The 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
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
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