Ralph McTell brings farewell tour to Derry's St Columb’s Hall

Legendary singer-songwriter Ralph McTell will perform at St. Columb's Hall in Derry on October 24, 2026, as part of his final national tour of Ireland. The farewell tour, titled Somewhere Down the Road, will see McTell return to venues across the country for one last run of live dates, offering audiences a chance to celebrate a remarkable career that has spanned more than half a century.

The tour will comprise 16 shows over three weeks, opening in Navan on October 17 and concluding in Galway on November 8.

Set to turn 82 this year, the tour marks a significant chapter in both Ralph’s personal journey and his long-standing musical legacy.

Renowned for his warmth, storytelling, and enduring catalogue of songs, McTell’s relationship with Irish audiences stretches back more than five decades, beginning with his debut Belfast appearance in 1969, and has since grown through performances in renowned venues across the country, where his storytelling continues to resonate with listeners of every generation.

Reflecting on the upcoming tour, Ralph says “My Spring 2025 tour was the highlight of my year, made unforgettable by the presence of President Higgins at my Dublin concert. I can’t wait to see you all again -somewhere down the road”.

READ NEXT: Derry native’s legacy lives on in daughter’s debut single "The One I Loved So Well"

Somewhere Down the Road coincides with the release of a special new album, The Timedrift of the Road, due in September 2026. The album will feature McTell’s songs reimagined by some of his favourite Irish artists, alongside a collection of brand-new recordings, making it both a reflection on his musical journey and a celebration of the connections he has built over decades of touring Ireland.

Ralph McTell has always been open with his audience, and in recent years, he has faced personal health challenges. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, he continues to tour and create music. This final tour promises to be a fitting and heartfelt farewell to Irish audiences who have supported McTell since his earliest appearances on the island.