Beyond The Pale 2026 Review Primal Scream, NewDad And Unexpected Gems
By Sun-Soaked Weekend of Standout Performances
Beyond The Pale is the kind of festival that can feel almost overwhelming in the best possible way. With stages, cabaret, talks, food experiences and hidden corners competing for your attention, there’s always the nagging sense that you’re missing something brilliant happening just out of sight. While this year’s musical line-up didn’t entirely align with my own tastes, the festival’s eclectic programming ensured there was genuinely something for everyone. Whether you were chasing indie heroes, electronic experimentation, family-friendly entertainment or late-night revelry, Beyond The Pale delivered a weekend rich in discovery and possibility.
Bathed in glorious sunshine from start to finish, Beyond The Pale enjoyed near-perfect festival conditions, with huge crowds turning out across all three days. The good weather only amplified the atmosphere, as the site buzzed with energy from morning until the early hours.
Among the countless performances and moments on offer, these were the highlights that stood out for me.
Primal Scream
Primal Scream were one of the weekend’s standout acts, delivering a swaggering main-stage set packed with classics. From the euphoric lift of ‘Movin’ On Up’ and the baggy groove of ‘Loaded’ to the full-throttle rock’n’roll of ‘Rocks’, the crowd lapped up every moment. At the centre of it all was Bobby Gillespie, still every inch the effortlessly cool frontman, whose presence remains as magnetic as ever.
The Cliffords
The Cliffords were tucked away on the Selective Memory stage — a slight shame, given that their anthemic sound felt tailor-made for the sunshine outside. Still, the Cork outfit didn’t let the indoor setting dull their impact, delivering the kind of high-energy performance that’s quickly becoming their trademark. Frontwoman Iona Lynch attacked every song with ferocious intent, commanding the room from the moment she stepped on stage. ‘Bittersweet’, ‘Sleeping With Ghosts’ and, of course, fan favourite ‘My Favourite Monster’ all hit the mark, sparking huge reactions from a crowd that appeared to know every lyric.
Biird
Biird were another act that completely won me over across the weekend. Traditional Irish music wouldn’t normally be my first choice, but the all-female collective served up one of the festival’s most entertaining sets. Under the blazing afternoon sun, they had the packed crowd dancing, singing and hanging on every note from start to finish.
Blending Irish dance with harps, bodhráns and fiddles, Biird brought a fresh, vibrant energy to centuries-old traditions. Their set felt like a celebration of Irish culture, reimagined for a modern festival audience. It was a Celtic whirlwind that proved impossible to resist, and one of the weekend’s most unexpectedly memorable performances.
Plamasing
Another unexpected highlight came courtesy of Plamasing with Fionn Phelan, Aoife Dunne and Pat Carey of How I Became A Wave. What initially seemed like something I’d dip into for 15 minutes quickly became an hour-and-a-half of conversation, laughter and song.
The chemistry between the trio was infectious, drawing the audience into an event that felt as intimate as it was entertaining. Blending sharp storytelling with humour and live music, it was one of those rare festival moments where time seemed to disappear. A genuine surprise, and without question one of the most memorable experiences of any festival.
NewDad
NewDad were another band high on my must-see list, and they more than justified the hype. Widely tipped for a major international breakthrough, the Galway outfit showcased the strength and depth of their catalogue Sickly Sweet’, ‘Dream Of Me’ and the hauntingly beautiful ‘Pretty’.
Frontwoman Julie Dawson held the crowd in the palm of her hand throughout, her dreamlike vocals cutting effortlessly through the hazy sunshine. As she drifted across the stage, occasionally breaking into a smile and waving to friends in the audience
There was an understated self-belief running through the performance armed with a growing catalogue of standout songs and a captivating stage presence, NewDad continue to look like a band on the cusp of something much bigger.
Overall
These are just some of the highlights from a weekend packed with memorable moments. There was plenty more that could have made this review, but Beyond The Pale offers so much that attempting to cover everything would require a book rather than a festival write-up.
That’s ultimately the festival’s greatest strength. Beyond The Pale is bursting with things to see, do and discover. Whether it’s music, comedy, talks, food, wellness experiences or late-night adventures, there is always something happening just around the corner. You simply can’t take it all in, and that’s part of the festival’s charm.
The glorious weather certainly helped. Camping was a pleasure, with solid facilities and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the weekend. A word of warning, though: pack wisely. The site’s steep hills can make hauling camping gear a challenge, particularly when it’s time to head home. And if you’re hoping for an early night, you’re probably at the wrong festival. The music and entertainment continue well into the early hours, with sleep often taking a back seat to the next adventure.
So, is Beyond The Pale worth it? Absolutely. Few festivals offer such a diverse and immersive experience, where discovery feels as important as the headline acts. From unexpected musical gems to unforgettable moments away from the stages, Beyond The Pale continues to carve out its own unique space on the Irish festival calendar.