Music
05 Jun 25

Sea Session takes break as Ray O’Donoghue steps down as chief

Ray O'Donoghue, Night-Time Economy Advisor, Dublin City Council

It has previously welcomed the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Kodaline, and Primal Scream

The Donegal Sea Sessions festival has announced it will be taking a break in 2025.

Ray O’Donoghue, who was part of the Surf and Music festival since 2010, has stepped down from his role. He explained that he wants to focus on his position as Night Time Economy Advisor for Dublin’s City Council full-time.

O’Donoghue started promoting gigs in 1999. As reported by RTÉ, he said, “Sea Sessions has been a huge part of that journey, and I’ve loved seeing it grow into one of the country’s best-loved festivals. But now, I feel the time is right to focus fully on my role with Dublin City Council.

"Being Night-Time Economy Advisor is a big undertaking, and I’m excited to play a part in reimagining how the city comes alive after dark – with safer, more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant options for everyone.”

Sea Sessions has announced on its Instagram that the crew are “working on exciting plans and hope to be back with more information soon.”