Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival returns to Smithfield Square this month – featuring Muireann Bradley, Gemma Dunleavy, a lazarus soul and more

The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival is set to bring live music, storytelling and community-led events to Smithfield Square this month – as the free, family-friendly festival returns for its fourth edition on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.

Celebrating the life and legacy of iconic Dublin singer Luke Kelly, this year's edition of the festival will feature a line-up of top Irish talent across the two days.

On the Saturday (May 23), you can look forward to Main Stage performances from lauded Dublin acts Gemma Dunleavy – who, like Luke Kelly, hails from Sheriff Street – and a lazarus soul.

Meanwhile, on Sunday (May 24), there will be highly anticipated sets from Co. Donegal's acclaimed young folk guitarist and singer Muireann Bradley, as well as the cast of The Dubliners Encore, the official stage show celebrating the music of The Dubliners.

Muireann Bradley. Copyright Patrik Meier

Both days will open with performances from the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary recipients, introduced and mentored by Irish folk artist George Murphy. The bursary, which launched this year, grants eight recipients €1,000, along with dedicated mentorship, and the opportunity to perform three songs on the festival's Main Stage.

Elsewhere at the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival, you can look forward to ballads at the O’Donoghue’s Tent, with three lively, informal sessions taking place each day, hosted by Hank Byrne & Friends.

There will also be talks and workshops in the Bailey Discussion Tent – including Sabina Higgins in conversation with Donal Fallon (Sunday, 4pm), for a wide-ranging discussion about her life in both the arts and in public service, from the '60s right through to the present day. There will also be a deep-dive into Luke Kelly's love of Scottish song with Freedom Come All Ye, featuring Steve Byrne and Iona Fyfe (Saturday, 2pm); and The Sun Is Burning, an exploration of protest and anti-war songs with songwriter and activist Tommy Sands (Sunday, 2pm).

Sabina Higgins. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The festival's programme includes two special film screening at the Light House Cinema – with Celtic Utopia (Saturday, 6.30pm) exploring Ireland's vibrant music scene; and In Time: Dónal Lunny (Sunday, 6.30pm) delving into the life of one of the most influential figures in traditional Irish music.

Artist Heather Gray will also return to lead the Arts & Crafts Tent – allowing participants to design their own Luke Kelly-inspired hair and beard, while also offering painting, comic creation and more.

The Centre Half, meanwhile, 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. The Golf Corner will also feature as part of the festival, with crazy golf and a chip shot game.

“Luke Kelly did more than sing Dublin’s songs," comments the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray MacAdam. "He gave voice to our hopes, our struggles, our humour, our heart. 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.”

Luke Kelly

Paula McCann, Luke Kelly's niece, has said that the Kelly family are "very grateful to Dublin City Council for organising 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," she adds.

The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival is free to attend, and takes place in Smithfield Square on May 23 & 24.

For more information see dublin.ie/lukekelly