Dermot Kennedy's latest album, "The Weight of the Woods," released on April 3, has landed him in the record books.

With the album debuting at number one in both Ireland and the UK this week, Kennedy has become the first Irish solo artist to have each of his first three studio albums score the No. 1 placement.

The album is the biggest chart debut of 2026 by an Irish artist.

According to the UK's Official Charts Company, "The Weight of the Woods" also debuted at number one on the Scottish Albums Chart, the Albums Sales Chart, the Physical Albums Chart, the Vinyl Albums Chart, and the Record Store Chart.

"The Weight of the Woods" is Kennedy's third full album release, following "Sonder" in 2022 and "Without Fear" in 2019.

Responding to the news, Dublin native Kennedy was his typical humble self: "The Weight of the Woods is number one in the UK and Ireland.

"I wouldn’t even be part of that conversation if it wasn’t for you guys.

"Thank you for supporting this new album the way you have.

"Very very lucky and grateful X"

Kennedy largely wrote and recorded "The Weight of the Woods" in a studio not far from his home in rural Ireland, as well as during a spell in Nashville.

“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story," Kennedy said ahead of the release.

"There’s a forest behind my house, which is a haven for my sense of wonder. It’s a peaceful place where I can escape.

"I’ve entertained the idea of living somewhere else, but I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”

He added: “If I get up in a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I’m certain that I can sing to a room full of people. It’s where I’m the most comfortable. I wanted that element to be front-and-center on this album.”

Kennedy will be embarking on a European and UK headline tour in May before kicking off his North American headlining tour in September.

"The Weight of the Woods" tracklist

  1. The Weight of the Woods (Reprise)
  2. Honest
  3. Refuge
  4. Funeral
  5. Endless
  6. Sycamore
  7. Often, Lately
  8. Turnstile
  9. Wasted
  10. Blue Eyes
  11. Trepidation
  12. The Only Time I Prayed
  13. Happiness
  14. The Weight of the Woods

You can listen to Dermot Kennedy's "The Weight of the Woods" here via Spotify:

Related: Dublin, Music, United Kingdom