Maghery Set for Belfast Tattoo Following Record-Breaking Tenth All-Ireland Title

Maghery Fife and Drum Band will return to Belfast this weekend for the Belfast International Tattoo, just weeks after making marching band history by winning a record-breaking tenth consecutive All-Ireland title.

The Donegal band will perform at the O2 Arena Belfast on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September as part of a major international line-up featuring performers from Ireland, the UK, USA, Australia and Europe.

It marks Maghery’s return to the Tattoo following their previous appearance in 2019, but this time they arrive in Belfast having just secured their 16th All-Ireland title and an unprecedented tenth in succession.

A different side of Maghery

While Maghery’s Fleadh performances are renowned for their musical precision, intricate arrangements and disciplined drill, the band also has a spectacular show-piece routine designed specifically for entertainment.

It is this routine that audiences are expected to see at the Belfast Tattoo.

Developed through performances at the annual Easter Sunday competition in Dungloe and festivals around Donegal, the routine combines traditional Irish music with modern songs, choreographed drill and visual effects.

This year’s Easter performance opened with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and included one of the most distinctive additions to the band’s show – their interpretation of Riverdance.

The Riverdance section was first introduced by Maghery in 2025 and has since developed into a particularly special part of the performance, bringing together Irish dance, fife and drum music and the band’s trademark drill.

The response from audiences has been especially strong, with some describing the Riverdance performance as giving them goose bumps. The combination of the familiar Irish dance music, the precision of the band and the visual impact of the routine has made it one of the most memorable moments in Maghery’s show.

The 2026 Easter performance has already attracted around 10,000 views online, while video of Maghery’s historic All-Ireland performance from just a few weeks ago has passed 24,000 views, showing the huge interest surrounding the band following their latest title.

Maghery have a long history of producing innovative show routines. Their 2017 Easter performance attracted more than 50,000 views online in less than two weeks, helping establish the band as a major attraction beyond the competitive marching band scene.

Strong international line-up

Maghery will be joined by a wide range of performers at this year’s Tattoo.

Other fife and drum performers include Schomberg Fife and Drum from Kilkeel and the American Originals Fife & Drum Corps from Washington D.C.

The pipe band line-up includes Altnaveigh Memorial Pipe Band and Australia’s Riverina Highlanders Pipe Band, while Desertmartin Accordion Band and Aughafatten Coronation Accordion Band will provide an accordion band presence.

The wider programme also features the United States Air Force Band Europe, Norwegian King’s Guard Veterans Band and Drill Team, Precision Team Phoenix, Kathryn Stewart’s Highland Dancers & Display Team and the Julianna Bicycle Team.

Show times and tickets

The Tattoo takes place across three performances at the O2 Arena Belfast:

Friday 4 September
Doors: 6.00pm
Show: 7.30pm

Saturday 5 September – Matinee
Doors: 12.30pm
Show: 2.00pm

Saturday 5 September – Evening
Doors: 6.30pm
Show: 8.00pm

Tickets are available from £34.50, with prices varying according to seating and performance. Family and group tickets are also available.

Buy tickets for the Belfast International Tattoo

For Maghery, the Tattoo provides the perfect opportunity to round off an historic year.

Having just made history at the Fleadh, the ten-time consecutive All-Ireland champions will now showcase a very different side of their performance – combining traditional Irish music, modern songs, spectacular drill and their special Riverdance routine on one of Belfast’s biggest stages.