The Final Draft > Upcoming Kilkenny Summer Music Gigs 2025!
Explore the Vibrant Music Gig Scene in Kilkenny – The Marble City!
If you were to ask a Kilkenny local what the city is most famous for, they might suggest it's the castle or the comedy scene, the cuisine available across the city, or its famous commitment to fine craftsmanship. They might even suggest Kilkenny is most famous for being the birthplace and brewing place of Ireland’s most famous ale. But did you know that Kilkenny is also renowned for its lively and thriving music scene?
Across the city, there are multiple great venues where you can find live performances, every genre of music, superb sound, and an energy that’s truly unique to Kilkenny city. With a fantastic line-up of musicians, DJs, and bands appearing throughout the city every week, there's a show for everyone.
Here’s the Smithwick's guide to some of the best upcoming gigs happening in Kilkenny’s most iconic venues over the next few weeks. These include gigs in addition to the lively line-up of fabulous acts happening all summer long at Barrel Yard at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. Learn more about the upcoming acts here: Live Music at Barrel Yard.
Scott Matthews
Venue: Cleere’s Bar
Date: June 13th
Scott Matthews has been a musician’s favourite musician since winning an Ivor Novello award in 2007 for Elusive. See him tour his latest album, Restless Lullabies, which strips back his electronic New Skin into something more organic and heartfelt.
Cloudbusting: The music of Kate Bush
Venue: Set Theatre
Date: June 19th
Not your ordinary tribute band… in a world where one can only dream of seeing Kate Bush perform live, this is about as close as you’ll get. See her greatest hits brought to life from a band that has performed with her original musicians and sound engineers.
Florist
Venue: Cleere’s Bar
Date: 26th June
Brooklyn indie group Florist is ethereal and enchanting with a sound that some have described as ‘dream-folk.’ Catch them in Cleere’s if you’re looking for floaty vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and a generally lovely, peaceful, folk vibe.
Live traditional music
Venue: Kyteler’s
Date: Daily
If you want to immerse yourself in the energy and craic of traditional Irish music, you won’t want to miss Kyteler’s. With daily live music, we can’t narrow it down to one particular show. Check out the upcoming events on Kyteler’s site to enjoy some foot-stomping Irish music.
Kilkenny Country Music Festival
Venue: Gowran Park
Date: July 6th
Set in the fantastic festival-ready idyllic Gowran Park, Kilkenny Music Festival is back once again to get everyone jiving and thriving. Look forward to Ireland’s best country musicians, a huge dance floor, plenty of restaurants and bars, and child-friendly entertainment too.
Biird
Venue: Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Date: July 12th
Ireland’s brand new all-female trad supergroup Biird are playing in Ballykeeffe on the 12th of July. Catch 11 of the country’s best up-and-coming Irish female musicians, singers, lilters and dancers on stage together, bringing their unmistakable energy to the brilliant Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre.
Onóir
Venue: Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Date: July 19th
Onoir is a contemporary Irish band from Dublin who shot to fame after their take on Irish traditional ballad The Auld Triangle. Their sound blends traditional Celtic sounds with modern pop and folk influences for an uplifting, soulful vibe, with beautiful harmonious vocals and an arresting live performance.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you go to one of Kilkenny’s great gigs this summer? Check out some more of the city’s best hotels. If you missed the first instalment of our hotel guide, you can read it here.
The Best of Hotel Stays in Kilkenny
The Hoban Hotel
The Hoban Hotel, a 4-star premises on Smithsland South, offers modern comfort on the southern outskirts of Kilkenny city. It’s easy to get into the city centre from here on public transport or by car, and if you want to explore the rest of the county, you couldn’t choose a better spot. There’s free parking on site, some fantastic dining, and a free drink with your dinner when you book directly with them.
Use code SEKHOBON to save 20% on your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Avalon House Hotel
Castlecomer is about 20 km (and a 20-minute drive) from Kilkenny city centre. Here you’ll find the peaceful 3-star Avalon House Hotel with its cosy rooms, tasty restaurant, and free parking. Set in a historic town, it’s an ideal spot for exploring Kilkenny’s city attractions and countryside, including the Castlecomer Discovery Park – a fantastic family adventure – and Dunmore Cave, which is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Use code SEKAVALON when booking to save 20% on your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Zuni Hotel
Zuni Boutique Hotel is a 3-star find that couldn’t be more stylish or central. Located on Patrick Street, it blends 1902 heritage (it was once the Empire Theatre), pairing the perfectly preserved exterior with a brand-new interior. Known for its cocktail bar, free parking, and highly rated breakfast, this one is a favourite with couples… but great for everyone.
For 20% off your brewery tour, use code SEKZUNI when booking your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Pembroke Hotel
The 4-star Pembroke Hotel, at 11 Patrick Street, sits just behind Kilkenny Castle, and is a boutique haven with beautiful rooms and a breakfast that was voted Ireland’s best hotel breakfast! Ideal for families, groups, or couples, it has free parking and offers delicious on-site dining at Statham’s Bar & Restaurant.
Use code SEKPBROKE to save 20% on your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Kilkenny River Court Hotel
Right on the banks of the Nore, the 4-star Kilkenny River Court Hotel offers castle views, candlelight dinners and cosy rooms. Comfortable beds, a highly rated breakfast and family-friendly amenities mean it’s perfect for a medieval city adventure for families, group activity or couples. Snugly set in a private courtyard, you’ll feel like you’re away from it all while being right in the heart of the city.
Code SEKRCOURT will get you 20% off your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Kilford Arms Hotel
The 3-star Kilford Arms Hotel on John Street is a lively spot near Kilkenny Castle, and within walking distance of all of Kilkenny’s major sights and attractions, including our Smithwick’s Experience Tour. Its White Oak Restaurant serves well-presented local produce, and O’Faolain’s super-pub, built around 16th-century ruins, is a popular nighttime spot with a late bar and DJs - perfect for groups and couples who want to sample some things to do at night in Kilkenny.
Use code SEKKILFORD to save 20% on your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.
Club House Hotel
An 18th-century Club House on Patrick Street, the Club House Hotel marries traditional hospitality with modern luxuries, and is a great choice for those who want a cosy, budget-friendly stay with a little old-world charm, near to the city’s main sights and attractions. Great for couples or groups who want a simple stay in the city’s cultural and historic hotspot.
Use the code SEKCLUBH to save 20% on your Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Standard Experience.