About
Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart, offering a platform for up and coming talent as well as established artists from across Northern Ireland and beyond. This year Atlantic Sessions will take place on from the 12th-15th of November.
2026 will see the festival celebrating its sixteenth year, showcasing over 40 artists throughout four days in various venues. Live music ranges from traditional and contemporary folk, bluegrass and americana to electronic, indie, rock and acoustic singer-songwriters. Some Headliners and other artists include:
Joachim Cooder & Adriano Viterbini - Thu 12th Nov 8.45pm Start ( Doors Open 8pm ) The Playhouse Cinema, Portrush
The son of legendary guitarist Ry Cooder. A masterful percussionist blending roots, blues and global rhythms visits Portrush.
Grainne Duffy Unplugged with the Acoustic Angels Band plus Lonesome Pete - Fri 13th Nov 8pm Start ( Doors Open 7.30pm ) Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart
A night if the finest acoustic blues, kicked off by NIs One Man blues machine Lonesome Pete, and headlined Irelands Grainne Duffy & band
The Ken Haddock Band - Fri 13th Nov 8.45pm Start ( Doors Open 8pm ) The Playhouse Cinema, Portrush
A special show from Belfast Legend Ken Haddock.
Dr. John Cooper Clarke - Sat 14th Nov 8pm Start ( Doors Open 7.30pm ) Portrush Town Hall, Portrush
Atlantic Sessions Presents Dr John Cooper Clarke with Mike Garry
And So I Watch You From Afar - plus Newhvn and Deadly Sons - Sat 14th Nov 9.30pm -12.30am ( Doors Open 9pm ) The Barn at Kellys Complex, Portrush
Join Us for the headline event of this years Atlantic Sessions festival, with ASIWYFA making a long awaited trip "home" to the North Coast!
Sunday Brunch with Ralph McLean, Jordan O'Keefe, Wilfie Gilbert & Jackie Rainey plus food - Sun 15th Nov 12.40pm Show Starts ( Food served 12pm - 12.30pm) Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart
Hosted by Ralph McLean, food served by Bazaar Street Food Catering, featuring 3 great NI based songwriters. Price Includes Food. Doors Open 12pm / Food served 12 - 12.30pm / Show starts 12:40pm
When Ireland Rocked feat. Pat McManus & Cormac Neeson - Sun 15th Nov 6.45pm to 9pm ( Doors Open 6pm ) The Playhouse Cinema, Portrush
When Ireland Rocked feat. Pat McManus & Cormac Neeson - Take a journey through Irish Rock History with this finely tuned show, featuring music by Thin Lizzy, U2, Rory Gallagher and many more!
For the full list of acts, visit AS-2026-GIG-GUIDE-11.pdf
