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
Tuesday’s 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 marveled 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
The Road To The Great Escape
Annual | The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club & Whelan’s | Dublin
Since it’s founding in 2006, Brighton’s The Great Escape, has earned it’s reputation as the must-see new music festival in all of the UK.
Known for showcasing up-and-coming artists from all over the world, it only made sense for the festival to widen it’s reach, enter The Road To The Great Escape, a series of live music showcases taking place in Dublin and Glasgow in the lead up to TGE26 in Brighton featuring artists from the main festival line-up.
The Irish shows feature international rising stars Em Beihold, Little Grandad, Brodie Barclay, as well as homegrown talents Jamie McIntyre, Reggie and many more.
The Road To The Great Escape comes to Dublin on 11 & 12 May 2026 with shows at The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club, and Whelan’s.
Find out more about The Road To The Great Escape and buy tickets here
Borderline
Annual | The Workman’s Club | 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 40 emerging and boundary-pushing artists from Ireland, the UK, Europe, and beyond over two 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 2026 festival featured blistering sets from ones-to-watch including Bleech 9:3, Deadletter, and Man/Woman/Chainsaw, and saw the return of cult-favourites WU-LYF, who performed their first Irish show in over a decade at a secret midnight slot.
While we await news of the festival’s 2027 edition, expect to see it’s alumni breaking boundaries everywhere.
Find out more about Borderline here
ISSUE
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.07 takes place on 13 May 2026 and features Sheriff, d_abdu, and mischa and the bear.
Find out more about Issue and buy tickets here
