Kneecap at Fairview Park: Everything you need to know
Ellen O'Donoghue
Belfast rap trio, Kneecap, consisting of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí, are taking to the stage at Fairview Park this Thursday.
The sold-out concert is sure to bring Kneecap's usual energy, with a revolutionary force that is said to smash bans, barricades, and the occasional bottle of Buckfast.
The trio are known for their activism too, speaking out in support of Palestine and criticising Israel's military actions in Gaza, which sometimes lands them in trouble. During their Coachella performance in April, Kneecap faced some backlash in America over their comments about Gaza during the gig.
With their politically provocative lyrics, working-class commentary and dramatic live sets, the Irish language group has grown in popularity at home and abroad, albeit amid controversy.
In May, Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence over the alleged displaying of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London last November.
The group have denied any wrongdoing and said they intend to defend the charge. Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18th, the day before the band's concert in Fairview.
Regardless, their loyal fans will likely stand with them every step of the way.
So, if you are headed to Kneecap in Fairview Park on Thursday, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
When and where is it on?
Kneecap play Dublin's Fairview Park on Thursday, June 19th.
Are there any tickets left?
Unfortunately, the concert is sold out, but you may be lucky and nab one on resale on Ticketmaster.ie.
Who are the support acts?
Dublin singer Gemma Dunleavy and post-punk band Gurriers have been announced as the support acts.
When should I arrive?
Gates open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm.
Stage times have not yet been announced, but we will update here when we have them, and keep an eye on Kneecap's social media in the meantime.
How do I get there and home again?
Promoters have encouraged concert-goers to plan and book return travel arrangements in advance, allowing at least an extra two hours travel time to and from the venue.
Because traffic delays are inevitable, it is also encouraged to walk, cycle, use public transport and private coach services.
Worth noting that promoters don’t operate transport to and from the venue, so attendees must arrange that themselves in advance.
By Dart: The nearest Dart station to Fairview Park is Clontarf Road Dart Station.
By Bus: Dublin Bus numbers 14, 15, 27a and 27b run from Eden Quay to near the venue, and so do bus numbers 6, H1, H2, H3, and 130 from Abbey Street Lower, while from Talbot Street, you can get the 42 and 43 buses. You can get off any of them at the Fairview Park bus stop.
However, for operational reasons, bus stops 519 and 616 will be closed from 10pm until 11pm on concert days.
By foot: If you want to walk to Fairview Park from Dublin city centre, it should take less than an hour, if you are so inclined.
By car: Concert-goers are advised not to travel to the event by car, as there is no public parking at the event. Promoters have asked attendees not to park illegally or in residential areas and to use public transport instead.
However, if you must drive to Dublin for the concert, it would be worth looking into park and ride options or asking someone you know who lives in the area in advance of the concert if you could park your car at their house for the evening.
There will be signs on the approach to the concert, which will take place at the Annesley Bridge end of Fairview Park.
What are they expected to play?
Of course, you never know what a band will play until they stand on stage on the night, but here is a snippet of what fans can expect fr.om a concert
What's the story with security?
No queuing is allowed before the gates open, and concert-goers are advised to allow sufficient time to travel to the event and pass through security checks. Anyone who does turn up early will be turned away.
Under 16s must be accompanied to the concert and at all times by someone over 25, and strict age monitoring will be in place. Unaccompanied people under 16 will be refused entry to the event without refund. The promoters have recommended that nobody under the age of five attend.
No camping or collapsible chairs are permitted on site.
Security checks will be in operation, and everyone will be subject to a search as a condition of entry. Additional searches may take place once inside the venue.
No bags larger than A4 size are allowed inside the venue, and attendees are strongly advised not to bring big bags or backpacks as they may experience delays or be refused entry. There will be no storage facilities on site. Any items left at entrances or in surrounding areas will be removed and disposed of accordingly.
Other items not allowed into the grounds include, but are not exclusive tlimitedflags bigger than A3, glass, cans, umbrellas, alcohol, e-scooters and e-bikes, and professional cameras and audio recording equipment.
There are no re-admissions to the concert, either, so if you leave, you can’t come back in, and don’t rush to the exit after the concert.
Remember too, that Fairview Park is a residential area, so respect the local community by not littering, not engaging in anti-social behaviour and by not parking illegally. There's a lot to be said for being sound.
What's the weather giving?
Thursday is expected to be sunny and warm, with temperatures between 13 and 20 degrees forecast at the time of writing.
Bear in mind, though, that we are in Ireland, and that Fairview Park is a standing-only venue, with all concerts taking place outdoors on grass under canvas. So, check the weather forecast on the day, look outside, and dress accordingly for Irish weather - think boots or runners, layers, raincoats/ponchos and sun cream, but remember, no umbrellas.