Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park, Dublin: Stage times, set list, ticket information, how to get there and more

Dermot Kennedy, who’s consistently one of the most listened to Irish artists, will be back on Irish soil this weekend to conclude months of touring. He’s been promoting his latest album, Sonder, which hit number one in Ireland and across the pond too – not an easy feat to follow up a number-one debut record with another one, even after Without Fear became the biggest-selling album of the millennium by an Irish artist. If Kennedy was Something to Someone, he’s now something large to his Irish fans, selling out two huge summer gigs in Dublin this weekend.

Although he is finishing a UK and Ireland tour in his home country, he is fresh off a jam-packed tour across the US and Canada, playing gig after gig, night after night. That he still has the energy or vocal cords to finish with five gigs in Ireland is impressive in itself. So what can we expect from the concerts?

When does he play?

Kennedy and Co will play to a crowd of 40,000 people at Marlay Park in South Dublin on Friday, June 23rd, and Saturday, June 24th.

What time should I arrive?

Gates open at 4pm and the show starts at 5pm. Amid increased traffic and security measures, fans have been advised to be at the venue in sufficient time. No overnight or early queuing is permitted.

Bowel cancer: ‘I truly know what it means to live and am genuinely loving life’

---

That They May Face the Rising Sun: The best Irish film in a very long time

---

‘When our last embryo failed, the clinic told us there was nothing more they could do for us’

---

Take That in Dublin review: ‘Whose idea was it to have stairs?’ puffs Gary Barlow as the band roll back the years with dazzling show

---

[ Dermot Kennedy: ‘I won’t let anyone take advantage of me or my music’ ]

Who are the support acts?

Kennedy will have three support acts, so it will be some time before fans will get to the main event. David Kushner, the American songwriter who went viral on TikTok last year with his song Miserable Man, will be the first guitar-brandishing act of the evening. Next up will be Kingfishr, a Limerick-based folk/indie trio, followed by Nell Mescal, the sister of Oscar-nominated actor Paul, and, more importantly, a talented artist in her own right.

How do I get there – and home again?

Concertgoers have been asked to allow at least an extra two hours travel time to and from the venue. Organisers have said delays are “inevitable” and fans are encouraged to use the special event transport outlined below.

By Bus: Buses will transport fans to the ground of Marlay Park. For information on where and when to get a bus, visit evntz.ie. Marathon are operating a bus service from Custom House Quay in the city centre direct to the concert grounds. Tickets can be purchased here.

[ Singer Dermot Kennedy’s company makes record profits in 2022 ]

By Luas: Take the Luas green line from the city centre to Dundrum or Balally, which are a 35-minute walk to Marlay Park. A shuttle bus from Dundrum Luas station to Marlay Park will run every 30 minutes from 2pm, and tickets can be purchased from Marathon here. A joint ticket for Dundrum Town Centre parking and the shuttle bus can be purchased from Marathon for the Friday and Saturday concerts.

By Car: Car parking at Marlay Park is extremely limited and must be pre-booked for €25 per car. At the time of writing, it is sold out. The car park entrance is located on College Road and is accessed via Whitechurch Road. Only those who have pre-booked can park here. The organisers recommend the SuperValu car park on Balinteer Avenue as a suitable spot for drop off and collection by car. There will be road closures surrounding Marlay Park on the day.

By Taxi: Following the concert, a passenger pickup point will be facilitated on the Brehon Field Road, however, the organisers have said they cannot guarantee taxis will be available.

Accessible parking must be booked in advance. You can contact accessireland@festivalrepublic.com to register.

What will he play?

At his most recent concert in Boston, Kennedy played for a little less than two hours. Spoilt for choice in his song selection, he played as many from Sonder as his first record, Without Fear. So you can expect the Dublin gig to look at little like this:

• Blossom
• Power Over Me
• One Life
• An Evening I Will Not Forget
• Lost
• Young & Free
• Dreamer
• Moments Passed
• Glory
• Rome
• Innocence and Sadness
• Outgrown
• After Rain
• Without Fear
• Better Days
• Don’t Forget Me
• Homeward
• Kiss Me
• Something to Someone

Are there any tickets left?

This is a sold out show. However, keep an eye out for resale tickets at ticketmaster.ie. Buy tickets from accredited sources. Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, last month advised fans to download their tickets to their phones before getting to the park as there is no guarantee of internet connection at the gates of Marlay Park.

What’s the story with security?

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; bring your passport, Garda age card or driving licence as evidence of your date of birth. Allow time for security checks on the way in. Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted and all bags may be searched, and this can be time-consuming, so consider going bagless for easier entry. There will be no cloakroom or storage facilities. No umbrellas, alcohol, garden furniture, selfie sticks, flares, glasses or cans, among other items, will be allowed into the event. There are no readmissions to the concert, so once you leave there’s no getting back in.

Supt Tomás Gormley of Tallaght Garda station told a preconcert press conference last month: “There will be a big policing operation in place which will impact our policing commitments around the rest of the district,” adding his “number one priority” was keeping eventgoers and the surrounding community safe.

Can I take photographs at the concert?

Yes, but only with a smartphone or small camera. Professional cameras with a detachable lens and any other recording equipment are banned.

What’s the weather forecast?

If you have tickets for the Friday gig, it’s bad news. Met Éireann is forecasting scattered clouds, showers and temperatures of up to 22 degrees. A light rain jacket wouldn’t go amiss. On Saturday it should stay dry with clouds, sunshine and temperatures set to reach 24 degrees. So if you’re looking for a resale ticket, Saturday is the one to eye up.