Paddy Power Comedy Festival announce line-up and extra location

One of the country’s most hotly-anticipated festivals has finally been announced, and the line up is looking exceptional.

The Paddy Power Comedy Festival (formerly known as the Vodafone Comedy Festival) returns to the Iveagh Gardens this July, running from Tuesday, 25 – Sunday, 28, with over 100 artists performing across 32 shows in three fully seated venues.

As well as taking place within the stunning walled gardens of the city centre, this year’s festivities will see a selection of shows hosted in Whelan’s on Wexford Street on the Friday and Saturday night.

This year’s line up includes a host of homegrown talent including (deep breath) Tommy Tiernan, Dara O’Briain, Foil Arms & Hog, Deirdre O’Kane, Jason Byrne, Gearoid Farrelly, Chris Kent, Jarlath Regan, Bernard O’Shea, Enya Martin, Shane Daniel Byrne, Neil Delamare, Vittorio Angelone, Michael Rice, Emma Doran, Tony Cantwell, Kyla Cobbler, Garron Noone, Killian Sundermann, Justine Stafford, and many more.

As for international acts?

The festival is set to welcome a whole host of American stand-ups such as Ariel Elias, Ashley Gavin, Marie Faustin, Sydnee Washington, Sam Tallent, Shane Torres (star of the Comedy Bang Bang Podcast) and That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast co-host Liza Treyger.

They will be joined by some of the best UK acts including Red Richardson, surreal comedian Frankie Monroe, world-famous prankster Simon Brodkin, BBC sounds podcaster Jacob Hawley, and Netherlands-born Micky Overman who brings her unique perspective on living in the UK.

Speaking ahead of the festival, comedian Bernard O’Shea told RTÉ Culture that the annual event always stands out for him on the summer calendar.

“The biggest thing that makes this festival stand-out is that it’s purely comedy,” he insists. “This is very unique in that it’s comedy’s own festival, really.”

“I’m always intrigued to see the international acts,” he adds. “It’s very different to what you normally see, and it’s always interesting to see how they adapt and what they’re bringing in. I think the Irish audience is really receptive to international acts.”

Speaking on the additional rooms being used in Whelan’s, O’Shea says that he can’t wait to see the venue bustling with comedy-fans.

“The Whelan’s bar staff can throw me out anytime,” he jokes. “It’s my alma mater; I spent most of my young adult life in it, so it’s a return home. I used to run a club upstairs years ago in the band room, and it used to fit 20 people… I remember doing a gig one night to one person.

“She was on her own but about 20 minutes in the boyfriend showed up,” he laughs. “Thankfully, I think it’s going to be jammers this time around. It’s such a brilliant idea to get into Whelan’s, it’s across from the Iveagh gardens and its such a vibrant street.”

Bernard’s own show, Desperate Househusband, will tour around Ireland this September – visit bernardoshea.ie for more details.

For more information on the Paddy Power Comedy Festival, visit ppcomedyfestival.com.