As the yearly pilgrimage to Pilton begins in earnest today we thought it might be a handy little guide for those heading over the Glastonbury 2010 to do up a little guide on the Irish acts playing at Glastonbury this year and where you can find them. It’s just a quick rundown so if you want to support the Irish acts over there you can quickly and easily find them.

This year we have Christy Moore and Declan Synott, Imelda May, Ash, Villagers, Fionn Regan, Two Door Cinema Club, Julie Feeney, The Saw Doctors, Kormac Big Band, Shouting at Planes (who came through 100 bands to win their slot) and Brian Kennedy.

Who will you go to see over the weekend? check out the bands and their stages and times below.

Christy Moore and Declan Synnot
Acoustic Stage – Saturday – 10:30pm

They say the Irish travel well, and none so much as Christy Moore, an absolute Irish legend in the music industry and his music translates across the globe. He may never be the superstar status of a Rhianna or Take That, but his core Irish music roots has never changed throughout his career and that is something to be applauded. I don’t think any of the acts on the billing could make you feel as close to home as Christy Moore and he is joined by Declan Synott of Horslips fame. It should be a good set. Catch him on The Acoustic stage on Saturday night. Headlining

Imelda May
Acoustic Stage – Saturday 7:30pm
Avalon Stage – Sunday – 7:35pm

One of Ireland’s newest superstar’s, Imelda May burst onto the scene in 2009 with a re-release of her 2006 album “No Turning Back” she had massive hits with “Johnnie got a boom boom” and “Big bad handsome man” in 2009 and played a string of festivals and tour dates. 2010 has seen her grow in stature and she plays TWICE with an appearance Saturday on The Acoustic stage and then Sunday on the Avalon stage. Definitely catch her at least once.

Villagers
The Park – Sunday – 12:30pm

What can you say about the vehicle that is Conor O’Brien and The Villagers. From Jools Holland performance which made everyone stand up and take notice of the talent, he is now selling out shows all around Ireland and tipping into Europe too. It’s hard to tell how popular he is in the UK, but if he has even a bit of the following he’s amassed in Ireland, The Park stage isnt huge and could be absolutely jammers when he takes to the stage. a MUST see.

Fionn Regan
The Park – Sunday – 2:45pm

Described by many as the new Bob Dylan, though i don’t think thats really fair as i think Fionn is his own enigma, his own style with hints of Dylan. Fionn Regan is probably one of the unsung talents as far as Ireland goes. He quietly goes about his gigs in an unassuming manner. He has a strong following who love his gigs but i think that given the right set of circumstances, he truly could break through. Is Glastonbury the place that it happens, Do you really want to miss it and say you weren’t there because you were off having an ice cream. Go see Villagers and then stick around to see Fionn play (Avi Buffalo’s play in between)

Two door Cinema club
The Other Stage – Saturday – 11am
The Queens Head – Thursday – 6pm

A band i almost hate because they are all i hear at the moment, Radio play, Tv Adverts, even my Ipod keeps throwing them at me. I can’t escape. There is a reason though, and its because Two Door Cinema Club are CLASS. Unreservedly so, i’m not going to even tell you to go see this one because you already know that. 2 chances to do it, The Other stage early on the Saturday (so go easy Friday night) or The Queens head (which is always packed for a decent band) on Thursday at 6pm.

Ash
John Peel Stage – Sunday – 10pm

Need no introduction, Ash are one of Irelands perrenial rock groups. Still churning out music all year with their A-Z project and some of the tracks are awesome. If you want a nice blend of new with old. i guaruntee they will please. Hits like Kung-Fu, Candy, Shining light and more on arguably the best stage, The John Peel Stage, Sunday, Closing the stage. It most likely is a choice between Stevie Wonder and Ash. So i guess its down to taste.

Julie Feeney
Acoustic Stage – Friday – 12 Midday

Julie Feeney, Choice Music Prize winner 2006 for her album “13 songs”, she certainly is the type of act you either get, or you don’t. If Julie is up your street, go and support her on the Acoustic stage early on the Friday.

The Saw Doctors
Avalon Stage  – Sunday – 9pm

Another stalwart of Irish music are going since the day i turned 1 year old. 13 albums to their name including their current “To win just once” which they are out promoting. If you’ve been a fan of them over the years your guarunteed a set filled from their greatest hits.

Kormac Big band
Club DaDa – Saturday – 00:45 am

Kormac Big Band is an 11-piece orchestra playing Kormac’s tracks. A mix of live turntables, samplers, drums, double bass, barbershop quartet, trumpet, clarinet, banjo and live visuals. To me that sounds absolutely insane and gives me every reason to want to see that live based on description alone. The Club DaDa tent on Saturday just after midnight.

Shouting at Planes
The Queens Head – Saturday – Opening slot 2pm

These are an Indie Alternative Blues 5 piece from Cavan, You wont have heard of them most likely, but they beat 100 other bands in Ireland to win a slot at Glastonbury, so really they cannot be bad. If you’re up early on Saturday catching Two Door, maybe fly over to The Queens head after for these and see if they are worthy winners.

Brian Kennedy
The Acoustic Stage – Friday – 4:30pm

Eurovision entrant 2006 and Message in the box singer/ songwriter Brian Kennedy makes the trip to Glastonbury to the Acoustic Stage on Friday at 4:30pm. Ive never been the biggest fan of his work, but i am all for supporting Irish acts, so if you get a chance. DO!

Annie Mac
The Hub Stage – Friday – 1am

Dublin DJ Annie Mac

Yr Ods
BBC Introducing  – Friday – 1pm

Psychedelic / Pop band from Northern Ireland / Wales

Seven Summits
BBC Introducing – Sunday – 5:35pm

Alt Rock band from Belfast

Rodrigo Y Gabriella
West Holts – Sunday – 9:35

They may not be Irish but they began their careers in pubs in Ireland and i think we should be able to claim them. You know they are cracking. You know it will be a great show. MUST SEE
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So thats the Glastonbury 2010 look at the band’s from Ireland playing around the Festival over the course of the 4 days music. Some of Ireland’s best acts are heading over. It’s a little light on its feet compared to previous years but that just means you have less trekking around to do if you want to support our upcoming and breakout talent.

Enjoy the festival, we’ll see you all when you get back.