Country music icon Garth Brooks has confirmed he will return to Ireland for a series of concerts in 2027. The tour will cover five cities: Belfast, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Cork. This announcement marks the first time the singer has performed in Northern Ireland since 1998.
Belfast Shows Sell Out Instantly
Brooks has stated in the past that Ireland is his favorite place to perform. The mutual enthusiasm between the artist and Irish fans was evident when the first two Belfast concerts sold out immediately. Promoters added an extra date to meet demand, signaling strong interest in the upcoming tour.
The new Belfast concert is scheduled for May 21, 2027, at the Boucher Road Playing Fields. Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions told RTÉ that the additional gig is “red hot,” reflecting the high level of anticipation among local fans.
A History of Irish Connection
Brooks last played in Northern Ireland at the King’s Hall in November 1998. His relationship with Irish audiences has been complex but enduring. In 2014, he planned five concerts at Dublin’s Croke Park. However, Dublin City Council only granted permission for three shows. Brooks refused to play fewer than five, leading to the cancellation of the entire Dublin leg of that tour.
Despite that setback, he returned to Dublin in 2022 for a successful run of concerts. Cathy O’Reilly, a fan from Belfast originally from County Monaghan, attended those 2022 shows. She noted that her love for his music was passed down from her parents and uncles. “It’s growing up listening to him, it brings me back to my childhood,” O’Reilly said. “My uncle gave me his CD, he didn’t even buy me one, just gave me his because I loved him so much.”
O’Reilly believes the connection stems from the shared cultural link between Ireland and the US, as well as the warm reception Irish crowds provide. “He gives us energy and we’re giving it back ten-fold nearly, and we’re just so welcoming so he really enjoys coming here,” she explained.
Fan Loyalty and Tribute Acts
The enduring popularity of Brooks in Ireland is also reflected in the local tribute scene. Stephen Butler, who performs as a Brooks tribute act with the band Thunder Rolls, says embodying the singer’s persona requires genuine passion. “I was able to get four or five tickets about a week or two before the Croke Park shows, I’ll definitely go,” Butler said, referring to the 2014 events.
Butler attributes the singer’s lasting appeal to the emotional resonance of his lyrics. He points to songs like “Friends in Low Places” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge” as anthems that Irish audiences connect with deeply. “Everybody loves Friends in Low Places, people of Ireland love it,” Butler noted. He also highlighted how ballads like “Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Unanswered Prayers” allow fans to process personal grief and loss.
“He’s such a down-to-earth, genuine, caring person, he seems to be a good soul and I think people identify with his personality,” Butler added. “It’s a big working-class country and they love someone that’s genuine and that talks from the heart.”
Brooks remains the best-selling artist in US history, with over 200 million albums sold worldwide. The 2027 tour will see him revisit the venues and cities where he has built a dedicated following over nearly three decades.
Source: BBC
