John Spillane and the Band of Wrens at De Barra's Clonakilty

What to Expect

John Spillane, the Cork-born singer-songwriter known for weaving Irish-language phrases and local storytelling into his songwriting, plays De Barra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty with the Band of Wrens on Sunday 9 August. Spillane has spent decades building a body of work rooted firmly in Cork and Munster life, and his shows tend to mix warm, often funny between-song stories with a catalogue that ranges from tender ballads to upbeat singalongs. De Barra’s is one of the best-known folk venues in Ireland, its walls lined with instruments and decades of gig memorabilia, and it has hosted Spillane and countless other major Irish folk and traditional acts over the years. Backed by the Band of Wrens, this show should have a fuller, more arranged sound than a solo set, giving the songs extra depth. It’s a strong pick for anyone with an interest in contemporary Irish songwriting rooted in a specific sense of place.

Good to Know

• Date: Sunday 9 August 2026, doors 7pm, show runs to around 10pm
• Venue: De Barra’s Folk Club, Pearse Street, Clonakilty
• Ticket price: €25, booking through debarra.ie
• Standing and seated space available depending on arrival time
• Bar on site throughout the night

Getting There

De Barra’s is on Pearse Street in Clonakilty town centre, roughly 55km west of Cork city via the N71.