Max HeyraudThe experimental music festival will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend, May 28th–31st.
This year’s programme features a mix of live electronics, experimental pop, bass music and collaborative performance. On the heavier end of the spectrum are Dublin’s drums-driven barrelling, the noise-rock infected techno project Container and the industrial psychedelia of Gilla Band–affiliated Null Club.
Bass-focused performances will come from the Netherlands’ Nicolini, Legion of One’s crushing dub explorations and Woozy boss EMA, who will be joined by the legendary dubstep MC Sgt Pokes.
Elsewhere on the bill, Open Ear will host a rare Irish appearance from ambient techno artist o.utlier, a collaborative performance between dream-pop–leaning Young Echo affiliate Jabu and Sähkö recording artist Memotone, and the alternative R&B of Dundalk’s Negro Impacto.
Late-night sets feature Chris Imler making his Irish debut with post-punk theatrics, the EBM-inflected electro of the enigmatic Ingo Hammer, and Pitch037’s hybrid of jungle, dub, and techno. Completing the line-up so far is experimental trio Rún, fresh off their debut album, blending influences from acid folk and cosmic jazz to R&B and sludge metal.
Even before the lineup was revealed, the festival had already sold out for 2026. Open Ear has expanded steadily over the last ten years while upholding its fundamental principles, which include showcasing Ireland’s experimental and electronic communities in the distinctive setting of Sherkin Island through a program centred around one performance at a time.
