A new after-dark festival is set to debut in Howth this May, adding a fresh dimension to the much-loved Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival. Running from May 22nd to 24th, 2026, Howth Maritime By Night will transform the harbour village into a vibrant evening destination, with live music, cultural events and a uniquely coastal atmosphere spread across nine venues.
Designed as a boutique, walkable experience, the festival encourages visitors to move from gig to gig through Howth’s pubs, cultural spaces and scenic surroundings. With many events free to attend, it offers a relaxed, accessible alternative to larger festivals — more intimate in scale, but no less lively.
At the centre of the programme are four headline shows. The Abbey Tavern will host three consecutive nights of live performances, opening on Friday with trad-fusion act The Wran, followed by Havana-inspired group Havana Roots on Saturday, and closing with the high-energy Celtic sounds of Kíla on Sunday. Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Church provides the setting for a special Sunday evening performance from acclaimed Irish folk artist Luka Bloom.
Beyond the headline acts, a packed schedule of free live music will animate venues across the village. Performances include 353 Samba Club at McNeill’s, Allied Irish Bandits at O’Connell’s, The Guilty Party at Crabby Joe’s, Ultras and Taylor D at The Bloody Stream, Dublin City Rounders at The Harbour Bar, and The Mafia Cats at Wrights-Findlater.
A standout feature of the weekend is Songs From Howth, a curated songwriter showcase highlighting local talent. Artists including Paul Byrne, Luke Howard, Colm Skwirbat, Lee Page & Dave Chesney, Siobhan Moore, Celine Daly, Martello and Rob Keogh will take to the stage in a celebration of the area’s creative community.
Adding a theatrical edge to the opening night, a Viking parade and battle reenactment will take place on Friday at 7pm, beginning at Tesco and making its way to the green area opposite King Sitric. Also on Friday night is a Back to K2 – 80s & 90s’ club Night at the Summit Inn in the newly renovated nightclub.
For those looking to extend their stay, campervan parking will be available at Suttonians Rugby Club, making it easy to turn the festival into a full weekend escape.
With live music, sea air, seafood and a lively village atmosphere, Howth Maritime By Night looks set to become a standout addition to Dublin’s summer calendar.
Tickets for all headline shows are available via tickets.ie.
