Smithfield Square will come alive this May as the 'Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival' returns for its fourth year on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 May 2026.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the life and legacy of one of Dublin’s most iconic voices, with a weekend of live music, storytelling, and community-led events inspired by Luke Kelly’s lasting impact on Irish culture.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray MacAdam said “Luke Kelly did more than sing Dublin’s songs. He gave voice to our hopes, our struggles, our humor, and our hearts.
"This festival is about Celebrating Dublin in its truest form. A city of music and memory. A city of family and friendship. A city where stories are shared, songs are carried, and community is felt in every note. This May, Smithfield will not just host a festival. Smithfield will lift its voice for Luke, for Dublin, and for the generations still inspired by both.”
Now firmly established in Dublin’s cultural calendar, this year’s festival continues to honor Luke Kelly’s legacy, celebrating his influence through contemporary voices, traditional music, and community storytelling.
The Luke Kelly Stage will feature a standout line-up of Irish talent across the weekend, with a strong day-by-day programme.
Paula McCann, Luke Kelly’s niece, speaking on behalf of the Kelly family, said: “The Kelly family is very grateful to Dublin City Council for organizing this annual tribute to Luke. It is very moving to meet so many of his fans across the generations and to hear how much he has touched people’s lives.”
Credit: Andres Poveda
Saturday 23 May will feature a performance from R&B singer and Sherriff Street-native Gemma Dunleavy. The day will also feature Dublin post-punk band A Lazarus Soul, whose poetic, politically resonant songs have garnered wide acclaim and are described by Christy Moore as "raw, relevant and real."
The day will begin with performances from the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary recipients (1–2 pm), introduced and mentored by acclaimed Irish folk artist George Murphy.
Sunday 24 May will feature The Dubliners Encore (5–6 pm), the acclaimed official stage show celebrating the music and legacy of The Dubliners, bringing timeless classics including The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, and Whiskey in the Jar to Smithfield. Earlier in the day, audiences can experience Muireann Bradley (3–4pm), the internationally recognized young guitarist and singer whose masterful interpretations of early blues have earned her global attention.
Sunday will also open with performances from the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary recipients (1–2pm), introduced by George Murphy.
Launching this year, the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary will play a central role in the festival programme. Six recipients will each receive €1,000, along with dedicated mentorship from George Murphy and the opportunity to perform three songs live on the main stage across the weekend.
The competition remains open until 3 May at lukekellybursary.ie.
Away from the main stage, audiences can immerse themselves in the rich tradition of Dublin ballads at the O’Donoghue’s Tent, where Hank Byrne & Friends will host lively, informal sessions three times daily across both days (12–1pm, 2–3pm and 4–5pm).
Credit: Andres Poveda
The Bailey Discussion Tent will present a dynamic program of talks and workshops exploring music, culture, and heritage. Highlights across the weekend, Freedom Come All Ye – a deep dive into Luke Kelly’s love of Scottish song with Steve Byrne and Iona Fyfe (Saturday, 2–3pm), and The Sun is Burning – an exploration of protest and anti-war songs from The Dubliners to the present day with songwriter and civil rights activistTommy Sands (Sunday, 2–3pm)and Sabina Higgins in Conversation with Donal Fallon for a wide-ranging conversation on her life in the arts and public service, from the cultural milieu of the 1960s right through to the present day (Sunday 4-5pm)
Extending the festival into the evening, the programme also includes two special screenings at the nearby Lighthouse Cinema. On Saturday 23 May (6.30pm), Celtic Utopia explores the shared cultural and musical traditions across Celtic nations, while on Sunday 24 May (6.30pm), In Time: Donal Lunny offers an intimate portrait of one of Ireland’s most influential figures in traditional music.
Following the success of last year’s interactive arts space, artist Heather Gray returns to lead the Arts & Crafts Tent, delivering a vibrant, inclusive programme of hands-on creative activities for all ages. From designing your own Luke Kelly-inspired hair and beard, to painting, comic creation, and reimagining I’ll Tell Me Ma in English or as Gaeilge, the space encourages imagination, participation and cultural connection.
The Centre Half has been expanded for 2026 to cater for all ages and skill levels, introducing a dedicated Football Field featuring interactive inflatable games including the Mega Shootout, Junior Shootout and an Air Jets Football Game. Alongside this, a Golf Corner will offer crazy golf and a chip shot game, running throughout the weekend and adding to the relaxed, inclusive, community-focused atmosphere.
The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival is free to attend and welcomes Dubliners and visitors alike to celebrate one of the city’s most iconic cultural figures in Smithfield Square on 23 and 24 May 2026.
For more information, follow #DCCLukeKellyFestival on social media or visit LukeKellyBursary.ie.
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