Dermot Kennedy Unveils New Album with Surprise Gig at Avondale Forest Park

Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy captivated fans this weekend with an intimate and unexpected performance at Beyond the Trees Avondale in County Wicklow, celebrating the release of his new album, The Weight of the Woods.

A Unique Venue and Album Launch

The special event on Saturday evening began as a listening party, offering attendees an exclusive first listen to the full album. The evening culminated in a surprise live performance by Kennedy himself, held on the 38-metre high Viewing Tower within the Avondale Forest Park .

Performance Details

Kennedy performed tracks from The Weight of the Woods, including singles “Funeral,” “Refuge,” and “Honest,” accompanied by the Maynooth University Chamber Choir. This marked the first live performance on the spiraling, 12-storey Viewing Tower .

Album Information and Upcoming Tour Dates

The Weight of the Woods is Kennedy’s third studio album, recorded between Ireland and Nashville with producer Gabe Simon. The album is scheduled for release on April 3, 2026 .

Kennedy is preparing for an extensive European tour in May and June, followed by six arena dates in the UK, including a performance at London’s The O2 on June 5th. He will then return to Ireland for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 11th and 12th .

Coillte’s Perspective

Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte Ireland, expressed her delight at hosting Kennedy at Avondale, calling it a “unique and memorable event” and highlighting the connection between nature and creativity . She emphasized the importance of forests as backdrops for shared experiences and celebrated their value to everyone.