Galway International Arts Festival and Róisín Dubh today announced that legendary band The Saw Doctors will take to the stage of the Heineken® Big Top on Friday 24 July 2026!
Following their spectacular, sold-out performances at GIAF 2023 and 2024 that left fans roaring for more, The Saw Doctors are set to ignite the Heineken® Big Top once again with their infectious mix of rock, folk and unfiltered Irish spirit.
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!
Tickets are SOLD OUT for this event.
Looking for more Heineken Big Top action?
Acts already announced for the Heineken Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival 2026 include Block Rockin Beats, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison, The Flaming Lips, James and Bell X1!
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) has helped shape Ireland’s cultural landscape- presenting a world-class annual festival that unites Irish and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning, producing and touring new work; and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF will build on its legacy in Galway to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and international connection. GIAF 2026 will take place from 13–26 July.
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and its Education Partner University of Galway.
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