LIVE MUSIC. FESTIVAL WEEKENDS. 300 YEARS OF STORIES.
WHAT’S ON AT SMITHWICK’S EXPERIENCE KILKENNY
From evening sessions in the Barrel Yard, to some of Kilkenny’s biggest festival weekends, there is always something incredible waiting to be known.
FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER | 6-10 PM
SUNDOWN SESSIONS WITH THE BARREL YARD ALL STARS
Celebrate Culture Night at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny with an evening of live music, local food, and great company in the unique surroundings of The Barrel Yard.
Enjoy a one night only celebration of Kilkenny’s music scene. Local Heroes Lincoln Skins present The Barrel Yard All Stars. The Skins bring a fresh roots-inspired sound with old-time country and will be joined on the night with the cream of the crop of Kilkenny’s music scene. Blending genres and styles in to a once in a lifetime live performance never before seen in Kilkenny or anywhere else.
Local favourites Blasta Wood Fired Pizza will be serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas throughout the evening.
Whether you're a music lover, foodie, or simply looking to experience Culture Night in a unique setting, Sundown Sessions at The Barrel Yard promises a memorable evening of phenomenal home-grown talent, a vibrant atmosphere, and an unforgettable live music experience
Free admission. Be early to grab a good spot!
Over 18’s
Food and beverages available to purchase on site
TASTE KILKENNY. DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND THE PINT
SAVOUR KILKENNY AT SMITHWICK’S EXPERIENCE
This October, Savour Kilkenny brings the city’s food and drink scene to life, and Smithwick’s Experience is right at the heart of it.
From exclusive beer tastings and brewing stories to live music, great food and freshly poured Smithwick’s ales, there’s plenty happening at Smithwick’s Experience and the historic Barrel Yard throughout the Savour Kilkenny weekend.
Make us part of your festival plans and discover more than 300 years of brewing in the city Smithwick’s calls home.
Friday 23 October | 7:30PM
An Evening of Smithwick's Stories, Beer & Brewing
Join Master Brewer Steve Gilsenan and Guinness Global Brand Ambassador Pádraig Fox for an evening of storytelling, brewing innovation, expert insights, and beer tasting. Explore the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Smithwick's through a tasting of our renowned ales, alongside a special brew from our friends at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery. Served with a freshly baked artisan pretzel, this promises to be a memorable evening for beer lovers and curious explorers alike.
Time: Friday, 23 October | 7:30 PM
Price: €18.50 per person (18+ only)
Includes:
Brewing stories and insights from Steve Gilsenan and Pádraig Fox
Guided Smithwick’s beer tasting
Exclusive limited-edition Smithwick’s ale
Freshly baked artisan pretzel
Limited capacity. Advance booking recommended.
SATURDAY 24 & SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER | FROM 5PM
SPECIAL BARREL YARD SESSIONS
When the festival winds down, there’s still plenty brewing in the Barrel Yard.
Join us from 5PM on Saturday and Sunday for two free evenings of live music, great food and freshly poured Smithwick’s ales in the historic Barrel Yard.
BAD MOON BLUES BAND | SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER | 5PM–7PM
A four-piece blues and rock powerhouse bringing high-energy performances, classic riffs and a dynamic live show to the Barrel Yard.
BENCH WARRANT | SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER | 5PM–7PM
A high-energy blues experience featuring an eclectic mix of favourites, from Steve Earle to Talking Heads, alongside a few musical surprises.
Smithwick's Closes at Midnight. Some Never Leave.
SMITHWICK'S AFTER DARK
A Night of Thrills, Chills & Ales - As darkness descends over medieval Kilkenny, step inside the historic home of Smithwick's for a celebration of All Hallows' Eve, inspired by Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that is widely regarded as the origin of modern Halloween. For over 2,000 years, Samhain has held a special place in the heart of Irish people, rooted in folklore and storytelling.
At Smithwick's, storytelling runs through every fibre of who we are, so allow the finest of storytellers to regale you with harrowing tales of diversity and strengths from Kilkenny’s past and its connection to St. Francis Abbey Brewery. As the stories unfold, enjoy live music, hearty seasonal bites, and a selection of Smithwick's favourites, all within one of Ireland's most distinctive historic venues.
Whether you're drawn by the traditions of Samhain, the stories of old Kilkenny, or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, gather your friends and celebrate Halloween with us in the heart of the city. Costumes are optional but desired.
KILKENNY’S SUMMER SOUNDTRACK STARTS HERE
BARREL YARD SESSIONS
Step through the gates of Smithwick’s Experience and into the Barrel Yard for free live music, great company, and Smithwick’s served where its story began.
Enjoy local favourites and visiting performers all summer in our historic, enclosed courtyard with a full bar. Make a day of it with the Smithwick’s Experience tour before settling in for the music.
Lincoln Skins & The Barrelyard Allstars | Friday 18th September | From 6PM to 10PM
Damn Dirty Apes | Saturday 19th September | From 5PM to 7PM
Ryan Nugent | Sunday 20th September | From 4PM to 6PM
Free entry. Over 18s only. Line-up and performance times are subject to change.
