Kilkenny city has more good trad venues per street than almost any city in Ireland — Parliament Street alone has two pubs with weekly sessions, and Kyteler's runs music nightly through summer.
The medieval city has a vibrant session scene that runs year-round, not just for tourists — Cleere's Monday session and the Hibernian's Tuesday night are loved by locals precisely because they don't get overrun in the way the weekend slots do. The Kilkenny Arts Festival each August lifts the entire city's music culture for a week.
at Cleere's Bar & Theatre · Parliament Street, Co. Kilkenny
Parliament Street institution with a small theatre at the back. Monday and Wednesday trad — the Monday session draws the more committed players. No cover.
at Kyteler's Inn · Kieran Street, Co. Kilkenny
High-season nightly trad: Mon–Thu from 20:00, Fri–Sun from 18:30. Named for Dame Alice Kyteler, Kilkenny's most notorious 14th-century resident.
at The Hibernian Bar · Ormonde Street, Co. Kilkenny
Live Irish music Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sun 9pm–11pm. No cover charge, no booking required.
3 recurring sessions listed for Kilkenny. Know a session we’re missing? Submit a Kilkenny sesh →
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