Damien Dempsey to headline intimate show at Drumhierny

Leitrim music lovers are set for a unique live experience this September. Only two weeks after paying an emotional musical tribute to his friend Glen Hansard at the singer's funeral, Damien Dempsey will return to the stage to headline the inaugural Hideaway Sessions x Night and Day festival at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway in Leitrim.

The inaugural Hideaway Sessions x Night and Day takes place on Saturday, September 19, bringing the acclaimed Night and Day festival to the picturesque Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway for the first time.

Unlike the festival's flagship event at Lough Key Forest Park, which attracts thousands each summer, this promises to be a much more intimate affair. Set across Drumhierny's 100-acre woodland estate, festival-goers will be able to wander forest trails, discover hidden performance spaces and enjoy live music in a relaxed natural setting.

Dempsey returns to the Night and Day stage after his memorable headline performance at the festival in 2024. Joining him on the line-up are Áine Tyrrell, The Vibes, Fair Green and Kit James, with more artists and details of an immersive wellness programme to be announced in the coming weeks.

The festival begins at 2pm and runs late into the evening, with performances taking place across indoor and outdoor stages tucked throughout the woodland. Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy food, wellness experiences and explore one of Leitrim's most picturesque venues.

While Drumhierny has previously hosted its popular Hideaway Sessions with artists including Gemma Hayes, Lisa Hannigan and Paul Noonan, this marks the largest musical event ever staged at the venue and the first collaboration with Night and Day.

Drumhierny co-founder Alison Moffat said the partnership reflects the vision the estate has always had.

"This means a lot to us. Bringing people together through culture and arts is something the founding fathers of Drumhierny always wanted for this place, and hosting Night and Day here, with a lineup like this, is us carrying that on. We're proud to build this with them, and it puts the northwest on the map."

Night and Day co-founder Craig Hughes said the woodland setting offers something special.

"Damien Dempsey brought the house down with his headline performance at Night and Day in 2024 so we can't wait for his return."

Tickets are €70 and are on sale now. The event is strictly for over-18s, with numbers limited to preserve the intimate atmosphere. Shuttle buses will operate from Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village.