The rowdy, unapologetic spirit of Irish folk is set to return to the forefront of the music scene as The Mary Wallopers have officially announced their third studio album, Paddywhackery. Scheduled for release on September 18, the upcoming record marks a significant evolution for the Dundalk-based outfit, following the critical success of their 2023 sophomore project, Irish Rock’n’Roll. To celebrate the announcement, the band has unveiled the lead single, “Crowns Of England,” a track that blends their signature high-energy folk sensibilities with a sharp, observant critique of contemporary cross-channel relations.
Known for their ability to bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and modern punk sensibilities, the band recorded the new material during a focused two-week session in Liverpool. Working alongside producer James Skelly, known for his work with The Coral, the band aimed to refine their sound. The result is a project that promises to maintain their unrestrained, visceral energy while introducing a tighter, more precise instrumental dynamic. For fans eager to secure their copy, pre-orders for Paddywhackery are currently available through the band’s official website.
The lead single, “Crowns Of England,” acts as a thematic bridge to the album’s broader commentary. Frontman Charles Hendy has described the song as an exploration of the outsider experience, reflecting on the complexities of Irish identity when navigating the cultural landscape of England. By weaving in subtle nods to the legacy of The Clash, the band continues to position themselves as a voice for those who feel alienated by historical and contemporary colonial legacies. As the band noted, the song is as much about the process of assimilation as it is about the persistent cultural distance between the two nations.
Defiance and the Evolution of the ‘Paddywhackery’ Sound
The choice of the album title, Paddywhackery, is far from accidental. It serves as a defiant reclaiming of a term often used by critics to diminish or stereotype Irish culture. By adopting the label, the band is effectively flipping the script on those who attempt to gatekeep the boundaries of folk music. For the Hendy brothers, Andrew and Charles, the album is a deliberate rejection of the idea that folk music must be inherently serious or sanitized to be considered authentic.
“If all you do is serious songs, it sterilises everything,” the band noted in a recent statement regarding the record’s ethos. “People are terrified of being laughed at. If people are going to call us ‘paddywhackery’ anyway, we might as well just call the album that.” This approach is central to their mission of returning the “rowdy side of folk” back to the people, ensuring that the music remains a living, breathing, and occasionally provocative force rather than a museum piece.
This creative shift follows their 2023 breakthrough, where the band first began writing their own original compositions at scale. With Paddywhackery, the group is clearly aiming to build upon that foundation, pushing the boundaries of what a modern folk band can achieve in terms of both songwriting depth and live performance. The collaboration with James Skelly is expected to bring a new level of polish to their production, without compromising the raw, unpolished energy that first earned them a dedicated global following.
A Massive UK and Ireland Tour
The album announcement is accompanied by an extensive tour schedule spanning the UK and Ireland, set to kick off in October. The run of dates includes some of the most iconic venues in the region, reflecting the band’s rapid ascent in the live music circuit. The tour is slated to begin on October 13 at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, with subsequent stops in major hubs including Newcastle, Manchester, and Leeds.
A key highlight of the tour will be the band’s performance at the O2 Academy Brixton in London on October 30, followed by a massive homecoming show at Dublin’s 3Arena on December 10. The tour will conclude with a high-profile date at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on December 19. Notably, The Coral are confirmed to provide support during the Brighton, Dublin, and Glasgow performances. Tickets for the tour are scheduled to go on sale on June 12 at 10am local time, with further details available via the official tour portal.
Before the headline tour begins, the band is also confirmed to join Kneecap for their biggest live show to date at London’s Crystal Palace Park on June 27. The bill for that event also features a diverse array of artists, including Fat Dog, Biig Piig, Gurriers, and Madra Salach, marking a significant moment for the current wave of Irish artists making waves in the London music scene.
Tour Dates and Venue Information
The upcoming tour represents the band’s most ambitious live undertaking to date. Below is the full list of confirmed dates for the UK and Ireland leg of their 2026 tour:
- October 13 – Edinburgh, Corn Exchange
- October 14 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
- October 16 – Cardiff, University
- October 17 – Brighton, Brighton Centre
- October 19 – Sheffield, Octagon Centre
- October 20 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
- October 22 – Liverpool, Olympia
- October 23 – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
- October 26 – Nottingham, Rock City
- October 27 – Leeds, O2 Academy
- October 29 – Birmingham, O2 Academy
- October 30 – London, O2 Academy Brixton
- December 10 – Dublin, 3Arena
- December 19 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
These dates follow a busy period for the band, who spent much of the last year performing at festive gigs across Ireland and completing a successful five-night residency at the historic Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow. This consistent presence on the road has helped solidify their reputation as one of the most compelling live acts currently touring, known for their high-energy delivery and direct engagement with their audience.
Looking Ahead
As the September 18 release date for Paddywhackery approaches, fans can expect further teasers and potentially more live dates to be announced. The band’s transition from a cover-heavy traditional act to a powerhouse of original songwriting has been one of the most interesting trajectories in the contemporary folk scene. By embracing the “rowdy” elements of their heritage and refusing to be categorized by traditional industry standards, The Mary Wallopers have successfully carved out a space that is entirely their own.
For those interested in following the band’s journey, the next confirmed major event on their calendar is the performance at Crystal Palace Park on June 27. We will continue to monitor the album rollout and provide updates on ticket availability and new music releases as they become available. Have you caught The Mary Wallopers live, or are you looking forward to the new album? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.