Iann Brennan and The Echoes / Darragh Cullen – live gallery and review from The Academy 2 Dublin 27.02.2026

Iann Brennan and The Echoes took to The Academy for a powerful headline show on Friday night, playing to a packed room of friends, fans, and loyal supporters. The Dublin and Monaghan lads opened exactly as their album title suggests — “Start As You Mean to Go On” — with full throttle passion and undeniable energy.

From the first chord, the connection between band and audience was clear. The crowd sang every word back to tracks from Start As You Mean to Go On and embraced the newer single “Nothing Ever Lasts Forever” with just as much enthusiasm. There was something uniquely homely about the atmosphere — a shared pride in watching a local band continue to rise.

The only moment the pace softened was when The Echoes briefly stepped off stage, leaving Iann alone under the lights with his acoustic guitar. The stripped-back performance sent a warm hush across the room, his voice carrying every lyric with sincerity. It was intimate, personal, and a reminder of the songwriting at the heart of the band. But as soon as the lads returned, the switch flipped — energy surged back through the venue and carried right through to the final note.

Their songs, rooted in personal stories and lived experiences, give the audience something to truly connect with. It’s that authenticity — paired with soaring vocals and driving guitars — that makes Iann Brennan and The Echoes feel destined for bigger stages. This is a band on the rise, and not one to miss when the opportunity to see them live comes around.

Opening the night was Dublin musician and composer Darragh Cullen, who delivered a beautifully intimate acoustic set. His original songs were delicate yet powerful, warming the room and drawing listeners in before the headline energy exploded onto the stage.

A night filled with heart, grit, and undeniable momentum — one that proved Iann Brennan and The Echoes are only just getting started.

Darragh Cullen photos:

Iann Brennan and The Echoes photos:

Photos & words – Erica Keogh @ericasnapz