Tommy Tiernan

The enfant terrible of home-grown comedy, Tiernan has devoted his professional life to analysing the Irish psyche and extorting chuckles from the absurdities of everyday life. He has a successful parallel career on television, with RTE's Tommy Tiernan Show garnering rave reviews, and confirming his dramatic chops in his role as a harangued dad in the sensational Derry Girls.

Lisa Casey

Winner of the "Irish Comedian of the Year" prize in 2017, Dundalk-native Casey got into stand-up in 2014 and has since excelled. "It took a while to build up the courage [to start stand-up]," she said. "I have suffered for many years with anxiety and depression so it held me back somewhat. I'm still fighting it, but doing what I love makes me stronger."

Kevin McGahern

Appearances on Hardy Bucks and Republic of Telly have confirmed McGahern's stature as one of Ireland's quirkiest stand-ups. He's also an enthusiastic podcaster and is brilliant in a festival setting. Expect more as he sets course for Waterford.

The Dirty Circus

From noted burlesque hotspot Galway, the Dirty Circus features dancers, fire-eaters, clowns, stand-up and "pole dolleys". With performances at a variety of major Irish outdoor events, they've built a reputation as a one-stop entertainment destination Ð and perfect festival fare to boot.

The Lords of Strut

Dance and comedy collide courtesy of this gadabout Cork duo, who created a splash on Britain's Got Talent last year. Their Twitter handle puts it succinctly: "Over styled, under dressed, Lords of Strut are changing the world with dance." You betcha they are.