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music · Saturday 8 August 2026 · 3:00pm 
Ravensdale at Music in the Forest
At Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary · Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow
At Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary · Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow
Ravensdale bring something genuinely unusual to a summer afternoon in County Wicklow - original compositions drawn from the Early Medieval world, sung in Old Norse, Slavic, English and Germanic, rooted in the mythologies of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. This is not a heritage re-enactment or a folk session: the band plays recreated ancient instruments and weaves storytelling, rhythm and vocal tradition into a single immersive set. It suits anyone curious about medieval music, Norse or Slavic history, or simply a concert experience that feels far removed from the ordinary.
Ravensdale perform in the natural forest amphitheatre at Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary - a performance space the organisers call the Cathedral of Trees. The band was founded in Ireland by Eric Eiresson and has performed at historical gatherings and festivals across the country. Their set draws on original compositions rather than straight reproductions, using the sounds and languages of Old Norse and Slavic culture as raw material for music that is atmospheric and fully performed. The concert runs from 3pm to 5pm, gates open at 2pm. It is part of Music in the Forest 2026, the second annual ancient music festival at Dorlindon, which runs weekend afternoons from June through August and features 15 performances across the series. A contribution from ticket proceeds goes to the Children’s Health Foundation, which funds paediatric equipment and research across Irish hospitals.
Kilmacanogue sits at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, just off the N11 south of Bray - roughly 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by car. From Dublin, take the M50 south onto the N11 and exit at Kilmacanogue. There is parking on site for ticket holders only, but spaces are limited and carpooling is strongly encouraged. The walk from the car park to the performance area takes around 10 minutes on forest tracks. Note that the terrain is natural forest path rather than paved, so the venue is not suitable for wheelchair users.
The village sits at the gateway to the Sugar Loaf and the broader Wicklow uplands, with walking routes and mountain scenery close at hand. There is more to see in Kilmacanogue and across Co. Wicklow.
Heading to Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary in Kilmacanogue? Wicklow has plenty more to see. Read the Kilmacanogue area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.