Monk Fest, Limerick's annual underground music festival and charity fundraiser, returns to Pharmacia, Limerick, on July 3rd and 4th for its fifth edition. For the first time in the festival's history, Monk Fest will expand to a two-day event, bringing together 15 artists from Ireland and the UK across a weekend of experimental music, metal, art, community, and fundraising.
Founded by Cursed Monk Records and From the Depths Metal Podcast in memory of Cursed Monk founder Rodger Boyle’s niece, Aisling Kennedy, Monk Fest was created to honour Aisling's life while raising funds for Temple Street Children's Hospital, whose staff cared for her during the final three months of her life. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than €13,500 for the hospital, with all proceeds from Monk Fest 2026 once again going directly to Temple Street Children's Hospital.
The festival has become a fixture of Ireland's underground music community, with the previous two editions selling out their 200-capacity venue. This year's expanded programme will feature seven experimental and noise artists on Friday, July 3rd, followed by eight metal bands on Saturday, July 4th. Among the artists performing are Irish doom metal heavyweights Soothsayer, who arrive fresh from the release of their new album on July 3rd; Limerick sludge outfit Tooms, celebrating their acclaimed new album Karst; Belfast's Nomadic Rituals; internationally active Limerick noise artist Lymphoedema; and Luxury Mollusc, widely regarded as one of Ireland's most distinctive and uncompromising noise performers.
The festival will also welcome Bile Caster, travelling from Leicester, England, to perform as part of the weekend. Beyond the music, Monk Fest 2026 will also see the launch of the festival's first-ever zine, celebrating Ireland's thriving underground music community through interviews, artwork, and features on artists connected to the event. Saturday's programme will additionally include a craft market showcasing independent creators and a charity raffle.
Festival organiser Rodger Boyle said: "Monk Fest has always been about bringing people together through music while supporting a cause that remains deeply personal to us. What began as a small fundraiser to raise money for my niece Aisling’s medical expenses has grown into a genuine community event that celebrates independent music, creativity, and the generosity of people who continue to support Temple Street Children's Hospital year after year. Reaching our fifth edition and expanding to two days feels like a significant milestone, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make it possible. We’ve raised €13,500 so far and we hope this year's event will push the total amount raised for Temple Street Children's Hospital to €20,000. Its a big ask but we are pulling out all the stops!"
Monk Fest 2026 takes place at Pharmacia, Limerick, on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite.
