LIVE MUSIC. FESTIVAL WEEKENDS. 300 YEARS OF STORIES.
Celebra San Patricio en Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
From summer sessions in the Barrel Yard, to some of Kilkenny’s biggest festival weekends, there is always something incredible waiting to be known.
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.
Frankenstein Bolts | Saturday 22nd Aug | From 5PM
A four-piece indie dream rock band delivering soaring melodies, atmospheric soundscapes, and high-energy live performances.
Up She Flew | Sunday 23rd Aug | From 4PM
A talented traditional Irish music duo bringing lively tunes, timeless melodies, and an authentic Irish atmosphere.
Free entry. Over 18s only. Line-up and performance times are subject to change.
TWO FESTIVAL DATES. ONE UNMISSABLE KILKENNY EXPERIENCE.
KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL
For ten unforgettable days, Kilkenny Arts Festival fills the city with extraordinary music, theatre, art and ideas — and Smithwick’s Experience puts you right at the heart of it.
This year, the Barrel Yard joins the official Kilkenny Arts Festival programme with two special live music sessions on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 16 August.
Between festival performances, step inside the historic brewery grounds for an experience with a distinctly Kilkenny character. Book a tour to uncover the people, stories and brewing heritage behind Smithwick’s, then stay for live music in the Barrel Yard and make more of your festival day.
Whether you've a long day of Festival-going behind you or a big night ahead (or both!), drop by the Barrel Yard across both Festival weekends and unwind with a beer and some laidback summer grooves.
Edel Crean and Barry Mullins will be on the decks Saturday 8th from 5-7pm, with Edel back solo on Sunday 16th from 3-5pm to keep the good vibes going.
TASTE KILKENNY. DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND THE PINT
COMING THIS AUTUMN - SAVOUR KILKENNY
This October, Savour Kilkenny brings the city’s food and drink scene to life — and there is no better place to begin than the home of Ireland’s oldest ale.
Make Smithwick’s Experience part of your festival itinerary. Take a guided journey through more than 300 years of brewing heritage, explore the craft and flavour behind Smithwick’s and relax in the historic Barrel Yard before heading back out to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Special Savour Kilkenny activity at Smithwick’s Experience will be announced soon.
