Damien Dempsey Live at Iveagh Gardens in Dublin: Schedule, Songs, Tickets, and More

Traditional folk singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey is set to play two back-to-back Dublin concerts in his hometown this coming weekend. The Dubliner released his 16-track double studio album Hold Your Joy in October last year – a mix of rousing words to live by and personal stories.

Produced by long-time collaborator John Reynolds, Hold Your Joy is the most complete body of work Demspey has recorded in his career. If you are heading to one of the gigs to see Dempsey, here’s everything you need to know.

When and where is it?

Damien Dempsey plays Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens on Friday, July 11th, and Saturday, July 12th.

What time should I arrive?

Doors for the gig open at 6.30pm, with the music expected to begin at 8pm. Iveagh Gardens concerts tend to be finished up by 10.30pm. Traffic and entry delays are inevitable, so make sure you give yourself a couple of hours’ leeway getting to and from the venue.

Who is playing?

Support acts include Dublin duo ZEZTRA on July 11th and English singer-songwriter Ian Prowse on July 12th, with Damien Dempsey headlining.

What songs will Damien Dempsey play?

This was a recent set list performed by Dempsey at the Electric Ballroom in London in March this year.

Seize the Day
Patience
Bustin Outta Here
Apple of my Eye
Chris and Stevie
Colony
Negative Vibes
Party On
James McClean
Sing All Our Cares Away

How do I get to and from the gig?

The Iveagh Gardens are located right beside St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin city. As a result, you are advised to use one of many public transport options to get to the venue.

Travel by bus: Naturally, a wide variety of Dublin Bus routes service the city centre. The 37 route, for example, runs along the northside of the quays and will drop you an eight-minute walk from the Iveagh Gardens. You can plan your journey with Transport for Ireland here.

Travel by Luas: The St Stephen’s Green Luas stop is a seven-minute walk from the venue. If you are heading southbound, take any green line Luas towards Sandyford or Brides Glen. If you are heading northbound, take any green line Luas towards Broombridge or Parnell.

Travel by train: If you are arriving in Dublin by train, you can hop on the red line Luas from Heuston Station to Abbey Street. There, transfer to the green line Luas from the stop on Marlborough Street, hopping out at St Stephen’s Green and walking seven minutes to the Iveagh Gardens.

Travel by car: The closest car park to the Iveagh Gardens is St Stephen’s Green’s Q-Park. You can pre-book a parking space here, though it is recommended you use public transport as traffic delays before and after the gig are inevitable.

Are there any tickets left?

At the time of writing the Friday gig is sold out, but there are limited tickets still available for Saturday, July 12th. They can be purchased from Ticketmaster here. Remember to download your tickets to your phone, as there may be internet or connectivity issues at the venue on the day. Do not rely on screenshots, as Ticketmaster often use live or dynamic barcodes that update regularly.

What is security like?

The event is for over-14s only, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above. Make sure to bring an official form of identification with you – a passport, Garda age card or driving licence will suffice. Bags size A4 or above will not be permitted entry, and all bags will be subject to a search on arrival. Avoid bringing prohibited items, including glass, cans, alcohol, garden furniture, umbrellas, flares, illegal substances or any item that could be used as a weapon. Recording and taking pictures using a camera phone is no problem, but professional recording equipment will not be allowed inside the venue.

What does the weather look like?

Friday is expected to be sunny with top temperatures between 22 to 28 degrees. A very warm Continental airmass looks likely to feed up across Ireland. The forecast for the weekend is somewhat uncertain, but with the potential for widespread hot and sunny weather to remain, Met Éireann said.