Live at Castle Mills Celebrates Inaugural Year as a Milestone for Kilkenny’s Arts Scene
By Live at Castle Mills
Drawing thousands of attendees to the heart of Kilkenny City last weekend, Live at Castle Mills marked the arrival of an exciting new addition to the South-East’s live music calendar.
Launched in partnership with the Kilkenny Nighttime Economy initiative, the county’s newest live concert series took place alongside the beautiful River Nore, welcoming two distinct line-ups to the historic, medieval city.
John Lydon’s Public Image Ltd. led the charge on Friday the 17th of July with power-popping Northern Irish trio Ash and cult alternative metal band Kerbdog as special guests, kicking off the two-day event in thunderous fashion.
On Saturday, July 18th, The National’s Matt Berninger brought his only Irish solo show this year to the gorgeous surrounds. Attendees were treated to a second evening of incredible opening acts; compelling folk singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill and Kilkenny legends Engine Alley, who helped close out two days of exceptional atmosphere.
Organisers Willie Byrne and Darragh Butler, both Kilkenny natives, said: “To have artists of the international standing of PiL, Matt Berninger, Ash and Lisa O’Neill sharing a stage with our very own Kilkenny success stories Kerbdog and Engine Alley felt incredibly special. We’re very proud of what Live at Castle Mills became, and even prouder that we got to share this special place and an incredible line-up over two nights with so many people.”
Ticketholders also indulged in premium food and drink options at the Castle Mills Food Tent, run by Medley Events, which offered a carefully curated collection of world-inspired street food which was all created using the very best produce from Kilkenny and across Ireland. From flavours inspired by Spain, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Ireland itself, each menu was specially designed by chef and hospitality entrepreneur Andrew Rudd, whose philosophy is simple: celebrate local ingredients while drawing inspiration from global cuisines.
Drawing a crowd of more than 2,000 people across the weekend, the inaugural series launched to an enthusiastic response, attracting audiences from across Kilkenny and surrounding counties, signalling strong demand for a new live entertainment experience in the region. Attendees highlighted the spacious layout, diverse food and beverage options, and the covered performance area which helped create a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the event.
As Live at Castle Mills looks towards 2027, its vision remains centred on creating a welcoming, high-quality live experience while celebrating Kilkenny’s growing reputation as a destination for music, culture, and major events.