Ryan’s of Friary Street in Kilkenny celebrates 20 years of live music and good times

Local publican Arthur Drohan celebrates 20 years at the helm of Ryan’s bar on Friary Street this year and the celebrations kick off this Easter weekend with a feat of live music.

“If you told me back in 2004 I’d still be here twenty years later I’d have laughed at you,” said Arthur who has spent the past two decades bringing the best in live music to the people of Kilkenny.

Arthur runs a great bar and venue which is a favourite of people from all over the world and sees many musicians returning to Kilkenny to perform.

“Here I am, do I still enjoy it, of course I do,” he said adding that he the business has gone through some challenging times.

“There was boom, bust, recession, recovery and Covid lockdowns which were particularly difficult.

“When the time came to reopen there was a lot of soul searching with my partner. I am glad we came back, it was a close call for sure, things have changed a lot in 20 years (and it’s not getting any easier) the costs keep rising.

“We have seen countless parties, a few weddings, and unfortunately some wakes and funerals here in Ryan’s,” he said adding that the future is bright.

“But it’s not all doom and gloom, Kilkenny is a great city and a popular tourist destination, coupled with the amount of festivals and events held here each year the future is bright (perhaps not another 20 years for me but for the foreseeable future).

Arthur and the team at Ryan’s are looking forward to an incredible lineup of free acts over five nights from Thursday (March 28) to Monday (April 1) and to many more years of live music and conversation and banter.

“I still enjoy the craic and interaction with our customers so let the games begin, I’d like to thank all our customers who make the place what it is and the rest of the team past and present. I like to think we are like a happy dysfunctional family, to quote Joe Ely ‘the road goes on forever and the party never ends’ at Ryan’s bar.

Acts performing for the 20th anniversary weekend celebrations this bank holiday weekend include Whiskers of Lichen (March 28), Blinddog (March 29), Back Door Blues and The Ben Reel Band (March 30), Deep Down Detox and The Uptown Band (March 31) and Grumpy Old Men will finish out the weekend on the bank holiday Monday evening.

For more see ryanskilkenny.com