Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The Stunning, Mundy, Mack Fleetwood and Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On
The Cork City Hall Series returns from October 23 to 25, 2026, with its biggest and most ambitious programme to date, delivering three unforgettable days and nights of live music as part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.
Now firmly established as one of the standout attractions of festival weekend, the Cork City Hall Series has become an essential part of the Jazz Festival experience, bringing world-class rock, folk and blues performances to the stunning surroundings of Cork City Hall. By broadening the musical offering beyond jazz, the series adds an exciting layer of diversity to the festival and attracts audiences from across Ireland and beyond, further enhancing Cork’s reputation as one of Europe’s great music cities.
The 2026 line-up features an extraordinary mix of legendary performers and audience favourites, including Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The Stunning, Mundy, Mack Fleetwood and Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On.
The weekend opens on Friday, October 23, with a powerhouse double bill from The Stunning and Mundy. Galway legends The Stunning remain one of Ireland’s most beloved live bands, with enduring classics such as “Brewing Up a Storm,” “Half Past Two”, and “Heads Are Gonna Roll.” Their profile soared internationally in 2025 when “Brewing Up a Storm” featured prominently in the hit House of Guinness, introducing the band to a new global audience.
Joining them is Mundy, whose acclaimed career spans more than three decades and includes iconic songs such as “To You I Bestow,” “Gin and Tonic Sky,” “Life’s a Cinch”, and the multi-platinum hit “Galway Girl” with Sharon Shannon. Mundy has toured the world with artists including Bob Dylan, Neil Young and R.E.M., and has performed at the White House for Barack Obama.
On Saturday, October 24, Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats bring their electrifying live show to Cork City Hall as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. With timeless anthems including “I Don’t Like Mondays,” “Rat Trap,” and “Banana Republic,” this promises to be one of the standout performances of the entire Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend. Their appearance also marks a significant homecoming of sorts, coming 49 years after the band last performed at Cork City Hall. Led by Bob Geldof, whose role in organising Live Aid in 1985 helped create one of the most iconic events in music history, watched by an estimated two billion people worldwide, The Boomtown Rats continue to deliver a powerful and relevant live show that spans five decades of music history.
On Sunday afternoon, October 25, Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On returns to Cork Jazz Festival to mark 31 years since the passing of Rory Gallagher, celebrating the music and enduring legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest musicians in the iconic venue where much of Irish Tour ’74 was recorded.
Following the success of last year’s event, the 2026 line-up features the return of Cork-based Rory Gallagher tribute band Moonchild, alongside acclaimed blues-rock trio Tres Hombres featuring Brian Tambling, and very special guest Barry Barnes of Sinnerboy, one of Europe’s most dedicated champions of Rory’s music.
With Rory’s family once again supporting the event and attending on the day, fans can expect a powerful afternoon of blues and rock and roll in a fitting tribute to Cork’s own guitar legend. Widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists of his generation, Rory Gallagher’s influence continues to resonate with fans and musicians around the world, making this one of the most meaningful performances of the festival weekend.
The series concludes on Sunday night with the return of Mack Fleetwood, Europe’s premier Fleetwood Mac tribute act. After four consecutive sold-out Cork Jazz Festival appearances, the band returns to recreate the magic of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary catalogue, from the blues-driven Peter Green era to global classics from the albums Rumours and Tango in the Night, in what is certain to be a fitting finale to a remarkable weekend.
Speaking about the 2026 programme, organiser Tom Keating said: “We are delighted to present our strongest line-up yet as part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Cork City Hall is a unique venue, and this year’s programme brings together some of the most exciting and iconic acts ever to perform as part of the series. From legendary Irish rock bands to world-class tribute shows, there is something for every music fan.
We are especially proud to once again honour Rory Gallagher in the very venue where much of Irish Tour ’74 was recorded. With the continued support of Rory’s family and an exceptional line-up of musicians paying tribute to his extraordinary legacy, it promises to be a very special and memorable occasion.
We are proud to add another dimension to the festival by presenting artists and performances that complement a superb jazz programme and broaden the appeal of this world-renowned event. We look forward to welcoming audiences for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music in the heart of Cork.”
Tickets for Friday and Sunday are on sale now from €20 with tickets for The Boomtown Rats on sale Friday at 10am at Eventbrite.ie
PHOTO CAPTION (Also in file info)
Musician Sean Long from Moon Child, who will headline Rory Gallagher, The Legend Lives On, one of this year’s Cork City Hall Series concerts during this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival from October 23–25, 2026. This year’s line-up features Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The Stunning, Mundy, Mack Fleetwood and Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On.
Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.ie – Photo Patrick Browne.
Media contact: Powerhouse PR
