Wolfe Tones end retirement by announcing two huge gigs for summer 2026

The legendary Irish folk group have backtracked on their retirement plan.

Formed in the early ’60s, the band are one of the longest-standing ballad groups in Ireland. They have also enjoyed a surge in popularity recently, drawing massive crowds at the music festival Electric Picnic in 2023 and 2024.

In 2023, they announced their retirement, with a 60th-anniversary tour to mark the end of their career.

They now, however, have backtracked on their retirement plan.

In a statement on Tuesday, 9 December, the group said:

“For more than 60 years, our music has taken us from small halls to some of the biggest stages in the world, carried always by the people who believed in what we were doing.

“Stepping back from live performances gave us a rare chance to pause, but it also reminded us how much those nights of music and shared spirit have meant — to us as much as to anyone in the audience.

“Over the past year, the calls for us to return have been constant. Fans have written, stopped us along the way, and reached out from every corner of Ireland and beyond.

“Their messages showed us how deeply these songs still resonate, and how strong the bond remains after all these years.

“We’re proud to sing about the history, culture and character of this country, and we still have the fire to do it. So in 2026, we’ll take to the stage once more.

“Thank you for the support — we look forward to sharing the music and the moments again.”

The Wolfe Tones’ 3Arena Dublin gigs will take place on Friday and Saturday, 3-4 July 2026.

The artist presale is now available, while the MCD presale starts on Wednesday, 10 December at 9am.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday, 12 December at 9am.

How to get The Wolfe Tones 3Arena Dublin tickets

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You can get tickets for The Wolfe Tones at the 3Arena Dublin at this link.