Ben Howard at Fairview Park, Dublin: Stage times, set list, ticket information, how to get there and more

Everything you need to know about the star’s concert on Thursday, June 15th

Ben Howard, that soothing folk songwriter famed for Keep Your Head Up and Only Love, will soon play the first of eight summer gigs at Fairview Park, Dublin. Howard is returning to Ireland for his first headline show in more than four years, performing tunes from Collections from the Whiteout, Howard’s recent UK number one album; some new material to test on fans; and (most) of the hits that have solidified his place in indie/folk history.

Last week he released a new single, Life in the time, ahead of an album release later in the month. So lots of new music on the way, but what can we expect from the gig?

When does he play?

The concert is on at Fairview Park, north of Dublin city centre on Thursday, June 15th.

What time should I arrive?

Gates open at 7pm and the gig starts at 7:30pm. Organisers have said due to increased traffic and security measures, concert-goers should be there in sufficient time. No queuing is allowed prior to the gates opening.

READ MORE

Who are the support acts?

Howard will be supported by Cork-based indie electronic musician Talos, who you might know from songs such as Odyssey or To Each His Own.

How do I get there – and home again?

Organisers have said fans should allow for at least an extra two hours travel time to and from the venue. As traffic and parking delays are inevitable, you are encouraged to walk, cycle, use public transport and private coach services. There are no car parking facilities on site and fans have been advised not to park illegally in surrounding residential areas.

By Dart: The Dart will run services to and from the concert. If you are planning on using the Dart, you can get off at Clontarf Road station. More information can be found at irishrail.ie.

By bus: Dublin Bus will run services within walking distance of the concert. From the city centre, the buses leave from Eden Quay (12, 15, 27a, 27b), Abbey Street Lower (6, H1, H2, H3, 130) and Talbot Street (42, 43). Fans should get off at Fairview Park bus stop.

There will be signs on approach to the concert, which will take place at the Annesley Bridge end of Fairview Park. If you have any accessibility queries regarding accessible toilets, dietary or medical requirements, see mcd.ie for details on how to get in touch prior to the event.

What will he play?

At the beginning of the month, Howard played at the Royal Albert Hall in London for about two hours. So you can expect the evening in Dublin to look something like this:

  • Couldn’t Make It Up
  • Walking Backwards
  • Days of Lantana
  • Life in the Time
  • Moonraker
  • Richmond Avenue
  • Interim of Sense
  • Total Eclipse
  • Spirit
  • Little Plant
  • Spirit (reprise)
  • I Forgot Where We Were
  • Finders Keepers
  • Black Flies
  • In Dreams
  • Small Things
  • Promise

Are there any tickets left?

Yes. There are still some tickets up for grabs at ticketmaster.ie. Buy tickets from accredited sources only.

What’s the story with security?

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; bring your passport, Garda age card or driving licence as evidence of your date of birth. Allow time for security checks on the way in. Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted and all bags may be searched, and this can be time-consuming, so consider going bagless for easier entry. There will be no cloakroom or storage facilities. No umbrellas, alcohol, garden furniture, selfie sticks, flares, glasses or cans, among other items, will be allowed into the event. There are no re-admissions to the concert, so once you leave there’s no getting back in.

Can I take photographs at the concert?

Yes, but only with a smartphone or small camera. Professional cameras with a detachable lens and any other recording equipment are banned.

What’s the weather forecast?

Met Éireann is forecasting cloud cover, temperatures of up to 19 degrees and a small chance of rain, so perhaps bring a light jacket in case that Irish summer we know and love shows its true colours once again.

Conor Capplis

Conor Capplis

Conor Capplis is a journalist with the Irish Times Group