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08 Sept 2025
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08 Sept 2025
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The iconic Barrel Yard at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be alive with the sound of live music as its vibrant weekend sessions featuring top local talent continues every weekend, through to September.
Over 25 acts, including 20 local artists and bands, will perform during the free live music sessions at The Barrel Yard, continuing this coming weekend in the cosy and enclosed venue just behind the iconic red gates.
The Donnys play live this Saturday, June 21, from 5pm to 7pm and Sean Maher will be belting out the tunes live on Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm.
The excitement continues with The Strobes live on stage next Saturday, June 28, from 5pm for an unmissable two-hour session. Ryan Nugent plays the open-air venue on Sunday, June 29, from 2pm.
The July and August programmes of live acts span everything from rock to trad to pop and indie and will be unveiled in the coming days, with all information available through the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny website https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/barrel-yard
Popular acts such as Burnchurch, The Barflies, Delta Dogs, and The Pinsetters are all set to return to The Barrel Yard, offering free gigs for all to enjoy. Visitors can also savour delicious bites from local food partners, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
The Barrel Yard pays homage to the historic former brewery yard where wooden barrels were once repaired and stored, ready to be filled with Smithwick’s ale for distribution to pubs around Ireland. It is the perfect spot for visitors and tour groups to unwind before or after their visit, and for friends and family to gather and enjoy Smithwick’s famous red ale in the heart of our medieval city.
The city-centre venue with a full bar and ample seating has really become an iconic stage for up-and-coming local bands. Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said, “At Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, we’re delighted to offer local acts a stage at The Barrel Yard. We’re honoured to offer those interested in supporting local talent a great venue each and every weekend throughout the summer."
“The iconic Barrel Yard sessions are the perfect meeting or starting point for a night out and we’ve seen a very loyal audience building up and continuing their evening by visiting local restaurants, pubs and hotels."
For more information, visit www.smithwicksexperience.com or follow @smithwicks_ireland on Instagram.
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