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music · Friday 17 July 2026 · 8:00pm 
Public Image Ltd (PiL) with ASH and Kerbdog
At Castle Mills · Castle Mills, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
At Castle Mills · Castle Mills, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Public Image Ltd - the band John Lydon built from the wreckage of the Sex Pistols - headlines the first night of Live at Castle Mills, a brand new outdoor concert series launching in Kilkenny in July 2026. Joining them are Northern Irish rock survivors ASH and Kilkenny’s own Kerbdog. If you grew up with post-punk or 90s alternative rock, this is one of the more compelling Irish gig lineups of the summer.
The show takes place under an elegant big top tent in riverside parkland beside the grounds of Kilkenny Castle. It is a proper outdoor venue setting - open-air atmosphere with shelter - right on the River Nore and within walking distance of the city centre.
PiL have been making restless, challenging music since 1978, working through dub, krautrock, dance and noise across their career. Their current touring chapter, billed as “This Is Not The Last Tour”, draws from across the catalogue - First Issue (1978) through to End of World (2023). ASH formed in Downpatrick in 1992 and remain one of the most dependable live acts to emerge from Ireland; their melodic guitar pop has outlasted every guitar revival since. Kerbdog, from Kilkenny itself, had a real moment in the mid-90s British heavy rock scene before splitting, and their reunion sets have reminded people exactly why they mattered locally.
Doors are at 8:00pm with three acts on the bill, so arriving on time is worth it.
By road, the M9 motorway puts Kilkenny roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from Dublin and 40 minutes from Waterford. Irish Rail runs regular services from Dublin Heuston to Kilkenny MacDonagh station (about 80 minutes). Castle Mills is a short walk from the station and city centre. City centre parking fills quickly on summer evenings, so arriving early or using the park-and-walk option from the outskirts is sensible.
Kilkenny is one of the most enjoyable Irish cities for an overnight - medieval laneways, good food, and Smithwick’s brewed here since 1710. There is more to see in Kilkenny and across Co. Kilkenny.
Heading to Castle Mills in Kilkenny? Kilkenny has plenty more to see. Read the Kilkenny area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.