Renowned UK singer-songwriter, Lloyd Cole, and celebrated Montreal songsmith, Martha Wainwright, are among this year’s stellar line-up at the Galway Folk Festival 2025, taking place from June 4th-8th in various venues across the city.
Tickets are now available for the festival, which features over 50 live performances across five days, with a mix of outstanding international and Irish artists from the folk, roots and traditional music scenes.
In an Irish-festival exclusive show, the legendary Lloyd Cole will perform at the Town Hall Theatre. With a career spanning four decades, he rose to prominence in the 1980s as the frontman of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, before going solo with a string of critically acclaimed albums.
Twenty years ago, Martha Wainwright stepped out of her family’s illustrious shadow and announced herself to the world with her stunning self-titled debut album.
Now, she marks the milestone anniversary of this tour de force breakout work and has soared in folk and alternative music thanks to her ability to channel heartbreak, resilience and wit.
Other exciting acts include popular band, The Scratch, who created an immediate buzz with their heady mix of heavy metal, Irish folk music, stadium rock, and post-punk; indie-trad trio Project Smok; seasoned performer Seán Keane; Mayo-based folk fusion band, Billow Wood; Contemporary folk harpist, singer, and composer BRÍDÍN; master of the bouzouki and folk luminary, Daoirí Farrell; Berlin-based folk, country, blues and Americana artist, Deray Barboros; Mercury-nominated Fionn Regan; two of Australia’s most captivating roots music artists, Hat Fitz and Cara; world music phenomenon KÍLA bring their fiery folk-rock with a global and Celtic heart; Eli Waltz who incorporates American blues, rock n’roll, Chinese guqin and European baroque into his music; Dublin-based Evie is alt-folk with a twist; Backwest’s first album, ‘The Long Walk’, was hailed as a debut on fire; Cork city’s Briars unite dark folksy instrumentals with post-punk and baroque pop.
The festival also includes Seanchoíche - The Half Room - Colin Tierney - Dave Clancy - The Davies Brothers - Don Stiffe - Double Booked - Eve Clague - Frankie Archer - The Good Life - The Hidden Maple - J Smith – June Carousel - Korina Zambrano - Laura Duff - Laytha - Liam Carroll & co - Loes & The Celtic Link - Myles Gaffney - NXNW - Saije - Shillelagh Law - Some One's Sons - Stephen O'Dowd - Tadhg Williams - Tom Portman - Ultan Conlon - Whiskey Mash - Will Softly - Yonder Boys and more to be announced.
In addition to the ticketed shows, festivalgoers can enjoy free daytime events on the weekend. Cuppa Tea TV returns with The Market Stage, while Culture Vultures, hosted by Tony Clayton-Lea, will feature engaging conversations with special guests. The weekend also showcases the rising stars of folk, with performances from Youth in Music.
Festival Directors Gary Monroe and Peter O’Sullivan said they are excited to return for a fourth year, as they host over 50 incredible artists in folk, roots, and traditional music —both legends and rising stars—across multiple stages from home and abroad.
"Featuring intimate gigs, foot-stomping sessions, and inspiring conversations, there’s lots of exciting new talent to discover alongside more established names.
“The support for the festival continues to grow, and it’s amazing to see folk fans coming from all over Ireland and beyond to experience the magic of live music in Galway. This year’s expanded free daytime programme ensures the festival remains accessible to everyone, with activities for all. Grab a ticket, find a session, and let’s make this year’s festival the best one yet. See you in June!”
Tickets for all events can be purchased through the festival's website. For full programme details, and booking, visit www.galwayfolkfestival.com Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FolkFestGalway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galwayfolkfest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalwayFolkFest/
