Louth’s David Keenan and Gerry O’Connor take centre stage at folk festival

Two of Dundalk’s finest musical exports, David Keenan and Gerry O’Connor, will proudly fly the local flag on an international stage this January as part of Folk iN Fusion, the opening concert for Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland’s folk, roots, and traditional music conference.

Taking place at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, Folk iN Fusion promises an unforgettable night celebrating the power and diversity of folk and roots music – and it’s a bill packed with global stars and homegrown legends alike.

Headlining the event is none other than Crystal Gayle, the Grammy-winning country icon behind “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”, alongside Americana trailblazer Jim Lauderdale, bluegrass legend Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station, and acclaimed U.S. artists Rissi Palmer, Wyatt Ellis, and Jessica Willis Fisher.

But for fans in County Louth, all eyes will be on Dundalk’s own David Keenan and Gerry O’Connor, both revered for their artistry and authenticity.

Keenan, often described as one of Ireland’s most poetic songwriters, has built a reputation for performances that blend raw emotion with lyrical mastery. From intimate gigs in his hometown to stages around the world, his music speaks of roots, resilience, and belonging.

O’Connor, meanwhile, is a towering figure in traditional Irish fiddle playing, known for his signature style that bridges the gap between past and present. His artistry has carried the sound of Louth far beyond Irish shores, and his presence on this lineup cements his status as one of the living custodians of Ireland’s musical heritage.

They join a formidable Irish contingent that also includes Paddy Keenan, Wallis Bird, Clare Sands, and Brendan McCreanor, the latter of whom co-founded both Folk iN Fusion and the wider Your Roots Are Showing conference.

Read Next: DojoMór 2025 inspires the next generation of coders at Dundalk IT

Now in its fourth year, Your Roots Are Showing is Ireland’s only dedicated folk, roots, and traditional music conference, bringing together artists, industry leaders, and academics from over 20 countries for five days of performances, workshops, and collaboration. The 2026 edition marks its Belfast debut, running from 14–18 January, with Folk iN Fusion setting the tone as its opening celebration the night before.

Folk iN Fusion takes place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 7:30pm in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. Tickets are available now via www.showingroots.com, with prices starting at £35.