Music
Round Up
Where to find new music in Dublin
Looking for where to find new music in Dublin? We've got you covered.
With more people than ever discovering music through streaming platforms and social media, the best way to find your new favourite artist is still at a show! In Dublin there is a wealth of talent playing every night of the week so we’ve rounded up our top new music showcases in the city to help you find tomorrow’s superstars.
Whether you’re the person in the friend group who gets up early at a festival to catch the names in finer print, or you’re looking for a more affordable night out, without compromising on quality, there’s no experience more rewarding than discovering new music out in the world.
From local acts following in the footsteps of recent trailblazers, to much hyped up-and-comers making their Irish debut, you’ll find them at these four showcases so you can say “I saw them when…”
The Ruby Sessions: Secret Acoustic Gigs at Doyle’s
Tuesdays Weekly | Doyle’s of College Street | Dublin
The Ruby Sessions has been a part of the fabric of Irish music for over 25 years. The intimate setting, sitting just above the noise of College Green, has been the stage for some truly historic moments.
The list of Ruby Sessions alumni is something to be marvelled at, which is exactly what you’ll do when you see the names plastered on the walls inside the venue. A snapshot of artists who have graced the stage includes: Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Mumford & Sons, CMAT, George Ezra, Hozier, and Dermot Kennedy. But it’s not only the stars that make The Ruby Sessions notable, but their championing of new artists and a keen eye for spotting talent.
Each week, three secret acts play a stripped-back set of original material. The buzz in the stairwell of Doyle’s on a Tuesday night is palpable, as lucky ticket holders wait in anticipation – they may not know who they’re about to see, but it certainly will be a show to remember, whether it’s one of the world’s biggest stars or best emerging talent.
Tickets go on sale each week at 7pm on Sunday.
Find out more about the Ruby Sessions and buy tickets here
Tilt: Free Monthly Showcase at the Button Factory
Monthly | Button Factory | Dublin
Tilt is a free monthly music showcase event held in the Button Factory, curated by John Barker (Dublin City FM) and produced by Steve Caffrey and The Sound Training College.
Running since 2019, it’s the longest-running ‘full band’ showcase event in Dublin, and has hosted over 100 artists, including Sprints, Tebi Rex, Gurriers, Tolü Makay, and more.
What makes Tilt unique is the creative collaboration that happens between the artists and students of the Sound Training College. For some acts, it’s their first time performing with the world-class production you see at the Button Factory. After seeing an act at Tilt, it’s not hard to visualise them tearing up bigger stages in the years to come.
Tilt takes place every month with an all-Irish line-up. Tilt #43 features three fresh Irish artists – mischa and the bear, barrelling, and Mount Pyrus and takes place on 10 November 2026.
Find out more about Tilt and buy tickets here
Borderline: New Music Festival Across the City
Annual | The Workman’s Club, Project Arts Centre & The New Theatre | Dublin
Borderline has earned its place of pride in the Irish festival calendar. Having previously been the first to bring acts like Lambrini Girls, Fat Dog, and Maruja to the Emerald Isle, Borderline has proved it has its finger on the pulse when it comes to finding the next big thing.
Showcasing over 50 emerging and boundary-pushing artists from Ireland, the UK, Europe, and beyond over three days, you are bound to find some new acts to pepper through your playlists, as well as have your fair share of “I was there” moments.
The first wave of acts for the festival’s 2027 edition has been released and features emerging Irish and international talent including: Cowboy Hunters, Meltt, Mouth Ulcers, Oscar Lindsey, PISS, proderics, The Healing Power Of Horses, Vicky Sometani and many more.
Borderline returns to Dublin from 18-20 February 2027 and tickets are on sale now.
Find out more about Borderline here
ISSUE: Monthly New Music Night at The Grand Social
Monthly | The Grand Social | Dublin
ISSUE is, in its own words, “a no-frills night for music discovery”. And what more does it need to be? Three exciting young acts, on one bill, for a killer price. With the volume of home-grown talent exploding into the international limelight in recent years, a night like ISSUE is where you’re going to find your next favourite Irish band.
ISSUE takes place every month. ISSUE.10 takes place on 8 December 2026 and features Kapayja, Penny’s Band, & Boys Of Summer.
Find out more about ISSUE and buy tickets here