Westlife were honoured in Dublin today with a special award marking their record-breaking run at the 3Arena, where the band will become the most prolific performers in the venue’s history.
The globally renowned Irish pop group — made up of Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne — were at the 3Arena on Friday, 1 May 2026, for an exclusive presentation celebrating their remarkable 82 shows at the venue.
Westlife. Credit Matt Holyoak
As part of the tribute, the trio will also have their hands cast, cementing their legacy at the arena.
The milestone will officially be reached later this year during their “Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour” residency, which sees the band return to the 3Arena for a string of dates across September 2026.
The shows — scheduled for the 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 September — will bring their total appearances at the venue to an unprecedented figure unmatched by any other act.
Westlife Residency 3Arena, September 2026
Westlife first performed at the venue — then known as The Point Depot — in 1999, at the height of their early chart success. Since then, they have become synonymous with the Dublin arena, repeatedly selling out multi-night runs across more than two decades.
Formed in 1998, Westlife quickly rose to become one of Ireland’s most successful music exports, scoring a string of number-one singles and albums. They remain one of the best-selling boybands of all time, with more than 55 million records sold worldwide and a catalogue of hits that have consistently resonated with Irish audiences.
Their enduring popularity at home has been reflected in their live success, with fans continuing to turn out in huge numbers for each tour. The upcoming residency not only celebrates 25 years since their formation, but also reinforces their unique connection with Irish audiences — particularly in Dublin, where their run at the 3Arena has become a defining part of their legacy.
Westlife 25, The Ultimate Collection. Album Cover
The hand-casting ceremony and award presentation mark a rare honour for any artist at the venue, underlining just how significant Westlife’s achievement is — both in terms of longevity and their lasting impact on Ireland’s music scene.
