Indie rock royalty Florence + The Machine will soon bring their heavenly sound once again to Dublin. The band only recently played in the city, with an indoor gig at the 3Arena in February, but with sold-out gigs in Dublin and Cork this week, and another in Belfast with tickets still available, it’s clear Florence Welch and Co are very welcome to to come anytime.
With 2009′s Lungs and 2011′s Ceremonials, the band shot to fame with songs such as Dog Days Are Over, Shake It Out, and Spectrum (Say My Name). Their latest release, Dance Fever, is once again striking a chord and bringing in new fans. The Dance Fever tour, promoting the album of the same name, was highly praised by The Irish Times in February when it came to Dublin. So what can we expect from the band’s outdoor Dublin concert?
When do they play?
The concert is on at Malahide Castle in north Dublin on Tuesday, June 27th.
What time should I arrive?
Gates open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm. Bear in mind that Hogan’s Gate, near Malahide Dart station, will be the only pedestrian access to the grounds.
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Who are the support acts?
Irish folk singer CMAT (or Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson when she’s offstage) will warm up the stage at Malahide. Nell Mescal, indie pop singer and brother of Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal, will also support on the night as one of many for the rising star this summer.
How do I get there – and home again?
The concert entrance is about a 10-minute walk from Malahide Dart station – the organisers recommend public transport, given the likely congestion and parking problems (clampers and tow trucks will be operating) for anybody who drives to the concert. It is recommended to allow at least an extra two hours travel time to and from the venue. Make sure to plan and book your return travel in advance – it’s a long walk back to the city.
Dart, train and bus: The last Dart leaves for Dublin city centre at 12:07am. The last train leaves for Dundalk at 12:12am. Concert buses will leave from the Dublin Road for Custom House Quay, in central Dublin, after the gig from 10.30pm. You can book a return ticket (€20) in advance.
By car: Fingal County Council will be providing car parking for the concert via the Back Road. Organisers advise pre-booking parking in advance from Marathon Coaches here for €25. Illegal parking in areas surrounding Malahide Castle and in local estates will be subject to clamping or being towed.
- Driving from the south: Take the M50, leave the motorway at junction three (signposted M1 Belfast/Airport), continuing on to the R139. At the roundabout take the second exit, continuing on the R139 for 2.6km. Turn left on to Malahide Road/R107. Continue for 4.2km, then take a right on to Back Road. Follow the signs for the car parks, which will be on your left.
- From the north: Take the M1, leave the motorway at junction four (signposted R132 Swords/Malahide/Donabate). Keep right, merging on to the R132. At the roundabout take the second exit, keeping on the R132. At the next roundabout take the second exit, staying on R132. Take a slight left, merging on to Swords Road/R106 and continue for 2.9km. Turn right on to Dublin Road/R107, continue for 700m and then turn left on to Back Road. Follow the signs for the car parks, which will be on your left.
What will they play?
The band performed in Milan last Thursday as part of their Dance Fever Tour. So you can expect the gig to look something like this:
- Heaven Is Here
- King
- Ship to Wreck
- Free
- Dog Days Are Over
- Dream Girl Evil
- Prayer Factory
- Big God
- June
- Hunger
- You Got the Love
- Choreomania
- Kiss With a Fist
- Cosmic Love
- My Love
- Restraint
- Never Let Me Go
- Shake It Out
- Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
Are there any tickets left?
The gig is sold out. However, you can keep an eye out for tickets up for resale on ticketmaster.ie. Buy tickets from accredited sources only.
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.
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?
Met Éireann is forecasting highs of 19 degrees and scattered showers that should clear up as the evening progresses. A light rain jacket wouldn’t go amiss.
