Pop/Rock

Shane MacGowan

The man for whom each Christmas Day is truly a surprise present, MacGowan still manages to draw the crowds despite the fact that his performance prowess leaves a lot to be desired. Olympia Theatre, December 15th/16th. Tickets: £18.50/ £19.50. (01-6777744)

Ash

This four-piece have been away for quite some time recording their next album (to be released next year), so their mini Irish tour of smallish venues is a great way for fans to be reacquainted with the band's unerring knack for a splendid punk/pop melody. Temple Bar Music Centre, December 17th; The Annex, Cork, December 18th; Dolan's Warehouse, Limerick, December 19th; Nerve Centre, Derry, December 20th; and The Limelight, Belfast, December 21st. Tickets: £12.50.

The Saw Doctors

Still one of Ireland's busiest bands, the Tuam shamrockers are currently recording their new album in Galway. Boisterous fun or borderline farce, depending on your point of view. Vicar Street, December 19th, £13.50 (01-4546656) The Waterfront Hall, Belfast, December 20th. Tickets: £12.50/ £15. (048-90-334400)

Beautiful South

The sarky bunch from Huddersfield are one of the finest British singles bands of the past 10 years, and their concerts are genuine festive knees-up pop at its best. The Point, December 20th. Tickets: £24.50/ £25.50/ £27. (01-8363633)

Five

Superior boy band fast outgrowing their post-pubescent audience will nevertheless find themselves being screamed at by youngsters wishing for a hormonally-charged white Christmas. The Point, December 21st. Tickets: £22.50/ £24.50. (018363633)

Primal Scream

A sure-fire end-of-year noise-terrorist soiree from Primal Scream, who know how to set a season alight. Support is provided by 808 State and Finlay Quaye. The Point, December 23rd. Tickets: £27.50. (018363633)

Aslan

Always a favourite at this time of the year, Aslan have managed to stave off self-destruction and obscurity by sheer persistence and more than several anthemic crowd pleasers. Support on the night comes from hotly-tipped Relish and Damien Dempsey. The Point, December 27th. Tickets: £22.50/ £20.50. (01-8363633)

Moby

The man who has sold in excess of 100,000 copies of Play plays his second major Irish gig this year. Expect the Christmas spirit to well and truly descend. The Point, December 29th. Tickets: £30/ £33.50. (018363633)

Hot House Flowers

They went down a storm at Witnness, so Hothouse Flowers are back on form and have recently released their Greatest Hits album. Lead singer, Liam O Maonlaoi, is currently putting the finishing touches to his debut solo album. Olympia Theatre, December 31st. Tickets: £20. (01-6777744)