A host of big name acts and some of the most familiar names in contemporary Irish music descended on the idyll off the shores of Lough Key, Co. Roscommon for the forth annual Night & Day Festival. Taking place from 27 - 29 June, 2025, KT Tunstall, The Wailers, and The Stunning headed up the bill.
Photo: Chloe Gilmore.
The first thing you notice when setting foot in Lough Key area is its absolutely stunning location. Set in rural county Roscommon on the shores of the most tranquil lake, the forest park, castles, church ruin, and grassy setting make it a wonderous place to hold a music festival.
In 2025, this is only the third time that Night & Day has been held here, having first taken place in grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea, back in 2022. It's fair to say that organiser have found their home for what is, by all accounts, Ireland's best-kept festival secret.
With a capacity of 4,500, Night & Day retains an intimacy that most festivals lack. Perhaps that's why it's been such a hit with families, and as we enter the grounds, there are as many kids running rampant as there are adults who will later be doing same. There's abundance of sideshows and attractions just for the younger attendees, and they look to be having a ball, taking part in workshops, watching performance story telling by a group of marauding Vikings, playing with installations, climbing trees, and jumping off the windows of the church ruin.
With Friday night's pre-party out of the way, as Saturday [28th June] rolls around, the main event begins. There are four tents featuring a mix of big name acts, smaller bands, DJs, and more, and there's even an excellent showcase opportunity for the talented students of Music Generation Roscommon, but the main action is happening over on the Queen Meabh stage.
The first act to really get things going are Dublin jangle pop heroes Something Happens. Breaking through in the early 1990s, the Dublin four-piece's hits 'Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello (Petrol)' - which features snippets of Blondie's 'Call Me' and Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' - and 'Parachute' really hit the spot.
Bringing the mood down a few notches, José González follows. With just Spanish guitar an a mic, the troubadour's genteel sounds may have markedly changed gear, but are none the less engaging. Playing tracks from his hit 2003 release 'Veneer', as well as from right across his career, the Swede's set is warmly received. "It's kind of nostalgic to be here in Ireland", he confesses; "I used to be here a lot about fifteen, twenty years ago".
Throwing it back to the 1990s once again, The Sultans of Ping cause waves of nostalgia to wash over those of a certain age, belting out 'Where's Me Jumper' before Irish rock royalty The Stunning close the night out. Playing only their second gig of the year, the Galway heroes don't show any signs of rustiness. Throwing in a number of choice covers and concluding with, what else but 'Brewing Up a Storm', they prove the perfect headliner.
In 2025, this is only the third time that Night & Day has been held here, having first taken place in grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea, back in 2022. It's fair to say that organiser have found their home for what is, by all accounts, Ireland's best-kept festival secret.
With a capacity of 4,500, Night & Day retains an intimacy that most festivals lack. Perhaps that's why it's been such a hit with families, and as we enter the grounds, there are as many kids running rampant as there are adults who will later be doing same. There's abundance of sideshows and attractions just for the younger attendees, and they look to be having a ball, taking part in workshops, watching performance story telling by a group of marauding Vikings, playing with installations, climbing trees, and jumping off the windows of the church ruin.
With Friday night's pre-party out of the way, as Saturday [28th June] rolls around, the main event begins. There are four tents featuring a mix of big name acts, smaller bands, DJs, and more, and there's even an excellent showcase opportunity for the talented students of Music Generation Roscommon, but the main action is happening over on the Queen Meabh stage.
The first act to really get things going are Dublin jangle pop heroes Something Happens. Breaking through in the early 1990s, the Dublin four-piece's hits 'Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello (Petrol)' - which features snippets of Blondie's 'Call Me' and Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' - and 'Parachute' really hit the spot.
Bringing the mood down a few notches, José González follows. With just Spanish guitar an a mic, the troubadour's genteel sounds may have markedly changed gear, but are none the less engaging. Playing tracks from his hit 2003 release 'Veneer', as well as from right across his career, the Swede's set is warmly received. "It's kind of nostalgic to be here in Ireland", he confesses; "I used to be here a lot about fifteen, twenty years ago".
Throwing it back to the 1990s once again, The Sultans of Ping cause waves of nostalgia to wash over those of a certain age, belting out 'Where's Me Jumper' before Irish rock royalty The Stunning close the night out. Playing only their second gig of the year, the Galway heroes don't show any signs of rustiness. Throwing in a number of choice covers and concluding with, what else but 'Brewing Up a Storm', they prove the perfect headliner.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Sunday [29th June] sees the fantastically named Neosupervital produce a full on 80s' musical aesthetic out of just a mic, guitar, and an array of pedals over on the Lune stage. A one-man show, the man known to his mother as Tim O'Donovan plays the only cover version of the 'Ulysses 31' theme song that this writer has ever witnessed, as well as bangers such as his own 'Lazy Afternoon' and 'Jazz Fascist'.
Filling the same spot as José González the day before, the ethereal tones of Lisa Hannigan draw a huge crowd to the Queen Meabh tent. Clearly a favourite with the Night & Day audience, her close harmony singing with her duo of backing singers, and stirring string section really captivates the crowd.
By contrast, post-grungers Kerbdog raise a riotous racket that breaks the chill and wakes the weary. Contenders in the mid 1990s, they've been sporadically reactivated in recent years, and it's lucky for us that they have. Bursting through anthems like 'On the Turn'. the Cork four-piece prove a short sharp shock too far for many who've been enjoying Lisa Hannigan's earthy tones, but those who remain in the Queen Meabh tent are having a ball.
Winning the award for the most likable and engaging person on stage, KT Tunstall arrives before the tent is even near capacity. "What's going on Lough key? You're all in here early, so you're getting a little private song before everyone else comes in", she jokes.
Usually seen behind the kit in his day job with Razorlight, the sound is bolstered by the multi-talented Andy Burrows on drums, bass, acoustic guitar, vocals, and whatever else a particular song may demand. "Andy's actually cheating on his other band!", remarks Tunstall comically, as 'Other Side of the World' bleeds beautifully into Razorlight's 'America'.
Filling the same spot as José González the day before, the ethereal tones of Lisa Hannigan draw a huge crowd to the Queen Meabh tent. Clearly a favourite with the Night & Day audience, her close harmony singing with her duo of backing singers, and stirring string section really captivates the crowd.
By contrast, post-grungers Kerbdog raise a riotous racket that breaks the chill and wakes the weary. Contenders in the mid 1990s, they've been sporadically reactivated in recent years, and it's lucky for us that they have. Bursting through anthems like 'On the Turn'. the Cork four-piece prove a short sharp shock too far for many who've been enjoying Lisa Hannigan's earthy tones, but those who remain in the Queen Meabh tent are having a ball.
Winning the award for the most likable and engaging person on stage, KT Tunstall arrives before the tent is even near capacity. "What's going on Lough key? You're all in here early, so you're getting a little private song before everyone else comes in", she jokes.
Usually seen behind the kit in his day job with Razorlight, the sound is bolstered by the multi-talented Andy Burrows on drums, bass, acoustic guitar, vocals, and whatever else a particular song may demand. "Andy's actually cheating on his other band!", remarks Tunstall comically, as 'Other Side of the World' bleeds beautifully into Razorlight's 'America'.
Photo: Chloe Gilmore.
Easily winning over the crowd, the Scottish singer reveals; "my whole thing started in Ireland, so I'm always so grateful to come back and say thank you", ahead of an "Irish mash up" that features a guest spot from Meath man Chris Leonard and mixes signature song 'Black Horse & The Cherry Tree' with trad staple 'Oró, Sé Do Bheatha 'Bhaile' to great effect.
From there it's a pure celebration, as an irresistible 'Hold On' gives way to a canny cover of The Bangles' 'Walk Like an Egyptian' and finale 'Suddenly I see'.
It's a hard act to follow, but with a catalogue of absolute classics, plus an undeniable good-time vibe, The Wailers are the perfect act to see out Night & Day 2025. Okay, so the great Bob Marley himself may be long gone, and there isn't an original member left following the passing of Aston "Family Man" Barrett in 2024, but it's the songs that are the headline act.
It's also impossible to fault the enthusiasm of front man Mitchell Brunings who handles the job with reverence and ensures a good time is had by all. "What's the craic Ireland? Are you ready for reggae music?", he implores, instantly getting the up-for-it crowd on side.
What follows is a litany of some of the most celebrated songs of the genre, as 'Lively Up Yourself' gives way to 'Stir it Up' and 'Sun is Shining' Taking their bows to the glorious pairing of 'One Love' and 'Could You Be Loved', Night & Day 2025 concludes on a glorious high.
Except it doesn't end there, and there's one final shindig around Moylurg Tower with DJs and projections to see out what has been a truly special event. As the final notes echo across Lough Key, festival goers leave with memories of unforgettable performances and a renewed appreciation for the magic of live music in such a unique and intimate setting.
The fourth edition of Night & Day Festival once again proved why it has become a standout event in Ireland’s summer music calendar. With its picturesque lakeside setting, an eclectic mix of talent, and a vibrant atmosphere, the weekend remains a celebration of sound, community, and culture.
Night & Day Festival returns to Lough Key in 2026. For more information visit the official Night & Day site.
From there it's a pure celebration, as an irresistible 'Hold On' gives way to a canny cover of The Bangles' 'Walk Like an Egyptian' and finale 'Suddenly I see'.
It's a hard act to follow, but with a catalogue of absolute classics, plus an undeniable good-time vibe, The Wailers are the perfect act to see out Night & Day 2025. Okay, so the great Bob Marley himself may be long gone, and there isn't an original member left following the passing of Aston "Family Man" Barrett in 2024, but it's the songs that are the headline act.
It's also impossible to fault the enthusiasm of front man Mitchell Brunings who handles the job with reverence and ensures a good time is had by all. "What's the craic Ireland? Are you ready for reggae music?", he implores, instantly getting the up-for-it crowd on side.
What follows is a litany of some of the most celebrated songs of the genre, as 'Lively Up Yourself' gives way to 'Stir it Up' and 'Sun is Shining' Taking their bows to the glorious pairing of 'One Love' and 'Could You Be Loved', Night & Day 2025 concludes on a glorious high.
Except it doesn't end there, and there's one final shindig around Moylurg Tower with DJs and projections to see out what has been a truly special event. As the final notes echo across Lough Key, festival goers leave with memories of unforgettable performances and a renewed appreciation for the magic of live music in such a unique and intimate setting.
The fourth edition of Night & Day Festival once again proved why it has become a standout event in Ireland’s summer music calendar. With its picturesque lakeside setting, an eclectic mix of talent, and a vibrant atmosphere, the weekend remains a celebration of sound, community, and culture.
Night & Day Festival returns to Lough Key in 2026. For more information visit the official Night & Day site.