The premier weekend in Irish music is almost upon us. Although Met Éireann are trying to drown out the excitement by predicting a washout, it'll take a lot more than a bit of rain to dampen the mood. Much like we did for Longitude in July, we've decided to run the rule over the line-up to give you our picks for the weekend.
Six acts per day, just to switch the style up a bit.
Friday
Billie Eilish - Main Stage 7.30pm
If you've seen any memes this summer, then you'll know why there's a palpable excitement for Billie Eilish's performance on Friday. The 17 year-old's debut album When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? contains a unholy amount of ear worm pop tunes which can ease you into the weekend.
The Claque - Body & Soul 8.30pm
If you like noise, The Claque can bring it in spades. The Dublin-based trio have fingerprints of Girl Band all over them, but according to themselves, the band came together "with the aim of combining elements of each other’s tastes." That's no more evident than on their debut, 'Hush'.
Alex Gough - 3 Made By Music 6.55pm
Drummer-cum-rapper Alex Gough makes his festival bow on Friday evening. Member of the Anomaly collective, Gough's music can illicit a head nod from even the stiffest neck. You can expect a few funky numbers as standard.
Flohio - Body & Soul 1.30am
Flohio was mentioned in our Longitude list, but there's no harm in reiterating the point. The MC is at home over bass-heavy beats which clatter the chest, although equally adept at flowing over a variety of genres.
Scary Eire - Salty Dog 1.30am
25 years after their debut album was supposed to be released, Ireland's hip-hop pioneers are back. Their comeback show on Paddy's Day was a sell-out, with sweat the overriding emotion. Get ready for stories of early 90s Ireland, which still hold weight today.
Tommy Holohan - Anachronica 2.30am
If you've still got the stamina on the first night, there's nowhere more welcoming than the rave in the woods. For the first night, step forward Tommy Holohan, a man that knows his way around a Sean Paul sample. The Rush native and Rave Selekts boss can bring a mix of techno, breaks and, if you were in Wigwam recently, Joy Division.
Saturday
Otherkin - Salty Dog 2.50am
With news of the band's impending break-up, this marks the final Salty Dog stand for the group that have made the stage their home. Although they're also playing the Electric Arena stage over the course of the weekend, this is the one you want to go. It's going to be emotional.
Mango X MathMan - Body & Soul 9.45pm
Sometimes you just have to ask, where IS my raving crew at? Well, if they're worth their salt, they'll be at the Body & Soul stage on Saturday night. Dublin's premier MC and DJ duo, Mango X MathMan have a plethora of new music to run through. There will also be a plethora of topless lads.
Nealo - Salty Dog 4.50pm
Another act that was also cited in our Longitude picks, Nealo has gone from strength to strength since early July. With a live band to boot, Nealo brings a hip-hip show like no other.
The Strokes - Main Stage 11.30pm
If The Strokes debut album Is This It? was a person, it'd be a fully-fledged adult. That's right, 18 years have passed since the New York band changed the course of alternative rock music forever. Get your faded denim jackets out everyone, we're pretending we're cool.
Maverick Sabre - Rankin's Wood 6.30pm
Another Irish entry, Maverick Sabre's album When I Wake Up marked a return to form earlier this year. Collaborations with the likes of Jorja Smith further evidence Sabre's genre fusion which has been a hallmark of his music since he first burst on the Irish hip-hop scene.
Sim Simma Soundsystem - Trenchtown 2.30am
What happens when you combine an unholy amount of talented MCs and producers into one group? Well, you can find out by rounding off your Saturday night at Trenchtown. Sim Simma Soundsystem's live shows are virtually a festival within a festival.
Sunday
The Streets - Electric Arena 10.30pm
Make sure you pack your Reebok Classics for Stradbally, because boy, you're going to need them. Mike Skinner's comeback is still ongoing, so expect to find geezers and birds alike rave and cry in equal measure.
J Hus - Electric Arena 9.15pm
J Hus was on the top of the world when he released his debut album Common Sense in 2017. Legal issues stymied his career, however, he's back and better than ever. His feature on Dave's Psychodrama was one of the best collaborations of 2019.
TPM - Trailer Park 11.10pm
The Dundalk hip-hop maestros play Body & Soul on the Friday, as well as the Trailer Park stage on the Sunday, so make sure to catch them at least once over the weekend. You can expect comedic lines, boom-bap beats and an aversion to our national broadcaster.
Richard Ashcroft - Main Stage 7pm
Ashcroft is obviously known as the lead singer of The Verve, but his current solo work is some of the best music he's created since The Verve's Urban Hymns.
Meltybrains? - Salty Dog 1.40am
The classically-trained Dublin band have an incendiary live show. Their soundscapes are equal parts experimental, unusual and downright unpredictable. Their shows and songs are kindred spirits in a way the most bands can't fathom.
Roisin Murphy - Electric Arena 7.30pm
Be it with Moloko or by herself, Murphy captivates. The Arkow native seems to have an endless stream of ideas which combine to create timeless tunes 25 years into a stellar career.
