Kavanagh’s announces huge Christmas programme of live music, comedy and free gigs
Major programme of live music and comedy unveiled by Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue for Christmas 2026
Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue in Portlaoise has announced a major programme of live music and comedy for Christmas 2026, featuring nine ticketed events alongside 12 no-cover-charge gigs running from late November into the New Year.
The Big Kavanagh’s Christmas Gig Announcement brings together leading Irish performers, comedy, popular tribute acts, local favourites and a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
The ticketed programme begins on Thursday, 10 December, with The Complete Stone Roses, whose tickets are already on sale.
Kean Kavanagh will take to the stage on Thursday, 17 December, followed by Pogueology—the ultimate tribute to The Pogues—on Monday, 21 December.
After Christmas, Transmitter return for their annual Christmas Cracker on Sunday, 27 December.
Monday, 28 December will feature two major events. Comedian David McSavage brings his new show, Pig Ignorant, to Kavanagh’s Comedy Club, while Whiplash will deliver a full night celebrating the music of Metallica.
The festive programme continues with Roll With It: The Ultimate Oasis Experience on Tuesday, 29 December, followed by Homage to Rod Stewart, performed by Strength in Numbers, on Wednesday, 30 December.
The celebrations will conclude on Thursday, 31 December, when Blessed headline Kavanagh’s New Year’s Eve Party.
The ticketed Christmas line-up
- Thursday, 10 December — The Complete Stone Roses
- Thursday, 17 December — Kean Kavanagh
- Monday, 21 December — Pogueology
- Sunday, 27 December — Transmitter’s Annual Christmas Cracker
- Monday, 28 December — David McSavage: Pig Ignorant
- Monday, 28 December — Whiplash: The Best Metallica Tribute
- Tuesday, 29 December — Roll With It: The Ultimate Oasis Experience
- Wednesday, 30 December — Homage to Rod Stewart by Strength in Numbers
- Thursday, 31 December — Blessed: Kavanagh’s New Year’s Eve Party
Free live music throughout Christmas
Kavanagh’s will also host 12 free gigs across the festive season, with no cover charge:
- Friday, 27 November — Transmitter
- Saturday, 28 November — The Valves
- Friday, 4 December — Tantrum
- Saturday, 5 December — The Jury
- Friday, 11 December — Monroe
- Saturday, 12 December — The AJ’s
- Friday, 18 December — Deerpark
- Saturday, 19 December — The Valves
- Sunday, 20 December — Strength in Numbers
- Wednesday, 23 December — The Jury
- Saturday, 26 December — Cool Hand Luke
- Saturday, 2 January — The Valves kick off the New Year
Speaking about the announcement, Kavanagh’s owner PJ Kavanagh said:
“We wanted to put together a really strong Christmas programme that gives people plenty of reasons to enjoy a night out in Portlaoise over the festive season.
“Alongside our ticketed concerts and comedy shows, we’ll have 12 free gigs with no cover charge, running from the end of November right through to the first weekend of the New Year.
“There’s everything from original Irish performers and comedy to some of the country’s leading tribute acts and many of our most popular live bands. We’ll finish 2026 with a huge New Year’s Eve party featuring Blessed before The Valves return to kick off 2027.”
The exclusive presale code will be emailed to members of the Kavanagh’s mailing list on Thursday, 10 September.
The presale opens at 11am on Friday, 11 September, giving subscribers the opportunity to secure their tickets before they go on general sale.
Anyone wishing to receive the presale code can join the Kavanagh’s mailing list through the venue’s website.
Tickets for The Complete Stone Roses are already on sale.
For tickets, mailing-list registration and further information, visit: