Sligo Live? 

Sligo Live is more than a music festival—it’s a community-centred celebration created by musicians and music lovers to showcase the best of talent, both internationally established and emerging Irish voices. Since its founding in 2005 by Shane Mitchell and Rory O’Connor, it has grown into a cultural institution, drawing legendary performers like Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Joan Armatrading, and Sinead O’Connor. 

The 2026 edition brings together a dynamic partnership of Sligo County Council, Atlantic Technological University, and local artists, continuing to promote the region’s rich artistic heritage and creative future. 

The essence of Sligo Live is best represented by reference to the artists who have chosen to play the event over the years including: Alabama 3, Joan Armatrading, BellX1, Paul Brady, Sinead O'Connor, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison and many more. 

What Happens at Sligo Live

During the festival, Sligo becomes a lively hub for performances and cultural activities:

  • 🎵 Concerts featuring folk, roots, indie, and traditional Irish music
  • 🎭 Comedy shows with well-known comedians
  • 🎻 Traditional music sessions in pubs and venues
  • 🎤 Performances by emerging Irish artists
  • 🎪 Free events and street activities around the town

🎤 Sligo Live Festival 2026 – Line-Up Highlights 

Enjoy intimate gigs and lively arena performances in Sligo’s most iconic venues—all within walking distance of The Glasshouse Hotel. 

Whether you’re here for the trad session, indie rock, Americana, or comedy, Sligo Live 2026 offers a rich mix of sounds for every taste. 

 

October 2026

18th October: Kyla Cobbler at the Knocknarea Arena ATU Sligo

23rd October: Dara ó Briain at the Knocknarea Arena ATU Sligo

25th October: Frankie Gavin & De Dannan at the Hawk's Well Theatre

More Announcements Coming Soon 

 🏨 Where to Stay for Sligo Live – The Glasshouse Hotel 

Stay centre stage. Located along the scenic Garavogue River, The Glasshouse is Sligo’s only 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It's the ideal base for music lovers looking to experience every note of the festival without missing a beat. 

Why Stay With Us: 

  • Central location: Minutes from all major Sligo Live venues 
  • Stylish riverside rooms: Floor-to-ceiling views, plush beds 
  • On-site dining & cocktails: Ideal for pre-show meals or post-gig chats
  • Late check-out: Sleep in after a night of live music 
  • Secure parking & free Wi-Fi 

Explore the rhythm of the city—then retreat to riverside peace. 

🎧 Explore Sligo by Day 

Your music break doesn’t stop when the lights go down. Spend your mornings exploring: 

  • Riverside strolls along the Garavogue
  • Woodland walks at Hazelwood and Dooney Rock 
  • Surf town vibes in nearby Strandhill 
  • Cultural gems like Yeats Memorial Building and Sligo Abbey 
  • Local cafés & brunch at Dock 84, Osta, and Lyons 

Whether you're nursing a coffee after a late gig or chasing Atlantic waves, Sligo’s soulful charm fills every corner. 

 

🎟 Don’t Miss Out – Book Early 

Sligo music festival 2026 is set to draw visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Accommodation fills quickly—especially on the October Bank Holiday. 

Shore Shots Irish Surf Film Festival is a celebration of film and surf. Films, talks and surf culture take place all weekend long at The Model Arts Centre.

This popular event has been hosted by County Sligo Golf Club in Rosses point since it began in 1923.

For deatils on the WEST and all things at County Sligo Golf Club in Rosses Point, check it out here Home - County Sligo Golf Club

For 60 years The Yeats Society have run the annual Yeats International Summer School, a cultural event commemorating the strong connection between W.B. Yeats and Sligo.

A five day celebration in Tubbercurry town celebrating all that’s best of times gone by. The highlight is the Old Fair Day on the second Wednesday in August and the Heritage Village.
For deatails check out Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival

This gruelling 15km road and hill race takes runner to the top of Knocknarea Mountain and back to the beachfront in Strandhill where live music and street entertainment entertain everyone.  Warriors Run – Strandhill Warriors Run

Sligo Baroque Music Festival began life in 1995, founded by Rod Alston with the Sligo Early Music Ensemble. It has become a well-established highlight in the cultural calendar of Sligo and the north-west of Ireland, taking place on the last weekend of September each year.

The festival aims to present high quality performance of baroque music in a friendly and informal context, and featuring a mix of Irish and international performers - some with an established international reputation, others at an early stage of their careers. The development of young musicians is a key focus in the programme every year.

The festival is an association managed by a voluntary committee, with Sharon Carty as Director, and is supported by The Arts Council, Sligo County Council, and by other public bodies, businesses, organisations and individuals.