The Final Draft > Why Kilkenny is the Home of Halloween

Why Kilkenny is the Home of Halloween

Kilkenny is the very proud holder of its title, and reputation, as Ireland’s “Home of Halloween.” Wild witchy tales, gory ghost stories and all kinds of dark and dismal history, set to the dramatic spooky backdrop of our medieval streets? Of course we’re known as Ireland’s spookiest Samhain destination.

And Halloween isn’t just Halloween in Ireland. Samhain is an important ancient Celtic festival here, falling on November 1st every year to mark the end of harvest and the passing of the lighter part of the year – spring and summer – into the darker winter months. It was believed that at this time of year, the divide between the otherworld and this one is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

This Halloween, we’re honouring our spooky heritage with a special seasonal celebration here at the Barrel Yard. As part of Kilkenny’s jam-packed Home of Halloween programme, our Barrel Yard will transform into a festive, spooky-season haven of autumnal flavours, live music, and medieval mystery from October 31 to November 1.

Expect the launch of a limited-edition seasonal ale, some electrifying performances, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of Samhain in Ireland’s most haunted city. The Barrel Yard will be decked out in all its seasonal Samhain glory, with hay bale seating, hops, barley, pumpkins, and flickering lights creating a warm, festive ambience.

Launching our spiced autumn ale

To kick off the Samhain celebrations, we are launching our brand-new spiced ale, which we’ve named Grey Friary. Kilkenny’s autumnal answer to the pumpkin-spiced latte, this is a limited-edition ale brewed specially for the season.

With a robust 6.3% ABV, this red-brown brew is malty and full-bodied, weaving together warming notes of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, to evoke a quintessential fall flavour. It has a warmth and depth that perfectly complements a crisp Irish autumn evening.

Picture a gentle cool breeze, a hint of bonfire smoke somewhere in the air, and a candlelight conversation with good friends… Grey Friary is a perfect Samhain sip. Be one of the first to taste it when it launches this Samhain weekend at the Barrel Yard.

Live Music

The Barrel Yard is hosting two more unforgettable nights of live music just a week after our Savour Festival Sessions, making October one of our best months for music yet this year!

October 31st: The Bad Moon Blues
6 - 8 pm

On Halloween night, the Bad Moon Blues Band will take to the stage with their gritty fusion of blues, rock, and rhythm. This powerhouse quartet always delivers fiery guitar riffs, deep grooves, and vocals that echo with the eerie autumn magic of the season. As shadows lengthen and spirits stir, their raw energy will set the perfect tone for a frightfully good time. We fully encourage Halloween costumes, the spookier the better!

November 1st: The Broken Spokes
5 - 7 pm

The party continues on Saturday November 1st with The Broken Spokes, Kilkenny’s resident honky-tonk heroes with their high-octane mix of blues, rock, and southern swagger. With twangy guitars, irresistible rhythms and contagious energy, expect the Barrel Yard to buzz with foot-tappin,’ knee-slappin,’ honkey tonk good time. Whatever about Halloween spirits, these guys will keep your Samhain spirits high.

Exceptional eats

As always, we make sure our Barrel Yard sessions are fuelled with the finest of gourmet food-truck fare, and for Halloween weekend we’re welcoming the mouthwatering Asian flavours of an on-site Vietnamese barbecue street food truck. Treat yourself to some spicy bites to complement your spiced autumn ale!

Admission to the Barrel Yard is free as always, just make sure you get to us early to grab a good spot, so you can enjoy the live music, delicious food, and the fantastic autumnal atmosphere. If you’re thinking of enjoying a Smithwick’s Experience brewery tour, why not book an afternoon slot? You can come straight to the Barrel Yard afterwards, where we’ve got your evening entertainment covered.

Also, Bun Cha Journey, will be proudly bringing the authentic flavours of Vietnam to Ireland on Halloween 31st and on the 1st of November. Their signature dish is bún chả – Vietnamese grilled pork and chicken served with noodles, fresh herbs, and a traditional dipping sauce.

What makes their food special is the unique smoky aroma and rich flavour of the grilled meat, which pairs perfectly with a refreshing pint of Smithwick’s. This harmony of taste makes it an ideal match for gatherings, where great food and great drinks come together.