Boomtown Rats lead bill of Irish Icons announced for Forest Fest 2026

The Boomtown Rats lead the charge in the latest line-up announcement for Forest Fest 2026, topping a powerful bill that brings together ten Irish icons and seriously on-the-rise acts.

Forest Fest 2026 will be held from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26, at Bee's Wing Farm in Emo Village, Laois.

One of the most influential bands in Irish music history, The Boomtown Rats’ return to the festival circuit comes alongside a roll-call that celebrates depth, legacy and creative firepower across generations.

Joining them are legendary songwriters and performers Paul Brady, Mary Coughlan and Gemma Hayes, alongside cult favourites and scene-shapers Mik Pyro, The Frank and Walters and Something Happens.

Rounding out the announcement are three acts very much on the rise – Grooveline, Babyrat and Run The Red – underlining Forest Fest’s commitment to championing new talent while honouring the artists who shaped the sound of Irish music.

This latest announcement firmly positions Forest Fest 2026 as a meeting point of iconic and future-facing talent, with The Boomtown Rats leading a line-up that reflects the ongoing evolution of Irish music, said a spokesperson for the festival.

Festival Director Philip Meagher said organiser aim to show their "commitment to true legends of Irish music" as well as support for "the very best emerging talent".

"We are thrilled with the reaction to our line-up so far, both at home and internationally, with guests booked to join us from every corner of the globe. At the moment, we are absolutely delighted to see so many people travelling from abroad to buy tickets, and we are really looking forward to welcoming them all to Emo in July.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: https://forestfest.ie/