There are few better ways to spend a crisp October evening than immersed in the warmth of live music, and that’s exactly what the sold-out crowd at Cleere’s Bar & Theatre in Kilkenny were treated to on October 16th. Galway folk singer-songwriter Niamh Regan took to the stage for an intimate solo set, supported by special guest Laura Duff another emerging voice in the Irish music scene.
Cleere’s, known for its award-winning status and famously attentive audiences, provided the perfect setting. With all seating occupied and a respectfully hushed crowd, the venue created a listening space that both performers acknowledged and clearly appreciated. The silence wasn’t awkward, it was reverent, the kind of stillness that amplifies every lyric and subtle nuance.
Opening the night was Laura Duff, performing solo with her guitar. She delivered a beautifully restrained seven-song set that introduced her as a thoughtful and emotionally articulate songwriter. She began with ”Sisters”, a gentle opener that showcased her delicate vocal tone and lyrical depth. Throughout her set, Duff maintained a quiet intensity, commanding attention without ever needing to raise her voice. She closed with ”Sea Legs”, the title track from her album, which lingered long after her final chord rang out, a strong finish from an artist clearly on the rise.
Niamh Regan followed with a fifteen-song set that blended warmth, vulnerability, and a touch of bittersweetness. Alternating between guitar and keyboard, she moved fluidly through a setlist that spanned her growing discography. Opening with ”Belly”, she immediately set a tone of introspection and emotional clarity. Songs like ”Long Hall” / ”Too Nice” and ”What To Do” were standouts, the latter accompanied by a candid moment in which Regan shared that she will soon be relocating to America, a revelation that added an extra emotional weight to the performance.
What’s striking about Regan live is her ability to make every song feel like a private conversation. Her voice, at once clear and aching, filled the small room without overwhelming it. The audience remained captivated throughout, no chatter, no phones, just stillness and the occasional breath of collective awe.
She closed her set with ”Save the Day” and ”Hate”, two tracks that bookended the emotional arc of the night with grace and a quiet power. The final notes were met with warm, extended applause, not explosive, but deeply appreciative, reflecting the tone of the entire evening.
This was a night defined by subtlety, storytelling, and connection, the kind of gig that reminds you why live music in small venues still matters. Both artists delivered intimate, emotionally rich performances that linger well beyond the applause. For those lucky enough to be in the room, it was a reminder of the magic that can happen when artist and audience meet in perfect harmony.
Laura Duff photos:
Niamh Regan photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic