Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy came out with his third album, The Weight of the Woods, on March 27 via Island Records. The album was announced accompanied by the release of its lead single, “Funeral,” and its stunning official music video starring Charlie Rowe and directed by Charlie Sarsfield. The rousing, victorious new single premiered prior to release as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record. Mostly written and recorded in a studio not too far from his home in rural Ireland, along with close collaborator Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey), following an enlightening time spent in Nashville, the album is his most self-assured record to date.
“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story. There’s a forest behind my house, which is a haven for my sense of wonder. It’s a peaceful place where I can escape. I’ve entertained the idea of living somewhere else, but I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”
– Dermot Kennedy
With a refreshed approach to songwriting and production, he has peeled away the layers to let his voice shine brighter than ever in this third album. Resulting in a thrilling blend of traditional folk textures, country authenticity, and soaring melodies that stay with you long after the first listen.
The release came ahead of Dermot’s largest headline tour to date in May and June 2026, where he is set to play bigger than ever venues across Europe before a run of six U.K. arena shows. One of those arena shows includes Dermot’s return to London’s O2 on June 5, and in July, he will return home to two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, home of Irish Rugby. Other recent live events for Dermot include an intimate, stripped-back tour of Europe, the U.K., and North America, with a special halftime performance at the Soccer Aid Match in Manchester in June. Also in June, Dermot has an exciting bill with GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Zach Bryan at the British Summer Time Festival. Dermot supported Bryan in the U.S. at Indiana’s famed Notre Dame Stadium on September 6, 2025.
Known for his passionate and powerful live performances, Dermot has graced the stages of such iconic venues as London’s O2 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. These shows will feature favorites spanning his discography, including material from his third album.
These exciting announcements come hot on the heels of MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival curated by Dermot himself. The sold-out festival was held in Sydney, Australia, and Boston, Massachusetts, in March, ideally timed for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The joyous events successfully achieved the festival’s mission of spotlighting Ireland’s rich musical heritage and culture. The lineup featured an array of both established and rising artists, including The Frames, Matt Corby, Kneecap, Meg Mac, Amble, Sorcha Richardson, The Scratch, Susan O’Niell, Frynch, Cliffords Mick Flannery, Florence Road, The Swell Season, Ye Vagabonds, Nell Mescal, and a headline set by Dermot.
Amassing well over 4 billion streams across platforms, Dermot Kennedy has the best-selling debut album, Without Fear, in Ireland of the millennium. As a Platinum-selling artist in over 12 countries, he released his acclaimed sophomore album, Sonder, in 2022. In 2024, he stripped back to basics and released the introspective EP, “I’ve Told the Trees Everything.” Sharing the stage with some of the finest contemporaries, Dermot has most recently shared it with Niall Horan, Noah Kahan, and Zach Bryan. His incredible journey has taken him from busking the Irish streets to playing stadiums around the world. Dermot’s poetic and authentic artistry has forged a deep, emotional connection with audiences, including praise from the likes of Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes.
29 May – Glasgow, UK, OVO Hydro
30 May – Manchester, UK, AO Arena
1 Jun – Cardiff, UK, Utilita Arena
2 Jun – Leeds, UK, First Direct Bank Arena
4 Jun – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena
5 Jun – London, UK, The O2
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