BRIARS

BRIARS are an alternative/indie-folk and trad band from Cork City, Ireland. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.
The first full lineup was put together in 2023, with a live debut in one of Cork City’s most iconic venues, Coughlan’s. Word would spread quickly about the band’s energetic 6/7-piece live show and original, authentic sound, combining their traditional influences with more contemporary approaches and textures. BRIARS sound like nobody else.

With performances at some high profile Irish festivals (Electric Picnic, Whelans Folk And Trad Fest, Guinness Cork Jazz Fest, Galway Folk Fest, Cork Roots Fest and more), BRIARS have quickly gained “must-see” status as a live act, constantly picking up new fans along the way. They have also shared bills with the likes of The Scratch, The Wran, Leevy, Billow Wood and more.

Both 2025 singles, ‘Words’ and ‘Odds And Ends’ received glowing reviews from music publications like Hot Press, Pure MZine and more, as well as airplay on national radio in Ireland and the UK, featuring on the likes of RTE 2FM, RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio.

Having recently showcased at AICF in Florida, a US tour is currently being put together for the summer of 2027. The band also recently showcased at Your Roots Are Showing in Belfast, and their next single, ‘Before Long’ is slated for release in mid January, after which they will bring their live show on the road, first stopping at the iconic Connolly’s of Leap (West Cork). A new single and live EP are also set for release before April this year.

“Jam-packed with emotion and a thrilling buildup of dark folksy instrumentals, ‘Qualms’ captures the energy of their seven-piece live show.” - Hot Press

“You’ve got to see them...make sure to remember BRIARS” - Beta Da Silva (RTE 2FM)

“BRIARS stand out in the Irish music scene for their mix of old and new” - Pure MZine

“A great song and a great message....absolutely loved it.....full of emotion...it sparks something in me...” - YHHTM Podcast (UK)

"The alt-folk outfit bring elements of post-punk and baroque pop into the mix on Qualms. Not the kind of genres I’ve ever come across before in such a smooth fusion of sounds and styles....the brooding bassline and energetic strings heighten the raw power of the vocals and lyrics.” - Analogue Trash
“BRIARS are a new Irish alternative folk act with a sound which transcends traditional notions while still sounding authentically Irish.” - Cork Independent