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Following the success of this year’s events, The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Ireland’s longest-running and best-loved comedy event, is back in Belfast and Derry in September 2026 with over 30 comedians performing.
Kilkenny’s iconic festival, renowned for its format where headliner comedians perform on the same bill, has partnered with Shine & TSW Management, Northern Ireland’s largest concert and events promoter, to bring the inaugural edition of The Cat Laughs to these two vibrant cities.
Belfast’s reputation as a comedy city has exploded over the last decade, with a new wave of local comedians selling out huge venues, alongside a new and endless stream of international A-list comics visiting the city, and hundreds of thousands of fans attending shows across the city each year.
Founded in 1995, the festival has earned its reputation as the comedians’ festival, creating an environment where anything can happen. It stands out as a one-of-a-kind event where top headline acts share the stage with talent from Ireland, the UK, and beyond.
Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in the early careers of iconic Irish performers such as Dara Ó Briain, Aisling Bea, Graham Norton, Dylan Moran, Maeve Higgins, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joanne McNally, Deirdre O’Kane, David O’Doherty, Des Bishop, and many more.
Notable past performers at the Cat Laughs include Michael McIntyre, Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Micky Flanagan, Al Murray, Kevin Bridges, Tommy Tiernan, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan, Sarah Millican, Peter Kay, Ross Noble, Bill Bailey, Graham Norton, and Joe Lycett.
The festival has also welcomed international stars like Bill Murray, Zach Galifianakis, Laura Kightlinger, Bill Burr, George Wendt, Ross Noble, Tig Notaro, and Emo Philips.
Colin Murphy, Paddy Raff, Paddy McDonnell, Diona Doherty, Dane Buckley, Ali Woods, Hal Cruttenden
Saturday September 26
Colin Geddis, Paddy McDonnell. Chris Kent, Emer Maguire, Susie McCabe, Finlay Christie, Dan Tiernan, Hal Cruttenden
Andrew Ryan, Colin Geddis, Chris Kent, Mike Rice, Emer Maguire, Susie McCabe, Finlay Christie, Dan Tiernan
Saturday September 26
Andrew Ryan, Mike Rice, Colin Murphy, Paddy Raff, Diona Doherty, Dane Buckley, Ali Woods
