Fresh from their seven sold-out shows in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, The Dubliners Encore announces their highly anticipated return to the UK in March 2026.
Back by popular demand, 2026 brings an expanded tour schedule, kicking off on Saturday 14th March at the Liverpool Philharmonic and taking in venues across Portsmouth, Derby, Rhyl, Northampton, Basingstoke, Poole, Cheltenham, Broxbourne, Manchester, as well as Sheffield on St. Patrick’s Day itself.
This new live show charting the story of the world’s greatest folk band is captivating audiences throughout Europe, offering an unforgettable night of storytelling, iconic Irish songs and unrivalled musicianship.
Created and produced by original Dubliner John Sheahan and his daughter Ceoladh Sheahan, with Musical Director Phil Coulter, The Dubliners Encore is the official stage show celebrating the story of Ireland’s beloved bearded balladeers. This hugely talented cast captures the magic of The Dubliners singing all their hits, including The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, The Black Velvet Band, Whiskey in the Jar and The Irish Rover.
Speaking about the return of this celebrated live show, Producer Ceoladh Sheahan says:
“Having spent two years creating a show with Dad that authentically captures The Dubliners’ story, the reaction from Irish, UK and German audiences since the show’s launch last year has been incredible!
Sold-out shows, standing ovations and a roller coaster of audience emotions - from tears to laughter and everything in between - have been music to our ears. Audiences want more UK dates, in more locations, so we are delighted to bring the show back to the UK this March.”
The popularity of The Dubliners is unquestionable, their contribution to the world of folk music unparalleled. True originals, the bad boys of Irish folk put Ireland on the world stage, releasing 30 original albums, selling 40 million records and playing sold-out tours in a musical odyssey lasting 50 years. John Sheahan and his late great bandmates Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew, Barney McKenna and Ciarán Bourke, caught the imagination, playing Irish traditional music in a way never heard before, with an attitude never seen before. They revolutionised Irish music, taking it from the parlour and the pub to the world stage, leaving a legacy that helped transform Ireland and Irish music forever.
A member of the band for 50 years, John Sheahan has been working behind the scenes to create a show that authentically brings The Dubliners’ story to life on stage, personally overseeing every detail, every anecdote and every musical note. After a two-year nationwide search, five incredible musicians were handpicked to recreate the spirit, energy and musical talent of each original band member.
Narrated by Imelda May and featuring their biggest hits and best-loved songs, The Dubliners Encore recaptures the band performing in their heyday, packing 50 years of songs, stories and craic into one unforgettable night.
The UK tour is promoted by ShowPlanr, part of the KMJ Entertainment/DEAG family. Chris Jenkins, Managing Director and Founder at ShowPlanr, said: "We're delighted to be working with The Dubliners Encore team once again to deliver their UK tour in 2026. As the official Dubliners stage show, audiences can look forward to a truly authentic experience that captures the very essence of the world's greatest folk band. We can't wait to bring the show back to even more UK theatres and concert halls in March and will be announcing further dates for 2027 and beyond shortly."
Tickets for the UK tour are on sale now and available on www.thedublinersencore.com. Be part of the ultimate Irish sing-along and rediscover the bad boys of Irish folk!
Liverpool 14th March 2026 Liverpool Philharmonic
Portsmouth 15th March 2026 Portsmouth Guildhall
Sheffield 17th March 2026 Sheffield City Hall
Derby 18th March 2026 Derby Arena
Rhyl 19th March 2026 Pavilion Theatre
Northampton 20th March 2026 Royal and Derngate Theatre
Basingstoke 21st March 2026 The Anvil
Poole 22nd March 2026 Lighthouse
Cheltenham 24th March 2026 Cheltenham Town Hall
Broxbourne 25th March 2026 The Spotlight
Manchester 26th March 2026 The Bridgewater Hall