Dermot Kennedy’s third studio album The Weight of the Woods has today debuted at #1 in both the Irish and UK Album Charts.
Released last Friday, April 3rd, the album marks the biggest chart debut of 2026 by an Irish artist on the Irish Albums Chart and becomes Kennedy’s third consecutive No. 1 album in both Ireland and the UK.
The Weight of the Woods includes the latest single Turnstile in addition to previous releases Funeral, Refuge and Honest. Watch a live performance of Turnstile filmed at Glenmaroon House in Dublin with the Maynooth University Chamber Choir HERE.
Largely written and recorded in a studio down the road from his home in Ireland together with close collaborator Gabe Simon [Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey], alongside an enlightening spell together in Nashville, The Weight of the Woodsis Dermot’s most self-assured record to date. The poetry and music across these 14 tracks draw inspiration, energy, and strength from the country itself. “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.”
Known for his passionate and powerful live performances, Kennedy has graced the stages of such iconic venues as London’s O2 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. He recently previewed the new album for fans with an exclusive performance at Beyond The Trees, Avondale, the 38-metre-high structure in Avondale Forest, Co. Wicklow.
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In May and June, he headlines his largest tour to date across Europe before a run of six UK arena shows, including a return to London’s O2 on June 5th. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Rugby. North American dates will be announced soon.
Other recent live events for Dermot include intimate, stripped back tours of Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at Soccer Aid Match in Manchester, and memorable shows with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Zach Bryan at London’s British Summer Time Festival and Indiana’s famed Notre Dame Stadium. Dermot also launched MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Dermot himself, celebrating Ireland’s rich musical heritage and culture.
The Weight of the Woods, the new album from Dermot Kennedy is available on CD / Cassette / LP / 2LP. A limited-edition marble-coloured vinyl LP is also available exclusively from Irish retailers. He plays Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 11th (sold out) and 12th. Tickets are available now on www.ticketmaster.ie
