Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival – Limavady, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival, a beloved staple in Northern Ireland’s music scene since its inception in 1997, is an annual celebration of jazz and blues that transforms the charming town of Limavady into a vibrant hub of live performances, fostering community spirit and musical discovery. Organized by the non-profit Danny Boy Jazz & Blues group, the event honors the town’s historical ties to the famous “Danny Boy” air while showcasing top-tier local, national, and international acts across intimate venues, drawing thousands for its blend of soulful sounds and welcoming atmosphere. In 2026, marking its 29th year, the festival continues its tradition of grassroots programming, emphasizing quality experiences for all ages amid Limavady’s scenic Roe Valley landscape.
Held over three days in early June, the festival features over 50 events, from free street-side gigs to ticketed headline shows, highlighting the genre’s diversity through improvisational jazz sets, heartfelt blues anthems, and collaborative jams. Supported by local patrons and cultural partners like the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, it promotes musical education via school workshops and equipment grants, ensuring the event remains a non-profit beacon of cultural enrichment in Northern Ireland’s northwest.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: A rich lineup of jazz and blues acts, including headline concerts at venues like the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, with past favorites such as The Grand Camaros and emerging talents; features over 50 gigs ranging from solo acoustic sessions to full-band ensembles blending traditional and contemporary styles.
- Special Traditions or Features: 29 years of community-driven events, including free outdoor performances in Drumceatt Square, collaborative shows with local groups like Glór Léim an Mhadaidh, and youth workshops that nurture new musicians, reflecting the festival’s commitment to accessibility and education.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Street-side busking and pop-up stages throughout Limavady’s town center, fostering spontaneous interactions; themed overlaps with local history, like nods to the “Danny Boy” legacy, alongside food stalls with regional flavors enhancing the festive, intimate scale.
- Additional Note: All-ages inclusivity with family zones, eco-friendly initiatives like reusable cups, and a mix of free and paid events to encourage broad participation, creating an electric yet relaxed vibe in this historic market town.
Why Attend
The Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival is a soul-stirring retreat for music lovers, where the raw emotion of blues riffs and jazz improvisations echoes through Limavady’s cobblestone streets, capturing the heart of Northern Ireland’s musical heritage. Its small-town charm amplifies the intimacy, allowing attendees to chat with performers post-set or discover hidden gems in cozy pubs, making it a perfect tonic for those seeking authentic, unpretentious vibes—ideal for couples swaying to slow burns or groups chasing all-night jams.
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Beyond the melodies, the festival builds bridges through its non-profit ethos, funding youth programs and local arts, while the surrounding Roe Valley offers hikes and heritage trails for downtime. It’s more than a lineup; it’s a communal ritual that reignites passion for live music, blending nostalgia with fresh sounds in a setting that feels like a warm invitation from old friends, leaving you humming long after the final encore.
Date & Duration
- Dates: June 12 – June 14, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Event Hours: Gates and venues open at 12 PM daily; performances from 1 PM to midnight, with afternoon street sessions and evening headliners peaking around 8 PM.
- Additional Note: Aligned with the traditional early June weekend; full schedule announced in spring 2026 via official channels.
Venue / Location
- City: Limavady, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Main Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, a central hub for headline acts and workshops overlooking Drumceatt Square
- Additional Venues: Multiple town-center spots including Frank Owens Bar, Limavady Cricket Rugby & Football Hockey Club, Glór Léim an Mhadaidh, and pop-up street stages along Main Street
- Notable Areas: Drumceatt Square for free outdoor gigs; intimate pub venues for late-night blues; cultural center for ticketed concerts
- Google Maps Address: 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ
- See Official Site: dannyboyjazzandblues.com
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online exclusively via TicketTailor partners on the official website; no on-site or venue purchases to streamline operations; bundles for multi-day access and group rates available.
- Admission Type: Mixed—majority free for street and community events, paid for select headline concerts
- Ticket Price Range: $10–$40 USD (single headline show: $15–$25; weekend bundle: $30–$40; free for most events; concessions for students/seniors)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: General admission for most; limited reserved seating at Roe Valley Centre; VIP upgrades ($10 extra) include priority entry, artist lounge access, and commemorative passes.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@dannyboyjazzandblues.com (general inquiries); tickets@dannyboyjazzandblues.com (bookings); press@dannyboyjazzandblues.com (media)
- Phone: +44 28 7772 3939 (English available, 9 AM–5 PM GMT); +44 28 7775 6000 (Limavady tourism support)
- Website: dannyboyjazzandblues.com
- Social Media: Facebook: @DannyBoyJazzAndBlues; Instagram: @dannyboyjazzblues; X: @DannyBoyJazz
- Key Staff: Festival Director: Danny Boy Jazz & Blues Committee; Coordinator: Roe Valley Arts Team (contact via info@dannyboyjazzandblues.com)
- Press/Volunteers: Press releases to press@dannyboyjazzandblues.com; volunteer sign-up via Facebook events (opens April 2026)
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; mailing list signup on site for updates
Getting There
- By Plane: Fly into City of Derry Airport (LDY, 20-minute drive) or Belfast International (BFS, 45 minutes); shuttles and rentals available.
- By Train/Bus: Translink Goldline from Belfast (1 hour) to Limavady Bus Station; Ulsterbus services from Derry (15 minutes).
- By Car: A2 from Derry (15 minutes) or M2 from Belfast (45 minutes); free parking at town center lots during festival.
- Parking: Ample free spaces at Roe Valley Leisure Centre and Main Street car parks; overflow at Limavady High School (5-minute walk).
- Local Transport: Town buses and taxis via Limavady Cabs (+44-28-7772-2000); walking between venues (most within 10 minutes).
- Additional Transport: Nearest rail: Derry (15-minute bus); festival shuttles from Derry Airport on weekends.
Accommodation Options
- Festival Campsite: No official; nearby pitches at Ballygowan Caravan Park (10-minute drive, £20–£35/night).
- Campsite Details: Grassy sites with showers and electric; opens festival week; family-oriented, festival shuttle access.
- Other Accommodations: Town hotels like Roe Valley Hotel (£80–£150/night); B&Bs such as Hilltop B&B; self-catering via Airbnb in Limavady.
- Nearby Options: Derry (15 minutes) chains like Premier Inn (£60–£100); glamping at Gortin Glen (£70–£120); book early for June.
- Booking Tip: VisitNorthernIreland.com packages include bus deals; Euro Travelo for bundled stays and tickets.
Reviews
- Soulful sax solos on sunny streets—Limavady’s blues bash is pure Northern Irish gold!
- Free gigs galore, intimate venues, and friendly crowds; a hidden gem for jazz purists.
- From pub jams to headline highs, every note hits home—unmissable musical magic.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
What are the festival timings?
The Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival spans June 12–14, 2026, with venues opening at noon each day and music kicking off at 1 PM, building to evening headliners around 8 PM and late-night sessions until midnight. Street performances run continuously, while ticketed shows at Roe Valley Centre start at 7 PM. The full lineup and times will be posted on dannyboyjazzandblues.com in April 2026, including busking schedules. Arrive early for prime spots at free events; expect bilingual signage. Weather backups at indoor pubs ensure seamless flow.
What are the festival’s age restrictions?
Fully open to all ages, family-oriented and inclusive, with youth workshops and free entry for under-16s accompanied by adults. No restrictions on any events, though evening pub sessions advise parental discretion for late hours. Content universally suitable, focusing on jazz/blues; contact info@dannyboyjazzandblues.com for family bundles. The festival's school programs enhance kid appeal, making it a wholesome outing.
Is there festival transport or shuttle buses?
Limavady's compact center makes walking easy between venues; Ulsterbus from Derry (15 minutes, £3) or Belfast (1 hour). No dedicated shuttles, but taxis (+44-28-7772-2000) affordable for evenings. Drive via A2 with free parking; cycle paths from outskirts. Check dannyboyjazzandblues.com for partner timetables; June traffic light, but pre-plan for airport arrivals.
Can I bring food or drink on site?
Picnics and non-alcoholic drinks allowed at outdoor street events (no glass for safety); sealed snacks OK in venues. Stalls offer local seafood, veggie bites, and craft beers—menus by May 2026. Bars 18+ (ID checked); reusables at water points. Support vendors for flavors like Ulster fry twists, but BYO fine for families. Queries to info@dannyboyjazzandblues.com; bins for zero-waste.
I have accessibility requirements.
Venues like Roe Valley Centre fully wheelchair-accessible with ramps and adapted seating; contact info@dannyboyjazzandblues.com by May 2026 for reserved spots and companion passes (free). Assistance dogs welcome; audio aids and quiet zones available. Staff trained for support; guide on dannyboyjazzandblues.com details blue badge parking. Early requests ensure paths cleared and interpreters if needed.
