The Boomtown Rats

What to Expect

The Boomtown Rats, the Irish band that rose out of Dun Laoghaire in the late 1970s and became one of the defining acts of the new wave era, play TF Royal in Castlebar on Friday 23 October 2026. Led by Bob Geldof, the band built their name blending punk energy with new wave and rock songwriting, and their catalogue of chart-topping singles has stayed in rotation for decades since. The venue promises “an evening packed with classic anthems, unforgettable performances, and the unmistakable sound that defined an era,” and for a band with this much history, expect a set that leans heavily on the songs that made them a household name through the late 70s and early 80s, played by a band that has spent close to five decades touring them. This is a standing, unreserved show - under-18s must be accompanied by an adult - so expect a crowd on its feet for a genuine rock and roll night rather than a seated theatre performance. Doors open at 7pm ahead of an 8pm start. Geldof’s profile beyond the band, through Live Aid and decades of activism, means the Boomtown Rats carry a cultural weight well beyond their singles chart run, and a full band show like this one is a rare chance to hear that catalogue played live in the west of Ireland rather than at a major festival.

Good to Know

• Date: Friday 23 October 2026
• Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm
• Price: From €49.20 (plus booking fees)
• Seating: Unreserved standing
• Age: Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
• Tickets: TF Royal box office or tfroyal.ie
• Payment: Cashless venue, card only

Getting There

TF Royal is on the Old Westport Road on the edge of Castlebar, with on-site parking and a multi-storey car park nearby. Castlebar sits on the N5, roughly two and a half hours from Dublin and an hour from Galway, and is served by Bus Eireann from Dublin, Galway, Westport and Ballina.

While You’re in Castlebar

With standing room and a late finish likely, Castlebar’s town centre pubs are a natural place to keep the night going afterwards. There is more to see in Castlebar and across Co. Mayo.