These Are The Best Irish Gigs In Recent Years – According To The Team

Social media has been abuzz since Coldplay played Croke Park on Saturday night.

People have been quick to claim the concert as one of the best ones of their lives and hailed it as one of the greatest nights ever.

But we're not so sure about that.

Now, no one here at the Lovin Offices was lucky enough to secure a ticket, but all the talk about the gig has got us thinking, what really was the best Irish concert?

Justin Timberlake, Phoenix Park, 2013

Four years ago Justin Timberlake returned to Ireland for the first time in 10 years, and he most definitely brought sexy back. I have yet to go to a concert that had the same energy and showmanship as JT. He is a born performer. From his slick suit to even slicker moves, he had the whole crowd dancing shamelessly. Post-concert blues were felt for a long time afterwards.

Clodagh McMeel, Editorial Intern

Damien Rice, The Westgrove Hotel Clane 2010

Damien Rice was asked to play a small charity gig in a hotel near me years and years ago, and he was just spectacular. I'd loved him forever, so seeing him in an intimate setting was a dream come true. And yes, he's even better in person.

Kate Demolder, Staff Writer

Thin Lizzy, Olympia Theatre 2007

Sure, Phil Lynott was sadly not around to perform, but John Sykes took over lead vocals and they did ALL the hits from the band's back catalogue. I was on the bus home moaning how I didn't have a ticket when a stranger sitting in front of me offered me one for that night's show for free. I considered it fate, my parents considered it rebellion, and getting grounded for a week was 100% worth the insane gig.

Sarah Clayton-Lea, Staff Writer

Oasis, Slane 2009

Whatever you think of the lads these days they genuinely defined a generation with their iconic guitar anthems and 'Mad Fer It' Mancunian attitude.

This was, in fact, the fourth time I saw Oasis live but the combination of the gig itself and the unmistakable backdrop of Slane Castle made it, for me, the most unforgettable of the lot.

I've got a suspicion I'll be seeing them again one day!

James Fenton, Journalist

Fall Out Boy, 3Arena 2015

I saw Fall Out Boy at the 3Arena in 2015, and it was quite possibly one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I was standing, and I made a tonne of new friends with the other people from all over Ireland, not to mention the music. It was probably one of the best nights of my life.

Rebecca Stafford, Intern

Do you agree? Let us know your favourite in the comments!