DERMOT KENNEDY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM
Photo: Silken Weinberg
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy has today announced his third studio album, The Weight of the Woods, due for release on March 27 via Island Records. The announcement is accompanied by the release of lead single ‘Funeral,’ alongside a striking official music video starring Charlie Rowe and directed by Charlie Sarsfield. The rousing, triumphant track premiered last night as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.
Largely written and recorded in a studio close to Dermot’s home in rural Ireland with longtime collaborator Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey), and shaped further during a formative spell in Nashville, The Weight of the Woods is his most self-assured body of work to date. Across its 14 tracks, the album draws deep inspiration, energy, and strength from the land itself.
“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story,” Dermot explains. “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.”
With a refreshed approach to both songwriting and production, Dermot has stripped things back to let his unmistakable voice shine brighter than ever.
“If I get up in a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I’m certain that I can sing to a room full of people — it’s where I’m most comfortable. I wanted that element to be front and centre on this album.”
The result is a stirring blend of traditional folk textures, country-rooted authenticity, and soaring, emotive melodies that linger long after first listen.
The album’s release comes ahead of Dermot’s largest headline tour to date, taking place across May and June 2026. The landmark run will see him perform in his biggest venues yet across Europe, followed by six UK arena shows, including a return to London’s The O2 on June 5. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline performances at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the iconic home of Irish rugby.
Renowned for his powerful and deeply emotional live performances, Dermot has previously headlined world-class venues including London’s The O2 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Upcoming shows will feature fan favourites from across his catalogue, alongside new material from The Weight of the Woods.
Recent live highlights include intimate, stripped-back tours across Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at the Soccer Aid Match in Manchester, and an appearance alongside GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park, both in June. Dermot also joined Bryan in the US for a landmark show at Indiana’s Notre Dame Stadium on September 6.
These announcements follow the launch of MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Dermot himself. The sold-out festival took place in Sydney, Australia and Boston, MA in March, timed with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, successfully spotlighting Ireland’s rich musical heritage and culture. The diverse line-up featured artists including The Frames, Matt Corby, Kneecap, Meg Mac, Amble, Sorcha Richardson, The Scratch, Susan O’Neill, Mick Flannery, The Swell Season, Ye Vagabonds, Nell Mescal, and more, alongside headline performances from Dermot.
The album release precedes Dermot’s largest headline tour to date, taking place across May and June 2026. The landmark run will see him step into his biggest venues yet across Europe, before culminating in six UK arena shows:
29 May – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
30 May – Manchester, AO Arena
1 June – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
2 June – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
4 June – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
5 June – London, The O2
