Laois gig guide for 2026

Our roundup of music, comedy and theatre events across Laois

The new year is just around the corner and in anticipation we have put together our top picks of concerts and gigs in Laois in early 2026.

Bruce Springsteen fans are in for a treat in February when they will get to experience the magic of The Boss with tribute act The Human Touch. These passionate musicians will rock out in E Street style with their multi-instrumental tribute at Mountmellick Arts Centre on Saturday, February 7. Tickets cost €25 and are available from http://mountmellickcommunityartscentre.ie/ Show starts at 8pm.

There will be a chance to enjoy tales and music from original Fun Loving Criminal Huey Morgan when he performs at Kavanaghs Bar and Venue, Portlaoise on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 & 22. Frontman, radio and television broadcaster, author and DJ, Huey is many things at once. A charismatic, authentic, passionate, and popular renegade himself, Huey’s groove is infectious. And now he’s heading out on his first solo tour – mixing music and chat – so fans can get up close and personal with Huey Morgan – The Fun Lovin’ Criminal. Tickets from www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com from €33.

Nothing short of a national treasure, Sharon Shannon will grace the stage of the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday, February 28. Shannon got her big break when the Waterboys took her to perform with them in Glastonbury in 1989. Three decades later she has 10 studio albums and numerous awards. She has collaborated, recorded and toured with everyone from Willie Nelson, Bono, Johnny Depp, Shane MacGowan and John Prine, to Nigel Kennedy and had many hit records including ‘The Galway Girl’ with Steve Earle. For tickets see https://www.dunamaise.ie/ Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: €32.

Laois Open Door Theatre’s play Perfect Wedding will be staged at Dunamaise Arts Centre, on Thursday and Friday, February 26 and 27. The performance is set in a luxury country hotel. Bill the groom wakes up on his wedding morning with a very attractive girl beside him in the bed. In the depths of his drunken hangover, he can't even remember meeting her the night before. Panic ensues when the best man Tom and bride arrive and she needs the room to get ready.

The perfect wedding day goes disastrously wrong causing chaos for all concerned with the endless series of excuses, games of hide and seek, lies and confusion. Tickets cost €20 from https://www.dunamaise.ie/ Show starts on Thursday at 8pm and Friday at 10.30pm.

Europe’s leading tribute to the supergroup Fleetwood Mac return to Portlaoise for a special show in Kavanagh’s Courtyard Venue on Saturday, February 28. Promising all the magic of Fleetwood Mac, this tribute act’s love of the original material and musical prowess shines through in each song.

Mack Fleetwood’s spellbinding shows have seen them selling out major music venues and enthralling crowds wherever they go. This gig is standing only. For tickets and more information see www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com Tickets cost €26.40.

Multi talented musicians, Onóir will bring their incredible arrangements and harmonies to the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, March 6. Onóir will take the audience on a musical odyssey and enjoy their take on traditional to modern songs. From tears to laughter, enjoy chemistry, excitement and banter in what is sure to be a show to remember. For tickets see https://www.dunamaise.ie/ Doors open at 8pm. Tickets €37

Comedian Jason Byrne brings “Head In The Clouds” to Portlaoise for one hilarious nightat the Midlands Park Hotel on Saturday, February 28.

Is it a bird? … Is it a plane? … No, it’s probably Jason Byrne with his head in the f**king clouds again. Join ‘The Outright King of Live Comedy’ on his daily commute between having his feet firmly on the ground and his head floating in the clouds. Why not stick your head in the clouds with Jason for a couple of hours. The show’s forecast is cloudy with a chance of fluffy mayhem.

Tickets available from https://www.jasonbyrne.ie/ and cost €33.00

Tommy Fleming's Acoustic Tour will make a stop in Portlaoise at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, March 12.

Described as a singer whose voice has the remarkable ability of taking you into his world, Tommy’s fans will enjoy this ultimate celebration concert. For over 30 years Tommy has shared his gift and enjoyed sharing the stage with other icons of the industry such as Elaine Paige, Kenny Rogers, Christy Hennessy, Phil Coulter, De Dannan, Mark Vincent and Vince Gill and many more.

For tickets see https://www.dunamaise.ie/ Show starts at 8 pm. Tickets €36.