The Wolfe Tones are retiring after 60 years together

Ireland's legendary balladeers, The Wolfe Tones, are set to retire after 60 years of performing together.

The rebel band's final shows will be taking place in Belfast and Dublin next October as part of their 60th anniversary tour.

They have decided they want to “go out on a high” after their shows in Belfast's SSE Arena and the 3Arena in Dublin.

When speaking to The Irish Sun the band's singer, Tommy Byrne said he decided to finish with his bandmates Brian Warfield and Noel Nagle agreeing.

“I never thought that we would go on so long," he said.

"It’s been absolutely amazing, but I’m 80 next year and I think that would be a good time to stop."

“I brought this motion to Brian and Noel and they agreed.

"To go out on a high like this would be a great tribute to the band.”

Since their career started in Dublin in 1964 The Wolfe Tones have released iconic Irish hits like 'Celtic Symphony,' 'Irish Eyes,' 'Grace,' 'Streets of New York' and 'Let The People Sing.'

'Celtic Symphony' hit number one on the Irish singles chart and number 11 in the official UK Top 40. The tune came with a bit of controversy when the Ireland women's soccer team chanted its signature refrain of "ooh, aah, up the ‘Ra" following their victory in a World Cup qualifying match.

During the summer Electric Picnic saw a record-breaking crowd of 30,000 people hit the band's set.

Tommy continued to explain that people "hardly want to see us playing the Picnic in wheelchairs".

"I'm fit and healthy but all the travelling we do, does wear you down," he said.

“We always agreed that if one of us passed away, we wouldn’t continue by getting in new Wolfe Tones to replace them.

"So we’re doing the SSE Arena in Belfast next October then the two shows at the 3Arena Dublin and that’s it.”