Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny’s iconic Barrel Yard venue will be kicking off its 2024 programme in style with an opening session on Saturday 30 March.
The event features free live music from The Backyard Band, mouth-watering Indian cuisine from the award-winning Spice Genie food truck (last spotted at Savour Kilkenny) and Smithwick’s on tap. To be fair, it would be an odd one for Smithwick’s to host these events and not have ale on tap in the outdoors.
Indian food makes way for Mexican over the weekend of April 5-7, including live music from Kilkenny band The Raindogs on Saturday 6 April. With two sessions under their belts, the Smithwick’s Experience team announced this week that the Barrel Yard will play host to a mix of food and music every weekend from May to September, mixing bands, DJs and a variety of food trucks from around Ireland.
Resounding success
“Last year’s trial of the Barrel Yard was a resounding success” – that’s according to Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny manager. “Entry is free, and we provide ample seating and standing space in our enclosed heated outdoor space. A full bar will be available each weekend, featuring a range of options, including low and no-alcohol options.”
“Our entertainment programme will mainly showcase classic rock and Americana genres, but it will also feature a mix of chill-out vibes, DJ sessions, and festival celebrations,” Ignacio added. Full details of weekend events will be regularly updated on Smithwick’s social media platforms and advertised locally, he revealed.
“We’re very excited to have teamed up with a variety of food trucks vendors offering tasty treats from around the world. We’re varying the offering to include Indian delicacies, barbecue delights, Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza, and the very best in Caribbean cuisine, all freshly prepared and available for enjoyment at your table. Chef Christopher Braganza, winner of RTÉ’s Battle of the Food Trucks, will be on-site to kick off the season in style.”
Make a date
Touted as ‘the Guinness Storehouse of Kilkenny’, if you’ve not taken in the Smithwick’s Experience tour, they’re open seven days a week with tours at this time of year (March) running every half hour. As title sponsors of the Kilkenny Roots Festival, you can expect it to be a busy spot over the May bank holiday weekend as well.
