Hot Dates Leinster 2026: April–June Events & Concerts Near Lucan

Let’s be honest – trying to figure out what’s actually on in Leinster without spending hours scrolling through a dozen different sites is a nightmare. I live in Lucan, so I get it. You want to know the real hot dates coming up, not just the obvious stuff. The short answer? April kicks off with The 2 Johnnies and David Keenan, May is packed with trad and dance festivals, and June brings Metallica and Croke Park hurling finals. But that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s everything you need to know about the best events in Leinster over the next couple of months – and exactly how to get there from west Dublin.

What are the hottest concert dates in Dublin this April and May?

Elec The short answer: Metallica and The 2 Johnnies headline the month, but Kraftwerk and the Greenfields Festival are serious contenders.

Elec The short answer: Metallica and The 2 Johnnies headline the month, but Kraftwerk and the Greenfields Festival are serious contenders. April is already stacked: The 2 Johnnies bring their “Big Big Family Show” to the 3Arena on Easter Monday (6 April) – a fully seated, family-friendly extravaganza in aid of the Children’s Health Foundation[reference:0]. Just days later, David Keenan plays two headline shows at Whelan’s on 14 & 15 April, fresh off releasing his new album “Modern Mythologies”[reference:1]. For electronic fans, Kraftwerk’s “Multimedia” 3D concert tour hits the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 17 May[reference:2]. But the real wildcard? The Greenfields Festival in Stradbally (2–3 May) – 90 acts across five stages, including Block Rockin’ Beats, Vengaboys, and the Noel Fitzpatrick Band (yes, that Supervet)[reference:3][reference:4]. Honestly, that’s not a lineup you’d expect in Laois.

What about the Trinity Summer Series – is it worth the hype?

Elec Absolutely – if you can get tickets. The 2026 lineup is one of the strongest in years.

Elec Absolutely – if you can get tickets. The 2026 lineup is one of the strongest in years. Running from 29 June to 5 July in the grounds of Trinity College, this year’s series features James Arthur (29 June), Stephen Wilson Jr. (30 June), Wet Leg (1 July), Glen Hansard (2 July), Cian Ducrot (3 July), OMD (4 July), and The Kooks (5 July)[reference:5][reference:6]. Tickets for Glen Hansard are still available as of February, but most shows are selling fast[reference:7]. The real value? Staying on campus at Trinity’s summer accommodation – no late-night taxi scramble, no queuing for Nitelink buses[reference:8]. That’s a game-changer if you’re coming from Lucan.

What about traditional Irish music – any good festivals in May?

Elec Portlaoise Tradfest (1–3 May) is the standout, but Greenfields has trad crossover too.

Elec Portlaoise Tradfest (1–3 May) is the standout, but Greenfields has trad crossover too. Portlaoise Tradfest brings traditional Irish music to the heart of Laois with concerts, workshops, and sessions across the town[reference:9]. Highlights include Altan celebrating 40 years at the Dunamaise Arts Centre and CLADA blending Irish trad with pop and rock at Kavanagh’s Bar[reference:10]. Meanwhile, the Greenfields Festival in Stradbally (2–3 May) leans more into pop, dance, and rock, but Noel Fitzpatrick’s band brings a unique Irish flavour[reference:11]. Two very different vibes – both worth the drive.

Where can I see Metallica in Dublin in June 2026?

Elec Aviva Stadium, 19 and 21 June – and you’ll want both nights if you’re a real fan.

Elec Aviva Stadium, 19 and 21 June – and you’ll want both nights if you’re a real fan. Metallica’s M72 World Tour hits the Aviva for two massive shows. Support acts differ each night: Pantera and Avatar on 19 June; Gojira and Knocked Loose on 21 June[reference:12]. Tickets range from €81.25 to €181.25 for single nights, or €121.25 to €261.25 for two-night passes[reference:13]. The last time Metallica played Dublin was 2019, so demand is insane. Two-night tickets have been available since mid-2025, but single-day releases followed later. Honestly? If you can only do one, pick the second night – Gojira as an opener is a rare treat.

What about the big sports events in June?

Elec Leinster Hurling Final at Croke Park on 6 June – a double-header with the Joe McDonagh Cup.

Elec Leinster Hurling Final at Croke Park on 6 June – a double-header with the Joe McDonagh Cup. The Leinster Senior Hurling Final and the Joe McDonagh Cup Final are scheduled as a high-stakes double-header at Croke Park, starting at 1:45 pm[reference:14]. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, and Leinster GAA offers group passes for families: 4 adults and 20 juveniles for €120–160, depending on seating[reference:15]. For rugby fans, Leinster faces Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva on 2 May[reference:16].

What’s the easiest way to get from Lucan to these venues?

Elec Bus to Heuston Station, then Luas or DART. Avoid driving if you can – parking is a nightmare.

Elec Bus to Heuston Station, then Luas or DART. Avoid driving if you can – parking is a nightmare. From Lucan Village, Dublin Bus runs direct services to Heuston Station every 10–15 minutes, taking 21–27 minutes[reference:17][reference:18]. From Heuston, the Luas Red Line connects to Connolly (for Croke Park) and The Point (for 3Arena)[reference:19][reference:20]. For the Aviva Stadium, take the DART from Connolly or Tara Street to Lansdowne Road – it stops right outside[reference:21]. If you’re heading to Croke Park, the 151 bus from Lucan to Ringsend Road then a short walk, or bus to Heuston then Luas to Connolly[reference:22]. Concert-specific coaches from JJ Kavanagh and Irish Concert Travel run from multiple locations, including direct services to Metallica, The 2 Johnnies, and Bon Jovi shows[reference:23].

Are there any smaller festivals worth checking out?

Elec Hibernacle Festival (18–19 July) in Rathfarnham is a hidden gem – only 30 minutes from the city centre.

Elec Hibernacle Festival (18–19 July) in Rathfarnham is a hidden gem – only 30 minutes from the city centre. Hibernacle takes over Orlagh House with a curated weekend of music, collaboration, and late-night culture[reference:24]. Highlights include a 40th-anniversary performance of Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” Lisa Hannigan, Paul Noonan, and Gemma Hayes in a special trio set, and Stockton’s Wing on Sunday[reference:25]. Day tickets start at €65, with weekend passes available[reference:26]. It’s deliberately small-scale – not a mass event, but an intimate, atmospheric experience that’s fast becoming one of the most distinctive additions to Dublin’s summer calendar.

What about food festivals – any hot dates for foodies?

Elec Taste of Dublin in Iveagh Gardens (11–14 June) is the big one, but watch for Dublin Comic Con in August.

Elec Taste of Dublin in Iveagh Gardens (11–14 June) is the big one, but watch for Dublin Comic Con in August. Taste of Dublin returns to Iveagh Gardens with a diverse lineup of restaurants, including newcomers IBILE (West African), Achara (modern Thai), and Rei Momo (Brazilian street food)[reference:27]. Returning favourites include Parrilla, BIG FAN, and King Sitric Oyster Bar[reference:28]. Tickets are on sale now[reference:29]. For pop culture fans, Dublin Comic Con Summer Edition hits The Convention Centre on 8–9 August, featuring guests like Doug Jones and David Hayter[reference:30].

Which Leinster rugby matches should I book now?

Elec Leinster vs Toulon on 2 May is the must-watch – Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva.

Elec Leinster vs Toulon on 2 May is the must-watch – Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva. Leinster faces RC Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 2 May at 4:00 pm[reference:31][reference:32]. Earlier in April, Leinster plays Edinburgh in the Champions Cup Round of 16 on 5 April[reference:33]. For United Rugby Championship action, Leinster hosts the Lions on 9 May and the Ospreys on 16 May, both at the Aviva[reference:34][reference:35]. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

What’s the verdict – which hot dates are actually worth leaving the house for?

After looking at all this, here’s my call: if you’re in Lucan and only have a few free evenings, prioritise Kraftwerk (17 May) – it’s a multimedia spectacle you won’t see anywhere else. For families, The 2 Johnnies at 3Arena on 6 April is a no-brainer. And if you’re a sports fan, the Leinster Hurling Final on 6 June is pure theatre. Metallica is obviously massive, but two nights might be overkill unless you’re a diehard. The real hidden value? Hibernacle in July – small, affordable, and genuinely different. Most event guides miss it entirely, which is exactly why you should go.