Following their spectacular, sold-out performances at GIAF 2023 and GIAF 2024 that left fans roaring for more, The Saw Doctors, with their infectious mix of rock, folk, and unfiltered Irish spirit, are set to ignite the Heineken Big Top once again on Friday 24 July 2026.
Expect a night of electric energy, huge singalongs and pure, joyful mayhem as the crowd belts out favourites like N17, Clare Island, To Win Just Once, I Useta Lover and Hay Wrap.
Fronted by founding songwriters Davy Carton and Leo Moran, the band’s current line-up features Pearse Doherty (bass), Anthony Thistlethwaite (saxophone), Kieran Duddy (keyboards & accordion), Rickie O’Neill (drums), and backing vocalists Noelie McDonnell and Tommy Carton. Together, they bring the kind of atmosphere that transforms every venue into a celebration, where strangers become friends and the audience becomes part of the show.
From their chart-topping debut If This Is Rock ’n’ Roll, I Want My Old Job Back to the record-breaking I Useta Lover, The Saw Doctors’ songs are woven into Ireland’s cultural fabric.
Having thrilled audiences with their irrepressible energy since, their return to the Festival promises an unforgettable night of music, memories and full-throttle raucous fun!
Accessibility and seating: wheelchair accessible, dedicated accessible raised ramp (please note the area can be reserved for people with mobility issues through our box office). Please contact the box office in advance
Disabled Parking Spots: Cathedral Square car park (3), disabled parking on University of Galway campus is marked in the following map: parking locations map and blue badge owners can park anywhere on campus.
Toilets: accessible toilet is located at the rear of the Big Top. GIAF volunteers are on hand to facilitate entrance to the accessibility area.
