On a sun-soaked evening in St. Anne’s Park, Dublin, Inhaler brought their arena-sized energy to the open-air stage, delivering a blistering set that confirmed their status as one of Ireland’s most exciting live acts. The show marked the start of a packed summer gig series in the park – and what a way to kick it off!

Before Inhaler took to the stage, the crowd were entertained with a triple treat of strong opening acts that built the mood with escalating energy and plenty of homegrown flair.

St. Annes Park on May 30th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

First up were Scustin, the post-funk-fuelled, tongue-in-cheek outfit who blur the line between gig and pub session in the best possible way. With songs like 'I’m Never Flying With Ryanair Again' and 'The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant in That Pint of Guinness)', the Wicklow band leaned unapologetically into Irish wit and culture. The band’s lead singer, Larry, captured the imagination of the crowd early on, not just with punchy lyrics, but by pulling audience members up to the mic. “We like to think of this more as a community than a band,” he said, and the sentiment stuck. With a new album due in September, they left a lasting impression.

Next came Gurriers, who further demonstrated the liveliness of the current Irish post-punk scene. Their set felt urgent and electric. Songs like 'Top of the Bill' and 'Des Goblin' (with a definite Idles-like snarl) had the crowd hooked. Fierce, unapologetic and engaging, Gurriers showed just how vital the Irish punk scene has become.

Gurriers at St. Annes Park on May 30th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Then came Blossoms, veterans of the support slot for Inhaler, having opened for them at the 3Arena in 2023. They brought an effortless confidence, their indie sheen and playful charm landing well with the crowd. Standouts of their set included the timeless ‘Charlemagne' and the infectious ‘Gary' from their latest album of the same name.

Blossoms at St. Annes Park on May 30th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

By the time Inhaler took to the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Golden-hour light gave way to stage glow as the band launched into a set that effortlessly spanned their increasingly impressive catalogue.

There were fan favourites like 'My Honest Face', 'These Are The Days' and 'Love Will Get You There', as well as powerful new material from their February 2025 release, Open Wide. Highlights included 'Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’, 'A Question of You' and 'Your House', all met with roaring sing-alongs by the crowd – even the newer lyrics were etched into fans’ minds already.

Inhaler at St. Annes Park on May 30th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

The connection between the band and crowd was tangible. Inhaler’s staging was sharp, immersive and powerful, while retaining a laid-back feel, which fit the atmosphere of the venue perfectly. They worked the space, got up close to fans and made the show feel intimate despite the thousands in attendance. The crowd were warm, loud and fully engaged. It all felt unmistakably Irish.

From Scustin’s barstool banter to Inhaler’s heartfelt homecoming, there was a communal joy in the air. With The Lumineers, Macklemore and Stereophonics among those still to come in this summer series, St. Anne’s is shaping up as a premier venue for open-air gigs in Dublin.

• Report by Jenna Thompson.