Franz Ferdinand have announced a mini Irish tour in advance of the release of the band's fourth studio album, which is due out later this year. The Scottish group will play three dates in May across Ireland. These are:

Friday 18th May - Roisin Dubh, Galway
Saturday 19thMay - Dolan's, Limerick
Sunday 20th May - The Pavilion, Cork

You'll no doubt have noticed that Dublin has been omitted from the list and while this might annoy some hardcore Franz Ferdinand fans in our capital it's a refreshing change to see some big name acts playing in smaller venues across the country.

Tickets for the shows go on sale from Friday 30th March from usual outlets nationwide and are priced at €30.