Dougie McLean to play St Patrick's Day concert in Belfast

Dougie MacLean will perform in Belfast as part of the Belfast St Patricks Music Festival 2026. The concert takes place on 14 March 2026 at Mandela Hall with special guest Ursula Burns. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 21 November at 10am through the Belfast TradFest website.

MacLean, the renowned Scottish singer and songwriter behind the global anthem Caledonia, returns to the city where the songs early journey began. Although written in Brittany, its first performances happened informally in Northern Ireland within the home of Belfast harper Ursula Burns.

With a career of more than forty years, MacLean is known for heartfelt storytelling, soulful vocals and exceptional musicianship. He has performed on major stages worldwide including Carnegie Hall, the Festival Theatre in London and the Sydney Opera House. His work has appeared in well known films, BBC dramas and television specials. Many artists such as Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Cara Dillon and Ronan Keating have recorded his songs.

MacLean has collaborated with influential musicians including Lou Reed, James Taylor, Eddi Reader and Mavis Staples. His impact on Scottish music has been recognised with an OBE, the Scottish Music Hall of Fame and the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Audiences can expect an intimate and atmospheric performance filled with stories, emotion and songs that celebrate memory, connection and heritage.

Tickets are available from 21 November at 10am on the Belfast TradFest website.

St Patricks Music Festival is curated by Belfast TradFest and supported by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.