Returning home for the first of two nights at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Dermot Kennedy proved once again why he remains one of Ireland’s most compelling live performers. As part of The Weight of the Woods Tour, Kennedy delivered a mammoth show that seamlessly blended intimate storytelling with stadium sized ambition, leaving fans captivated from beginning to end.
The evening began with two impressive support performances. Rising Irish singer songwriter Aaron Rowe warmed up the early crowd with heartfelt originals and effortless vocals, before folk trio Amble raised the energy another notch. Their rich harmonies and earthy acoustic sound perfectly complemented the atmosphere, setting the stage for what would become a memorable homecoming.
When Kennedy finally emerged, the roar from the Dublin crowd was deafening. Launching into a career-spanning 20-song set with a choir on stage, who would come and go throughout the set, he commanded every inch of the vast stadium with the confidence of an artist at the very top of his game. His unmistakable voice soared effortlessly, while every lyric was echoed back by thousands of devoted fans.
One of the evening’s defining moments came when Kennedy made his way to a B stage positioned among the audience. Performing five songs during the night from this more intimate setting transformed the scale of the stadium into something remarkably personal. A highlight of the night was an exquisite rendition of the traditional Irish ballad ”Carrickfergus”, joined by Aaron Rowe and Robbie Cunningham of Amble. The performance brought the entire stadium to a hushed standstill, showcasing the remarkable musicianship of all three performers.
If that wasn’t enough, another unforgettable surprise followed as Kennedy welcomed Noel and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries to perform an emotional and powerful version of ”Zombie”. It was a fitting tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest bands, delivered with respect, passion and enormous crowd participation, creating one of the biggest singalongs of the night.
Visually, the production matched the music at every turn. Towering screens, dramatic lighting and cinematic staging elevated every performance without ever overshadowing Kennedy’s authenticity. Despite the scale, there was never a moment that felt overproduced, every effect served the songs rather than distracted from them.
As ”Funeral” rang out to close the night, a spectacular explosion of confetti cannons filled the Dublin sky, bringing an unforgettable evening to a triumphant conclusion. For the first of two nights at the Aviva Stadium, Dermot Kennedy didn’t simply play a concert, he conquered one of Ireland’s biggest stages with heart, humility and a performance worthy of the occasion.
Aaron Rowe photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Drawing The Line
Forever Now
Please Don’t Hate Me
Hollywood Sign
Double Edged Sword
Hey Ma
Amble photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Schoolyard Days
Socrates Smiled
Moral Victory
Mariner Boy
Last Rites
Mary’s Pub
The Swell
Of Land and Sea
Lonely Island
Tonnta
Dermot Kennedy photos & set-list:
Set-list:
The Weight of the Woods (Reprise)
Honest
Wasted
Outnumbered
Sycamore
Lost
An Evening I Will Not Forget
All My Friends
After Rain
Happiness – B-Stage
Let Me In – B-Stage
Endless – B-Stage
Carrickfergus (Traditiona cover)
Play Video
The Weight of the Woods – B-Stage
Stockholm – B-Stage
Turnstile
Zombie (The Cranberries cover)
Better Days
Power Over Me
Funeral
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic