Beyond The Pale returns for its fifth edition with a massive first line-up reveal and its future firmly secured. We take a look at the 2026 festival.
In the crowded, sometimes muddy field of an Irish summer festival, finding the sweet spot is a rare thing. We’re all familiar with the choices: the sprawling, city-sized endurance test, the charming but (slightly too) local weekender. For the last few years, Beyond the Pale (BTP) has quietly established itself as an antidote, a festival that understands the assignment.
Set in the ancient, soul-stirring landscape of Glendalough Estate – a spot that feels purpose-made for the festival – BTP has always felt different. It’s a space built on curation, not just capacity. It’s the festival for those who still crave the rush of discovery but would prefer to do it without a four-mile hike between stages. It’s for music lovers, not just logistical experts.
Next June, from the 12th to the 14th, the festival celebrates its fifth edition, and its first wave of artists sets a formidable opening statement.
Topping the bill is a trio of acts that perfectly encapsulates the festival’s smart, eclectic curation. First, Caribou, the project of Canadian electronic trailblazer Dan Snaith. Seeing Caribou live is less a gig and more a kind of euphoric, communal immersion – a perfect fit for a festival that values the collective. Then, the heavy hitters: Soulwax. The Belgian duo are legitimate cult heroes, and their live sets are a masterclass in raw, analogue electronic power. Joining these is Father John Misty, the powerful and witty American songwriter. His performances are part sermon, part lounge act, and always utterly captivating.
That combination alone – euphoria, analogue crunch, and sharp-witted songwriting – is a statement. But as any discerning festival-goer knows, the headline row is only half the story. The real measure of a festival is its depth, and the BTP undercard is, once again, seriously stacked.
The dance offering is particularly strong. We’re getting the legendary Groove Armada (spinning a DJ set), the unimpeachable Honey Dijon, and a return from Soulwax’s other equally brilliant guise, 2ManyDJs. Add to that the melodic mastery of Christian Löffler, the masked mystique of Claptone, the blistering techno of Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi, and the pure, crate-digging joy of Mr Scruff. And for the real music heads, the inclusion of acid house pioneer Sabres of Paradise and French techno icon Kittin is a clear signal of the festival’s curatorial depth. Did we mention MoodyMann?!
This global line up is balanced by a massive show of faith in the Irish scene. Dublin’s own poet laureate Kojaque will be there, alongside the brilliant Galway shoegazers NewDad. We’re particularly excited to see the fast-rising BIIRD, the singular talent of Róis, the ever-inventive Kormac, and the wonderfully named festival favourite Sexy Tadhg, amongst others.
But the real magic of BTP is in its eclectic charm, the bookings that make you tilt your head and grin. This year, that’s led by an undisputed legend: Sister Sledge. Hearing these disco superstars ringing out through the Wicklow trees will be a moment. Add to that the raw, cult-favourite energy of NYC’s Princess Nokia and the glorious, high-concept fun of the Stomptown Brass Band performing Jamie xx. It’s this kind of playful, experimental programming that separates BTP from the pack.
Of course, the music is just one part of the appeal. The festival is unveiling an expanded programme that has always been central to its draw, reaching far beyond the stage.
This is not a festival of lukewarm noodles and questionable bars. Food and drink will take centre stage, with ‘Beyond The Plate’ talks and tastings, curated restaurant pop-ups from Ireland’s top chefs, and bar experiences that span craft cocktails, wines, and local brews.
The experience extends to the body and mind, too, at the Acushla Wellness Field. It’s an approach that treats attendees as adults who might want both a late-night dance in the woods and a restorative sauna the next morning – with expanded wellness experiences covering saunas, cold dips, massage, and morning yoga.
Festival-goers can indulge in boutique luxury through glamping and campervan stays. The ancient woodlands themselves become a “natural stage” for immersive experiences that place the landscape at the centre of the journey, like birdwatching and foraging. Families are also welcome, with dedicated camping areas and hands-on workshops.
Returning fan-favourite stages include the iconic Main Stage (framed by Glendalough’s ancient trees), Selective Memory, and Cirrus Garden, alongside new late-night areas. And this is all before we even get to what organisers proudly describe as “the beating heart of the festival” – a renowned arts programme alive with performance legends, comedy, theatre, and cabaret, all still to be announced.
This fifth edition marks a “new chapter” for Beyond The Pale, as the festival joins forces with FUEL, one of Ireland’s leading experience and entertainment groups. Known for producing Europe’s largest outdoor health and wellness festival, WellFest, and co-organising Kaleidoscope, Ireland’s biggest dedicated family festival, FUEL brings its expertise and creative energy to Beyond The Pale’s next era
This is all about positive ambition. The partnership secures the festival’s future, with FUEL working closely with the festival’s existing programming team to shape this year’s line-up and the chapters to come. It’s a move that ensures Beyond the Pale will “continue to grow and evolve while staying rooted in its founding vision” as an unmissable boutique celebration of music, art, food, and culture.
It’s a “win for independent festivals,” a sign that a boutique event can not only survive but thrive. It’s proof that you can, in fact, have it all: a world-class, discerning line-up, incredible food, genuine comfort, and an atmosphere that feels both ancient and alive – all just a stone’s throw from the city.
This is the one.
Feature Image credit: Alisha Wong
