📅 21–27 May 2025 | 📍 Warrenpoint, County Down | 🎟️ 26th Annual Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable week of rhythm, soul, and scenic beauty as the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival returns to Warrenpoint for its 26th spectacular year.
Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, this charming coastal town becomes the heartbeat of blues and jazz for one extraordinary week.
This isn’t just a festival — it’s a community celebration. Run as a voluntary, not-for-profit event, Blues on the Bay brings together world-class performers and passionate music fans in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
🌟 Festival Highlights & Essentials
- 📅 Dates: 21–27 May 2025
- 📍 Location: Warrenpoint, County Down.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Most gigs are free; major shows (e.g. Mary Coughlan, Aja) are ticketed via bluesonthebay.com
- 🧭 Venues: Over 10 indoor & outdoor spots including Warrenpoint Town Hall, The Skylite Room, The Posh Pig, and more
- ☕ Local Vibe: Artisan markets, pop-up food vendors, seaside walks, and family-friendly spaces
👀 Who’s Playing?
From soulful legends to local heroes, 2025 features:
- 🎤 Mary Coughlan – Live at Warrenpoint Town Hall (Friday 23rd May)
- 🎷 AJA – The Music of Steely Dan – Skylite Room (Sunday 25th May)
- 🔥 Crow Black Chicken, Cathal Murphy, Frank Carbery Blues Band, Dez Murphy, Bluez Katz, Paul Sherry & Paul McCabe, and many more
Whether you’re swaying to sax at the Posh Pig’s Portside Stage or rocking out at Ye Old Ship Inn, every corner of Warrenpoint will be alive with music.
📆 Full Daily Line-Up & Highlights
🎸 Wednesday 21st May – Warm-Up Night
- Delta Fuse, Blues Jam hosted by Gary Price & GP3
🎷 Thursday 22nd May – Opening Night
- Ralph McLean BBC Show, Peter Benson Quartet, The Sabre Jets, Ronnie Greer’s Organ Band
🎤 Friday 23rd May – Groove Night
- Mary Coughlan, Bluez Katz, Ben Reel, Tony Villiers, Davy K Project, CrowBlackChicken & more
🎺 Saturday 24th May – Soul & Blues Explosion
- Blues Guitar Workshop, Artisan Market, CrowBlackChicken, Clara Rose Band, Freedom 35s, Cathal Murphy & over 20 acts
🎶 Sunday 25th May – Sunset Sessions
- Aja (Steely Dan), Pat McManus, The Zac Mac Band, Rusty Jacks, Arsonist Birds, Rev Doc, and more
🥁 Monday 26th May – Bank Holiday Bash
- Artisan Market, Cathal Murphy (Acoustic), Ken Haddock, Matt Benson, Allison McGrath & Soulantics
🎷 Tuesday 27th May – The Final Note
- Festival Survivors Blues Jam at the Skylite Room
🗺️ Why You’ll Love Warrenpoint
Scenic + Soulful: Warrenpoint is framed by mountains and sea, offering dramatic views, coastal walks, and a cosy small-town charm that makes festival week magical.
Eats & Drinks:
- Grab a local pint at the First & Last
- Enjoy craft food at Warrenpoint Town Park
- Coffee breaks with live music? Yes, please.
Family Friendly: With daytime workshops, artisan markets, and community spirit, Blues on the Bay welcomes all ages.
Getting There: Warrenpoint is accessible by car, rail (via Newry), and bus. Park up and stroll venue to venue — it’s all walkable.
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
- Explore the full gig guide at bluesonthebay.com
- Book accommodation early — hotels fill up fast!
- Follow @bluesonthebayfestival on Facebook for live updates
🛏️ Looking for places to stay, eat, or explore in Warrenpoint? Check out VisitWarrenpoint.com for everything from hidden gems to hotel deals.
🎶 Whether you’re a die-hard blues fan or just love a good party by the sea, Blues on the Bay 2025 will move your soul — and your feet.
The festival runs from Wednesday 21st May to Tuesday 27th May 2025
Events will be held throughout Warrenpoint, County Down, with venues including the Skylite Room, Warrenpoint Town Hall, The Posh Pig, and Warrenpoint Town Park.
Many performances are free to attend. Ticketed events, such as headline shows by Mary Coughlan and AJA, can be booked through bluesonthebay.com
Yes! There are daytime workshops, artisan food markets, and music suitable for all ages
Local hotels and B&Bs fill quickly. Book early via VisitWarrenpoint.com to find nearby accommodation options.
Warrenpoint is accessible by car, train (to Newry), or local bus services. Once in town, all venues are walkable.
Enjoy Blues on the Bay Warrenpoint 2025
- Save the Dates
Block off 21–27 May 2025 in your calendar.
- Book Accommodation Early
Use VisitWarrenpoint.com to find local places to stay.
- Browse the Schedule
Check out the Gig Planner to view daily gig listings and venues.
- Plan Your Gigs
Decide which acts you want to see, especially ticketed shows like Mary Coughlan and AJA.
- Explore Warrenpoint
Leave time for a walk along the promenade, coffee at the market, and a Guinness at a local pub.
- Stay Updated
Follow the festival on Facebook for real-time updates and schedule changes.
Click pic below for full Gig Planner
