Everything – you need to know about Live At Castle Mills, Kilkenny

There’s just a week to go until Kilkenny’s newest concert series kicks off by the River Nore. The inaugural Live at Castle Mills brings two distinct and incredible line-ups to the historic, medieval city of Kilkenny, with John Lydon’s Public Image Ltd. leading the charge on Friday the 17th of July, with special guests Ash and Kerbdog. On Saturday the 18th, The National’s Matt Berninger will bring his only Irish solo show this year to the gorgeous surrounds, and will be joined by special guests Lisa O’Neill and Engine Alley. 

Just announced is the Castle Mills Food Tent by Medley Events, which will see a carefully curated collection of world-inspired street food, all created using the very best produce from Kilkenny and across Ireland.

All-in-all, with the weather shaping up to be a scorcher right through into next weekend, Kilkenny is going to be the place to be. Here’s everything you need to know…

When and where is Live at Castle Mills?

Live at Castle Mills 2026 takes place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of July.

This brand new concert series takes place underneath a big top tent in the beautiful surrounds of a riverside park located by the Canal Walk, which is a five minute walk from the city centre.

Who is playing?

The iconic punk band Public Image Ltd – better known as PiL –  fronted by the inimitable John Lydon, will take to the stage in Kilkenny on Friday, July 17th for the inaugural Live at Castle Mills, with special guests Ash and Kerbdog.

The baritone-voiced heart and soul of Grammy-winning band The National, Matt Berninger, brings his rare and captivating solo performance, celebrating his 2025 album Get Sunk, to Kilkenny on Saturday, July 18th with special guests Lisa O’Neill and Engine Alley.

Where can I get tickets? 

Tickets are on sale now from from castlemills.ie and ticketmaster.ie 

What time do the gates open? 

Gates for both events open at 5pm. Ticketholders are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the beautiful surroundings and indulge in premium food and drink options at the Castle Mills Food Tent by Medley Events. Please note that there is no re-entry into the event.

Where is the box office?

The box office is located at the main entrance of the venue, opening at 5pm each evening and closing at 9pm.

How do I get there? 

It has never been easier to get to Kilkenny. Just 90 minutes from Dublin, two hours from Cork and three hours away from Belfast, County Kilkenny is conveniently connected through major transport routes and links.

Visit https://visitkilkenny.ie/getting-here/ to help plan your journey. 

Is there parking?

There is no parking at the venue, however the site is a five minute walk from the city centre. For parking, please use local Kilkenny City parking amenities and observe parking signs. All ticketholders are encouraged to use public transport.

Will there be food at the event?

Yes! Ticketholders are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the beautiful surroundings and indulge in premium food and drink options at the Castle Mills Food Tent by Medley Events. Located at the heart of the festival, The Castle Mills Food Tent will offer a carefully curated collection of world-inspired street food, all created using the very best produce from Kilkenny and across Ireland.

Visitors can travel the world without leaving the festival grounds, choosing from flavours inspired by Spain, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Ireland itself. Every menu has been designed by chef and hospitality entrepreneur Andrew Rudd, whose philosophy is simple: celebrate local ingredients while drawing inspiration from global cuisines.

Please note that this is a cashless service. 

Is Live at Castle Mills accessible to all? 

Yes. There are accessible routes, there is an accessible viewing platform in the tent and accessible toilet facilities on-site.

What are Live at Castle Mills’ age restrictions?

Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

What can I bring on site? 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, a number of items are not permitted at the event. Anyone found carrying prohibited items will have them confiscated at the gate, and those found in possession of illegal substances will be referred to Gardaí. Items will not be available to collect after the event.

Prohibited items include fireworks, chinese lanterns, flares, high-power torches, glass, laser pens, spray canisters, smoke bombs, gas canisters or cylinders, petrol generators, liquefied petroleum gas, BBQs, selfie sticks, drones, umbrellas, metal water bottles, hi vis clothing, make-up items, chairs of any kind (including foldable seating),megaphones and anything which could be considered an offensive weapon.

No bags over A4 size are allowed, and liquids including alcohol and perfume/aftershave over 100ml are not permitted.

Professional photographic equipment is prohibited (this applies to cameras

that have detachable lenses).

Animals (with the exception of guide dogs) are not allowed.

What is Live at Castle Mills’ sustainability policy? 

Live at Castle Mills is committed to delivering a sustainable festival experience by reducing waste and encouraging environmentally responsible practices across the site. 

The festival is implementing a fully reusable glassware system across bar and drinks service areas to eliminate single-use cups and glasses on-site, alongside encouraging all food vendors and catering partners to use fully recyclable food packaging.

Friday, 17th July – Public Image Ltd.

With special guests Ash and Kerbdog 

Saturday, 18th July – Matt Berninger (The National)

With special guests Lisa O’Neill and Engine Alley

Tickets on sale now

from castlemills.ie and ticketmaster.ie 

Canal Walk, Dukesmeadows, Co. Kilkenny

Photos credit – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic