Kingfishr: From Underdogs to Mainstream Sensations in 2025

A Remarkable Rise

In 2025, the Irish band Kingfishr has emerged from relative obscurity to become a significant force in the mainstream music scene. The year has been monumental for them, highlighted by their first #1 single, “Killeagh,” which has dominated the charts as the biggest hit from a domestic artist in recent memory, securing five weeks at the top during a remarkable 21-week run in the Top 10. The band has also scheduled two massive homecoming shows at Dublin’s 3Arena, alongside sold-out performances across the UK, Ireland, North America, and Europe.

Debut Album: ‘Halcyon’

The trio has now reached another significant milestone with the release of their highly anticipated debut album, “Halcyon,” which is available for streaming and download.

Musical Foundations

Kingfishr’s growth is rooted in their ability to craft rousing hooks infused with fervent emotions, inspiring massive singalongs during live shows. Their sound reflects a blend of traditional Irish roots and the accessible allure of broader folk-pop and indie-pop landscapes. These elements resonate throughout “Halcyon,” which includes several of their most notable tracks such as “Killeagh,” which has gained traction on TikTok, their most streamed song “Eyes Don’t Lie,” and beloved live anthems “Caroline” and “Shot In The Dark.”

Band’s Reflection on ‘Halcyon’

The band shared their sentiments on the album, stating, “’Halcyon’ is the culmination of three years of work, though most of the time it hasn’t felt like it. We grew up in different parts of rural Ireland, but the band itself was born on a dairy farm in Tipperary. The songs were crafted in a small kitchen where generations of farmers became singers and storytellers when the day’s work was done. The name ‘Halcyon’ is a tribute to the landscape and heritage that has shaped our music, even if the songs often stem from less peaceful places. We’re immensely proud of this journey. Thank you for being part of it. On and up!”

New Music and Themes

“Halcyon” also features a variety of new material, including the single “21.” This track encapsulates Kingfishr’s unique appeal, blending bittersweet nostalgia with poignant sentimentality, complemented by jangly indie-folk melodies perfect for late summer, and sweet vocal harmonies that enhance Eddie Keogh’s gritty baritone.

Diverse Soundscapes

The album showcases a range of sounds, from the solemn slowburner “Ways To Change” to the uplifting “Blue Skies” and the dramatic “Someday.” The closing track, “Schooldays,” leaves listeners on a high note with the uplifting reminder that “Roses rise in the darkest of places.”

Celebrating the Album Release

“Halcyon” is now available for purchase, with exclusive limited edition signed formats offered in the band’s official store, including stone-colour vinyl and CDs.

Cultural Impact

Kingfishr’s influence in Ireland has been underscored recently when RTÉ featured the band in their coverage of the All Ireland finals, the country’s most significant sporting event. The band performed “Killeagh” live, intertwined with highlights from this year’s GGA Championship.

Upcoming Shows and Tours

In celebration of their album release, Kingfishr will perform a sold-out headline show at Limerick’s Live At The Docklands. They also embark on an intimate “Halcyon” acoustic tour, featuring a series of in-store and out-store performances across Ireland and the UK.

The remainder of 2025 promises an intense touring schedule, beginning with a month-long North American tour, split between headline shows and performances alongside Dylan Gossett. November will see an extended European and UK headline tour, culminating in two major shows at the O2 Kentish Town Forum in London. The year will conclude with two nights at Dublin’s 3Arena, where a second show was added following the swift sell-out of the first, accommodating 14,500 fans. Plans are already taking shape for 2026, with the band set to play their biggest shows yet, aiming to reach over 50,000 fans across four nights in Ireland.

Surprise Performances

Throughout their journey, Kingfishr has delighted fans with surprise pop-up shows, ranging from spontaneous outdoor performances to late-night pub jam sessions and house parties. A notable highlight occurred when they sent an advance copy of “Next To Me” for a wedding first dance, only to show up as the surprise wedding band!

Live Experience

A glimpse of their live performance can be experienced through the “Halcyon Live On The Farm” session, featuring performances of “Shot In The Dark” and “Diamonds & Roses.” The band expressed their gratitude, stating, “The farm at Doonane is where it all began. This kitchen table has given us most of the songs that have brought us to this point. We’re so proud and grateful to have documented how everything was in the summer of 2025.”

Tour Dates

Remaining tickets for upcoming tour dates are available for purchase. Below are the highlights of the “Halcyon” acoustic tour:

August – ‘Halcyon’ Acoustic Tour

• 28th – Edinburgh, Assai Records (1pm)
• 28th – Glasgow, Oran Mor / Assai Records (7pm)
• 29th – Manchester, Club Academy / Crash
• 31st – County Laois, Electric Picnic

September – ‘Halcyon’ Acoustic Tour

• 1st – Kingston, Pryzm / Banquet
• 2nd – Liverpool, Jacaranda
• 4th – Southampton, The Brook / Vinilo
• 5th – Brighton, Resident
• 6th – Bristol, Rough Trade
• 7th – Belfast, HMV

October – Headline Tour

• 2nd – Chicago, IL, Park West
• 3rd – Minneapolis, MN, Cedar Cultural Center
• 5th – Boulder, CO, Fox Theatre
• 6th – Salt Lake City, UT, Kilby Court
• 8th – Seattle, WA, Neumos
• 9th – Vancouver, BC, Hollywood Theatre
• 10th – Portland, OR, The Old Church
• 12th – San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall
• 13th – Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour

November – Headline Tour

• 3rd – Hamburg, Molotow (NEW DATE)
• 4th – Brussels, La Madeleine
• 5th – Paris, Petit Bain
• 7th – Barcelona, Sala Wolf (SOLD OUT)
• 8th – Madrid, Sala Villanos (SOLD OUT)
• 10th – Milan, Magnolia
• 11th – Zurich, Bogen F (SOLD OUT)
• 13th – Munich, Backstage
• 14th – Berlin, Gretchen
• 15th – Groningen, Oosterpoort (SOLD OUT)
• 17th – Amsterdam, Paradiso (SOLD OUT)
• 18th – Tilburg, 013
• 19th – Cologne, Gloria
• 24th – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
• 25th – Newcastle, University
• 26th – Manchester, Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)
• 28th – Nottingham, Rock City
• 29th – Leeds, Beckett Students’ Union (SOLD OUT)
• 30th – Birmingham, O2 Institute (SOLD OUT)

December – Headline Tour

• 2nd – Bristol, O2 Academy
• 3rd – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town (SOLD OUT)
• 4th – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town (SOLD OUT)
• 18th – Dublin, 3Arena (SOLD OUT)
• 19th – Dublin, 3Arena (SOLD OUT)

Upcoming Shows in June 2026

• 9th – Belfast, SSE Arena