<![CDATA[RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - 28TH TO 31ST MAY 2026 - BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND ............................................. - Latest Festival News]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:02:33 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[40 Acts, 15 Stages and a Headline Set from ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons — Rory Festival Programme Revealed]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:46:15 GMThttps://www.rorygallagherfestival.com/latest-festival-news/40-acts-15-stages-and-a-headline-set-from-zz-tops-billy-f-gibbons-rory-festival-programme-revealedThe much anticipated programme for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026 has been officially announced, as the town of Ballyshannon prepares to honour its most famous musical son with four unforgettable days of music with World Renowned artists from Thursday 28th May to Sunday 31st May 2026. 

Now in its 22nd year, the internationally acclaimed festival is widely recognised as Ireland’s biggest Blues Rock event and the world’s largest gathering of Rory Gallagher fans, attracting thousands of visitors annually from more than 20 countries to the town of Ballyshannon where the legendary guitarist was born. 

The packed schedule delivers a unique festival experience with the vast majority of events free to view, featuring over 30 acts performing across 15 stages over four unforgettable days. From major headline concerts in the Festival Big Top to open-air street performances, pub sessions, acoustic tributes, masterclasses, symposium discussions, film screenings, and late-night blues jams, the festival transforms the entire town into a vibrant celebration of Rory’s music and influence. Performances take place at iconic Rory Gallagher landmarks including the Rory Gallagher Statue, Rory Gallagher Place, The Rock Hospital where Rory was born in 1948, The Gables amphitheatre, Allingham Park  and 10 unique Irish Pub venues throughout the town centre. Full Programme for 2026 - HERE 

Among the highlights of the 2026 programme is the headline appearance of Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top) and The BFG Band, set to perform at the Festival Big Top on Saturday 30th May 2026. The Festival also welcomes "Band of Friends" featuring Rory’s former bandmates Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill, alongside Davy Knowles and David Cowan, offering audiences one of the most authentic live tributes to Rory’s music. 
Other Big Top performances across the weekend include Pat McManus Band with Horslips legends Jim Lockhart and Barry Devlin, Johnny Gallagher & The Boxty Band, Moonchild, Deuce, Nine Below Zero featuring Mark Feltham, The Zac Schulze Gang, and the closing Rory Gallagher All-Star Band. 

Festival Founder and Chairperson Barry O’Neill has described the announcement of the programme for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026 as a landmark moment for the internationally celebrated event, which continues to draw thousands of fans from across the world to Rory’s birthplace of Ballyshannon each May. 

Mr. O’Neill said the Festival programme reflects Rory’s lasting influence on blues and rock music while showcasing both established artists and emerging talent. “The atmosphere during Festival weekend is truly special. The town comes alive with music on every street and stage, creating an experience that is authentic, welcoming, and deeply rooted in Rory’s spirit. We invite fans everywhere to join us in Ballyshannon in May 2026 and be part of this global celebration”.  

He also acknowledged the continued support of the Gallagher Family, funders including Fáilte Ireland, corporate sponsors Diageo, volunteers and the very small voluntary committee whose commitment ensures the Festival continues each year despite many challenges. 

Failte Ireland have described the 4 day festival as one of the most important cultural events on the Irish Festival Calendar - “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support the Rory Gallagher International Festival 2026. Festivals and events like this create memorable cultural experiences that encourage visitors from Ireland and overseas to discover all that we have to offer across the country. Our investment in the Rory Gallagher International Festival strengthens Donegal’s appeal as a must-visit destination within the Wild Atlantic Way region, while generating meaningful economic opportunities for local businesses and contributing to the sustainable growth of tourism in the Wild Atlantic Way region”.  

Check out the Full 2026 Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival Programme - HERE 
Rory Gallagher Festival Programme 2026
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Discover Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
]]><![CDATA[Rising Guitar Stars Taj Farrant and Zac Schulze to Co-Headline Rory Gallagher Legacy Concert in Ballyshannon]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:13:57 GMThttps://www.rorygallagherfestival.com/latest-festival-news/rising-guitar-stars-taj-farrant-and-zac-schulze-to-co-headline-rory-gallagher-legacy-concert-in-ballyshannonRising Blues Rock Guitar sensations Taj Farrant and Zac Schulze will Co-Headline the Rory Gallagher Festival Legacy Concert in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland on the opening evening of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, Thursday 28th May 2026. Tickets On Sale Now - Advanced Booking Only - HERE
 
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has announced this exciting new event for 2026 with the appropriate title “Legacy”, as two of the most talked-about emerging guitarists in blues rock will co-headline this special Festival Concert at the Rory Gallagher Theatre. The concert will feature electrifying performances from Australian guitar sensation Taj Farrant and UK blues rising star Zac Schulze, each appearing with their full bands.
 
Billed as a powerful celebration of Rory’s enduring influence on the next generation of guitarists, the co-headline concert will showcase high-energy interpretations of Rory classics alongside original material inspired by his unmistakable style and spirit. Taj Farrant, the Australian guitar prodigy who has amazed audiences worldwide with his explosive talent and soul is making a first ever European Festival debut performance in Ballyshannon. From viral performances that stunned legends like Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas and Joe Bonamassa, to sold-out shows across continents, Taj brings passion, fire and breathtaking artistry every time he takes the stage. Zac Schulze Gang need no introduction to the Rory Gallagher Festival as it’s the very place that launched the band to great things. Zac Schulze is undoubtedly one of the great young Guitarists and with brother Bren on drums and Ant Greenwood on bass, the power trio can grace any stage in any part of the world and hold their own. This “Legacy” gig is not to be missed, book early as it will be a sell-out.
 
Festival organisers say the event represents a bold statement about the future of blues rock guitar, bringing international young talent to the very stage that bears Rory’s name in the town where his story began.
 
Now entering its 22nd year, the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival continues to attract fans from across Ireland and around the world, reinforcing Ballyshannon’s reputation as the spiritual home of Rory Gallagher devotees.
 
On Thursday 28th May 2026, Taj Farrant & His Band and The Zac Schulze Gang will play the  Legacy Show – Live in Concert at the Rory Gallagher Theatre at The Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon. Doors open at 6pm – Show starts at 7pm (sharp) – Admission €25 – Advanced Tickets – HERE
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BOOK TICKETS NOW
]]><![CDATA[Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026 – A Landmark Year Ahead]]>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:53:33 GMThttps://www.rorygallagherfestival.com/latest-festival-news/rory-gallagher-international-tribute-festival-2026-a-landmark-year-aheadThe Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026 is set to be one of the greatest in its history as it celebrates its 22nd staging in the town of Rory’s birth, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Taking place from 28th to 31st May 2026, the award-winning four-day festival is drawing unprecedented interest worldwide — further fuelled by the announcement that Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top) will headline the Festival Big Top with The BFG Band on Saturday 30th May 2026. All Festival Details - www.rorygallagherfestival.com
The Festival Big Top lineup is star-studded and deeply rooted in blues-rock heritage. Alongside Billy F Gibbons, audiences can look forward to:
  • Rory Gallagher’s Band of Friends featuring Rory’s bandmates Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill with Davy Knowles and David Cowan
  • Pat McManus Band with special guests from Horslips, Jim Lockhart and Barry Devlin — with Pat McManus (ex-Mama’s Boys) acclaimed as one of Ireland’s great blues-rock guitarists
  • Johnny Gallagher & The Boxty Band — local yet world-renowned, a cornerstone of the festival and the Irish blues scene
  • Nine Below Zero featuring Mark Feltham, the extraordinary harmonica player whose long tenure with Rory is legendary, joined by Dennis Greaves
  • The Zac Schulze Gang — one of the hottest young blues-rock live acts currently touring Europe
  • Heavy Duty — an Irish band steeped in the spirit of Rory Gallagher, fronted by guitarist Matt Hegarty
  • Moonchild — returning for a special reunion performance featuring Mark Langan, Seamus Langan, and Sean “Biscuits” Reynolds
  • Deuce — a Dublin band inspired by Rory and by Ballyshannon itself; a story of festival friendship that began when its members first met as young festivalgoers
These artists will perform across the Festival Big Top on 29th, 30th, and 31st May 2026 — and remarkably, this represents just some of the 2026 Festival Programme. 

To open the 2026 Festival, there is the exciting Legacy Concert at the Rory Gallagher Theatre on Thursday 28th May 2026 featuring two of the leading young emerging Blues Rock Guitarists and their bands - Legacy "The Next Generation" featuring Taj Farrant & His Band and The Zac Schulze Gang in what will be an exciting and explosive start to the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026 in Ballyshannon - This Concert is limited to 280 guests and Advanced Tickets arfe Now on Sale - so early Booking very advisable - BOOK HERE
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A Town Transformed by Music
The Festival unfolds across Ballyshannon’s streets, pubs, venues, and public spaces, delivering four days of free open-air gigs where the town comes alive to the sound of blues, rock, folk, and acoustic sessions. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably Irish — something to be experienced to be believed
With 40 acts on 15 stages over 4 days, the festival has rightfully become a pilgrimage for Rory Gallagher fans and blues-rock enthusiasts from Ireland, the UK, Europe, the United States, and beyond
Festivalgoers journey through Ballyshannon not just for the music, but for the places that tell Rory’s story - 
  • The life-size Rory Gallagher Bronze Statue
  • The Rock Hospital where Rory was born
  • The Rory Gallagher Mural in the town centre
  • Rory Gallagher Place, where Rory first lived
  • Plus the Festival Big Top, the Pubs of Ballyshannon that host free performances day and night
For fans of Rory Gallagher, blues music, guitar culture, and Irish musical heritage — Ballyshannon is a mecca, a celebration and a homecoming
Plan your Festival Experience - Full details on travel, accommodation, Big Top tickets, Festival Camping and the Latest Festival news are available on the official festival website --- www.rorygallagherfestival.com
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