Wexford's live music scene takes centre stage as local talent prepares for a busy autumn

WX-R Wexford Radio | Music & Entertainment | 15 October 2026

Wexford is preparing for a busy stretch of live music, with homegrown rock legends, emerging bands, established songwriters and traditional musicians appearing across the county over the coming weeks.

Cry Before Dawn return to their roots

One of Wexford's best-known rock bands, Cry Before Dawn, will return to the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival on Friday, 16 October, with a performance beginning at 9pm.

Formed in Wexford in 1982, the band made its name during the late 1980s and early 1990s, releasing two double-platinum albums and touring internationally.

Following a lengthy break, the group reunited in 2011 and has continued performing around Ireland.

Their latest Wexford appearance follows two sold-out performances at last year's Spiegeltent Festival. For audiences who remember the band's original success, the show offers another chance to hear their music live. For younger listeners, it's an opportunity to discover a significant part of Wexford's rock history.

The concert takes place at the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival, with doors opening at 8.15pm. Admission is restricted to over-18s.

Event information: Cry Before Dawn – Lantern

Equinox lead a night of original music in Enniscorthy

Saturday, 24 October, will see Enniscorthy Athenaeum host the launch of The Sea Remembers Nothing, the debut EP from Equinox.

The event, organised by Outrage Entertainment, runs from 6pm until 10pm and features a four-act bill consisting of Equinox, Cúfola, Poltergeist and Moot.

Rather than concentrating on established names, the evening puts newly released original music at the centre of the programme.

Event information: Equinox EP Launch – Eventbrite

New Ross hosts an international night of music

Traditional music will feature prominently at the Eugene O'Neill International Festival of Theatre in New Ross on Saturday, 17 October.

The festival's Saturday Night Music Evening takes place at St Michael's Theatre at 8pm, bringing together performers from Ireland, Spain and Georgia.

Acclaimed fiddle player and singer Zoë Conway will perform alongside guitarist John McIntyre, with special guests including uilleann piper Mark Redmond, Spanish flamenco guitarist and singer Alberto Moreno, Georgian folk group Kavkasioni and the local Danescastle Music Group.

The concert forms part of a programme celebrating Ireland's EU Presidency through music from different countries.

Rachel Grace prepares for major hometown performance

Wexford singer-songwriter Rachel Grace will headline the Jerome Hynes Theatre at the National Opera House on Sunday, 29 November.

The concert begins at 7.30pm and forms part of her first Irish tour following the release of her debut album, Never Grows Old.

Grace's music draws on contemporary pop, soul and folk. Her experience includes supporting Gavin James, Róisín O, Jack L and Wallis Bird, as well as session work with Róisín O and Irish Women in Harmony.

Event information: Rachel Grace – National Opera House

Four events, four different sides of Wexford music

These concerts reflect the range of music being performed in Wexford this autumn.

Cry Before Dawn bring decades of rock history back to their home county. Equinox and their fellow performers represent the original-music scene, with a new release providing the focus for their Enniscorthy show. The Eugene O'Neill Festival connects local performers with musicians from other countries, while Rachel Grace prepares for a major hometown appearance following the release of her debut album.

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