For the second year in a row, Dublin will host the independent Jack of Diamonds Rhythm and Roots Festival. Running from August 16-18 the event spans 13 of the city’s most popular music venues and bars.

Taking its name from Rory Gallagher’s ‘The Cuckoo’, Jack of Diamonds aims to transform Dublin into one of the biggest hoe-downs in the country. Free-to-attend, the festival will showcase the best folk, blues, trad, rockabilly and roots. With over 100 live acts, the goal is to acknowledge the country’s musical talent and culture.
Festival organisers say: “For us, The Jack of Diamonds Festival represents everything good in this country. It’s a collaboration between Ireland’s best independent musical talent, bringing fun, energy, ability and a hootenanny like no other to the capital city.”
Some of the acts set to perform include I Draw Slow, The Hot Sprockets, North Strand Kontra Band, The Eskies and The Cujo Family, playing in venues such as Whelan’s, The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club, Sweeney’s and The Button Factory. This year organisers have chosen FOCUS Ireland as their charity. They’re encouraging all festival-goers to make a donation.
The latest tour to be supported by Music Network Ireland is from Bellows, Bridge and Bow. The ensemble features Liam O’Connor, Caomhin O Fearghaill and Noel Hill, all previous winners of TG4’s Gradam Ceoil award.
The trio have a shared love for the legendary masters of Irish tradition: Coleman, Ennis, Clancy, Potts and Tóibín. On their inaugural trek together, these stellar soloists aim to delight audiences with their fresh, vibrant take on the classic Irish traditional repertoire.
Expect to hear powerful dance music, lively jigs and melancholic hornpipes, alongside poignant airs and haunting sean nós songs.
The tour starts in Whelans, Dublin on Tuesday September 10, continuing the following evening in Bray’s Mermaid Arts Centre, with shows also in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar (12), St. John’s Theatre, Listowel (13), Ionad Culturtha in Baile Mhuirne (14), Tipperary Excel Centre (15), Emo Court, Portlaoise (16) and wrapping up, after a well-earned rest day, with a show in An Grianan, Letterkenny (18).