It can be tricky to keep track of everything that's happening socially - especially at this time of year, when there are more parties and social events than you can possibly fit in your calendar.
There are also a huge number of gigs taking place throughout the month of December – so this month (and every month from now on), we'll be sorting you out with a reminder of the best ones taking place around the country.
Surely, there's room left in your diary for at least one or two of these gigs?
Fontaines DC – Vicar Street | December 7th and 8th
How about an evening with one of the biggest Irish rock bands of the year? Their debut album 'Dogrel' is featuring heavily on end-of-year lists, and with good reason – it's a beaut. Their live show is arguably even better, frontman Grian Chatten owning the stage like he was born to do it. They've already sold out their Iveagh Gardens gig next summer, so if you can bag a ticket for these comparatively intimate shows, count yourself lucky.
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Snow Patrol – Waterfront Hall, Belfast | December 9th & 10th
They recently disappointed fans in Dublin by cancelling their Olympia Theatre date on their 'Reworked' tour due to illness – but it looks like Gary Lightbody and co. are fighting fit once again. They play two nights at the Waterfront Hall, where the audience will be treated to reworked versions of songs from their back catalogue.
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Hozier – 3Arena | December 10th & 11th
It's official – Hozier is now one of the biggest Irish acts on the planet. The Wicklow man dispelled all notions of being a one-album-wonder with the release of 'Wasteland, Baby!' earlier this year and will play two triumphant homecoming gigs on the 10th and 11th, having done a lap of the world to preach its gospel.
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Villagers – Vicar Street | December 13th & 14th
Their Iveagh Gardens gig was one of the highlights of our summer calendar, so these shows ought to be really special. Having recently released new EP 'The Sunday Walker', you can expect some new material alongside old favourites from Conor O'Brien and co.
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Sam Fender – Olympia Theatre, Dublin | December 16th & Ulster Hall, Belfast | December 17th
Having bubbled under for the last year or so, 2019 saw Sam Fender break through in emphatic fashion – largely thanks to a stellar album in 'Hypersonic Missiles'. His brand of bristling, jangly indiepop proved seriously refreshing amidst the countless Ed Sheeran soundalikes – so make sure to catch him at his biggest Irish headliner to date, as it may be the last time you see him in such small venues.
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Dermot Kennedy – 3Arena | December 22nd and 23rd
Dermot Kennedy well and truly owned 2019 – and he's going to prove it with these two huge gigs at the 3Arena just before Christmas. Now that his audience have heard (and memorised all the words to) his debut album 'Without Fear' since it was released in October, you can expect plenty of emotional singalongs and phones-in-the-air moments at these gigs.
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David Keenan – Spirit Store | December 22nd and 23rd
This Co. Louth musician is part-songwriter, part-storyteller but is a completely magnetic presence, nonetheless. The twentysomething releases his long-awaited debut album 'A Beginner's Guide to Bravery' next month and tours nationwide throughout December (check our listings to see if he's playing near you.) However, these hometown shows at the gorgeous Spirit Store are the ones to catch him at.
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Daithi – Central Arts, Waterford | December 27th
Those days between Christmas and New Year can be seriously weird; you've eaten and drank too much, you're out of routine and you very possibly have a wicked dose of cabin fever. If that's the case, this gig is the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs if you're in or near Waterford on the 27th. His latest album is electronic pop that's both contemplative and emotional, but Daithi always has room for a few bangers on his setlist, too.
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Gavin James – Royal Theatre, Castlebar | December 30th
It's been over a year since Gavin James released his second album 'Only Ticket Home', but the Dubliner still knows how to pull in a crowd. He'll bring his smoky-voiced folk pop repertoire to the Co. Mayo – and considering he's lining up a gig at the 3Arena in February, it should be a suitably intimate affair by comparison.
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NYF Dublin Countdown Concert, Custom House Quay | December 31st
If you're one of those brave souls who ventures into the city centre on New Year's Eve, and you're in search of a good gig to ring in 2020, look no further. The NYF Dublin Countdown Concert may be outdoors (so wrap up well), but there's a varied line-up on offer to keep you bopping up to midnight. Walking on Cars headline with their anthemic indie-rock; they're joined by the brilliant Ash, as well as Lisa McHugh and pop newcomer Aimee.
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Check out our Events Listings for a full list of everything else that's happening nationwide during December.
