Gemma Hayes to kick off Irish tour this month

Irish singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes is getting ready to kick off Irish tour later this month.

Hayes’ tour will begin on September 26 at Whelan's, Dublin, followed by shows at Róisín Dubh, Galway on September 27, Cyprus Avenue, Cork on October 18, before ending at Dolan’s, Limerick on November 7.

“There's a real poignancy for me around these upcoming shows in Ireland,” she explains. “They signify the end of a year-long campaign to promote my latest album, Blind Faith. I wanted to finish this tour right back where it all began in Whelans, Dublin. A venue that shaped so many of us as artists and as audience members. If only those walls could speak! I love my band so much and we have put together a setlist that spans every album. You may need earplugs for some songs!”

The singer will be joined on stage by her band, consisting of Éna Brennan on violin, Cormac Curran on keys, Sam Killeen on guitar, and Ross Turner on drums.

Hayes’ career began in 2001 with the release of her EP 4:35am and her first album Night On My Side just a year later. The latter was nominated for the 2003 Mercury Prize. She released her latest album Blind Faith in September 2024, which Hot Press commended, writing that "she has never sounded better."

“I’m experimenting with new toys in the studio and working on new songs – perhaps for an EP, who knows! My plan is not to leave it for another ten years," Hayes added. "There’ll be some very interesting collaborations and projects over 2026. As for now, I’m so buzzed to get on that stage on Whelan's again.”

Tickets for all her Irish dates can be found here or in venue box offices.

• Listen to Hayes’ latest album, Blind Faith below: