Blackstairs Blues Festival

The Blackstairs Blues Festival in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, is Ireland’s longest consecutively running blues celebration, flourishing in the south‑east since its inception in the mid‑1990s. Scheduled this year from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2025, the festival delivers a three‑day immersion in blues from soulful ballads to electrifying Chicago‑style performances.

Origins trace back to a humble gathering in Bob Rackard’s Pub on Rafter Street, where a few blues enthusiasts kindled what has grown into a beloved musical tradition. Since then, it has welcomed over a hundred bands, showcasing both local and international talent against the scenic backdrop of the Slaney‑side town.

Set across intimate venues throughout Enniscorthy, the festival creates an inviting atmosphere enriched with late‑night concerts, workshops, and cultural camaraderie—making it a must‑attend for blues devotees and casual music lovers alike.