When Westlife unveiled their upcoming 25th‑anniversary residency on Friday, October 17, 2025, fans in Ireland and the United Kingdom were handed a rare gift: five back‑to‑back shows at Dublin’s 3Arena and three at Belfast’s SSE Arena.
The trio – Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan – confirmed the dates in a statement released through IrishCentral at 12:04 PM UTC. Pre‑sale tickets started ticking on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:00 am local time, with the general public gaining access three days later, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, also at 9:00 am, via Ticketmaster.ie.
Background: A Quarter‑Century of Hits
Since their debut in 1998, Westlife has sold more than 55 million records worldwide, a tally that still surprises industry analysts. The group’s longevity is unusual for a boyband; they’ve weathered lineup changes – with Brian McFadden’s 2004 departure – while keeping a core fan base that now spans four continents.
Music commentator Emma O’Reilly of RTÉ Music put it plainly: “Westlife’s ability to sell out arenas two decades on is a testament to their knack for crafting sing‑along anthems that feel personal at every show.”
Tour Details: Dates, Venues, and Ticket Tiers
The Dublin leg runs from September 22 to September 26, 2026, each night at the 3Arena. Belfast’s three‑night stand follows on October 27‑29, 2026, at the SSE Arena – both venues are operated by MCD Productions.
Ticket pricing for the 3Arena shows is broken into six bands: €80, €100, €110, €120, €140 and a premium €369 tier. Each ticket carries a 12.5 % service charge, capped at €10.50. “We wanted a range that welcomes families as well as die‑hard collectors,” said Liam O’Connell, senior ticketing manager at MCD Productions.
Fans can also opt for a limited‑edition “Anniversary Bundle,” which includes a signed setlist and a backstage virtual meet‑and‑greet. The bundle retails for €499 and is capped at 500 units per city.
Record‑Setting Numbers and Venue History
Once the Dublin shows are complete, Westlife will have performed at the 3Arena a total of 74 times, eclipsing the previous record held by U2 (71 shows). In Belfast, the upcoming three nights will push their total at the SSE Arena to 72, surpassing the 68 shows logged by Take That.
Historically, both venues have hosted a handful of repeat artists, but none have reached the 70‑plus milestone. The numbers matter because they signal a sustained demand that many newer acts struggle to achieve.
Here’s the thing: the combined capacity of the two venues is roughly 16,500 seats each, meaning the residency could bring in close to 140,000 ticket‑holders if every night sells out – a figure not seen in Irish arena history since the early 2000s.
Reactions: Fans, Critics, and Industry Insiders
Social‑media buzz erupted within minutes of the announcement. A tweet from fan account @WestlifeLoves read, “Can’t believe I’ll finally see them live again – five nights in Dublin? Dreams do come true!” The sentiment was echoed across Instagram, where the hashtag #Westlife25thAnniversary trended in both Dublin and Belfast.
Critic John McCarty of The Irish Times warned, “While the numbers are impressive, the band faces the challenge of delivering fresh set‑lists after two years of global touring.”
Nevertheless, Shane Filan addressed the crowd during a recent interview: “We’ve rehearsed every song like it’s the first night. Expect a few surprises – maybe a brand‑new arrangement of ‘Flying Without Wings.’”
What Comes Next: Ticket Sales and Future Plans
The pre‑sale opened on October 20, 2025, and tickets vanished within hours. By the end of the general sale on October 23, only a sliver of premium seats remained. “We’re monitoring demand closely; if the market warrants it, we’ll explore adding a second night in Belfast,” hinted O’Connell.
Meanwhile, former member Brian McFadden continues touring with Boyzlife, the tribute act he formed with Boyzone’s Keith Duffy. Their UK dates run through spring 2026, providing an alternate option for fans who miss out on Westlife tickets.
Looking ahead, the band hinted at a possible World Tour after the Irish residency, though no dates have been confirmed. “We love playing at home,” Nicky Byrne said, “but the world is still waiting for the next chapter.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When do pre‑sale tickets become available?
Pre‑sale tickets for both Dublin and Belfast starts on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:00 am local time. Fans need a Ticketmaster.ie account and the presale code supplied by MCD Productions.
How many shows will Westlife play in total for the anniversary?
The band will perform five consecutive nights in Dublin (Sept 22‑26, 2026) and three nights in Belfast (Oct 27‑29, 2026), making eight shows in total.
What is the price range for tickets at the 3Arena?
Tickets start at €80 and go up to €369 for the highest‑tier seats. All prices include the booking fee; a 12.5 % service charge (capped at €10.50) is added at checkout.
Will there be any new songs or special performances?
Band member Shane Filan hinted at a fresh arrangement of their classic “Flying Without Wings.” While no brand‑new material has been confirmed, fans can expect a few surprise medleys and possibly a guest appearance.
How do the upcoming shows affect Westlife’s record at the venues?
After the September dates, Westlife will have headlined the 3Arena 74 times – the most any act has ever performed there. The Belfast stint will lift their SSE Arena total to 72, also a venue record.