a day ago
Thousands descend on the spectacular Lough Key for Night and Day festival
Élise Lounici was riding the Crest Of A Wave as thousands of revellers let their hair down in style at the Night and Day music festival yesterday.
Unlike her idol Rory Gallagher's song of the same name, the singer and guitarist with French indie-rock band Frank was enjoying the reaction and tidal wave of support she received within minutes of taking to the stage on the shores of Lough Key, near Boyle in Co. Roscommon.
After playing a rollicking 40-minute set at the Lough Key Forest estate, Élise told 'It was amazing, it was really great. Élise Lounici. Pic: Seán Dwyer 27/06/2025
'The crowd were really warm. People reacted very strongly. For me, it's a question of sharing, and if you give, then the crowd give it back.
'I was surprised. I'm always amazed with the crowds in Ireland. They are always so warm. It was my first time at Night And Day. I would love to come back,' she said.
Up to 5,000 festival fans will descend on the scenic venue over the two-day festival.
Élise, who now divides her time between Ireland and France, added: 'I came to Ireland for the first time after Covid. I think it was 2023, and now I spend half my time living in Ireland and half my time living in France.
'It's easier for me to live in Dublin, as I travel a lot, but I would prefer to be in Donegal or Mayo,' she added. Artist Nickie Harrington. Pic: Seán Dwyer 27/06/25
Élise was joined by legendary Irish band The Stunning and their contemporaries, Something Happens and The Sultans Of Ping, as well as Swedish star José González, during the first day of the weekend festival yesterday.
She added: 'I'm looking forward to seeing José González and Paul Brady. I have never seen them. It will be my first time and I am really looking forward to it.'
Among the music fans who camped out on the sprawling grounds of the stunning lakeshore estate over the weekend were Mark Reed and his partner Breege Kilcullen.
They travelled from their home county of Mayo so they could see KT Tunstall for the first time ever. The Scottish star is set to close the annual music festival later this evening.
Other acts due to perform today include Meath singer Lisa Hannigan, Jamaican reggae stars The Wailers, Bray's Fionn Regan and Limerick band Hermitage Green. Katie Stewart from Boyle, Meadhbh McGann from Laytown and Georgina Stewart from Boyle and with Joey Messayeh from Drogheda (the Co. Meath part). Pic: Seán Dwyer
Breege told 'We're fans of Lisa Hannigan and KT Tunstall. This is our first time here, and it will be our first time to see her live.
'We are staying in a camper van. It's lovely and it's so peaceful and quiet. The weather is good. This is a hidden part of the country, and it's beautiful here. It's perfect.'
Mark added: 'It's our first time here. We have no complaints whatsoever. It's very chilled, very relaxed, and enjoyable. It's perfect for us.'
