Saw Doctors set for headline return at Night and Day Festival
Night and Day Festival set for biggest year yet as Saw Doctors headline Lough Key return
Fans of The Saw Doctors are being urged to get ready for a huge weekend as the legendary Irish band prepare to headline the sold-out Saturday night at the Night and Day Festival next weekend. In a video message released ahead of the festival, band member Leo Moran said the group are looking forward to returning to the stage for what promises to be one of the biggest weekends on the local music calendar.
One of the west of Ireland’s fastest-growing festivals is preparing for its biggest edition yet next month, with organisers of Night and Day Festival 2026 promising a larger line-up, expanded facilities and an even stronger visitor experience at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.
The independent artist-led event runs from May 29 to June 1 and will once again transform the lakeside park into a three-day celebration of music, arts, camping, food, wellness and family entertainment. Set against the backdrop of forests, water and historic parkland, the festival has built a reputation for blending major headline acts with a relaxed atmosphere and strong community feel.
This year’s headline names include The Saw Doctors, Imelda May, The Boomtown Rats, Hothouse Flowers, KÍLA, Richard Thompson and Big Country, along with a host of emerging Irish acts and DJs. Festival spokesperson Craig Hughes said landing The Saw Doctors was a landmark moment.
“They’re a huge coup for us. We’ve tried to book them every year since we started and they are one of those bands people in the west of Ireland absolutely love.” “Seeing them on the Queen Maeve stage at Lough Key is going to be very special. It still feels a bit surreal to be honest.”
He said the 2026 line-up reflects how much the festival has grown since its early years. “To have acts like The Saw Doctors, Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, Imelda May and Hothouse Flowers shows how far we’ve come.”
“Artists know the atmosphere here is unique. They know crowds come ready to enjoy themselves and that really matters.” Organisers say ticket sales are very strong, with Saturday expected to sell out and Sunday close behind. Capacity is limited to just under 5,000 people per day. “We’d definitely advise people to book now rather than wait. Once those day tickets are gone, they’re gone.”
Weekend camping tickets, day passes and a limited number of campervan spaces are still available. One of the most unusual attractions of the festival is the chance to arrive by boat via the marina at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.
“It’s the only festival in Ireland where people can come by boat and stay on board for the weekend. That’s a brilliant thing to be able to offer.” “You’ll have people stepping off boats and walking straight into a music festival. There aren’t many places that can offer that.” Extra parking capacity has also been introduced this year, while shuttle bus links from Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle are due to operate during the weekend. Festivalgoers can again enjoy yoga classes, saunas, hot tubs, cold plunges and lakeside wellness sessions, with this year’s programme curated by local providers Abode Wellness.
“You can start your day doing yoga overlooking the lake, then have a sauna or cold plunge before the music even begins. It’s a great mix.” Late-night entertainment also returns at the popular Moylurg Tower stage, which became one of last year’s biggest talking points.
This year’s electronic acts include Jenny Greene, Daithí, Sara Miller and Nialler9. “The tower was a huge success last year. The energy, the lights and the atmosphere were incredible. We expect it to be even bigger this time.” Hughes said close to 100 acts are expected across multiple stages over the weekend.
Families remain a major focus, with under-14s admitted alongside a parent or guardian and a dedicated family programme to be announced shortly. “For many kids it’s their first festival experience. They get face painting, workshops, music sessions and loads to do. Parents love that side of it.” Now entering its fifth year, Hughes said steady growth has been key to the event’s success. “We never wanted to grow too quickly. We wanted to build it properly year by year.”
“This is our biggest year yet and we hope it helps cement Night and Day as the major camping music festival in the west of Ireland.” Tickets and full festival details are available through the official Night and Day Festival website.