Donnybrook Fair was born from a late-night folk session at the Auckland Folk Festival in 2023, when a shared love of The Pogues, The Dubliners, Irish folk, punk and reggae pulled the members together. With Irish roots running deep, their name – taken from Dublin’s infamous Donnybrook Fair – reflects their loud, spirited and unpolished energy.
After cutting their teeth across 20+ gigs in 2024/25, they’re now weaving more originals into their raw, foot-stomping live set. Channeling the spirit of working people – songs of travelling, grafting, celebrating, and everything in between – the band blends driving originals with beloved traditionals, dance-hall favourites and the occasional heart-tugging ballad.
Built on a kaupapa of storytelling and the grit of everyday life, Donnybrook Fair brings a raucous, singalong atmosphere to every stage, carrying the flame of working-folk tradition forward in Aotearoa.
