Summer is here once again and Ballykeefe Amphitheatre is set to become a hive of activity once again as we host a series of events for you to enjoy! We've been very busy so far organising and we have just recently erected a new canopy which covers the stage area. This year, something for everyone is catered for. Check out our Event Guide below to find something that suits you!

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Event Guide 2011

Events will run throughout the summer from June to September. Please note that Ballykeefe Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue so even if its sunny leaving home, bring an umbrella or a jumper just in case!!!

Recent events this year have included:

Kilkenny Cats Laugh Festival in June. A bus-load of comedy fans were entertained by Karl Spain, Tom Gleeson, Eleanor Tiernan and Fred Cooke as one of their stops on their Mystery Bus Tour.

Family Fun Day 2011

A Record crowd in attendance at this years Family Fun Day which was held on the 19th of June. Highlights included award-winning storyteller, Billy Teare on hand to tell a few tales, Bouncy Castles, Facepainting, Quad Rides, Go-karting, Rockclimbing and Abseiling, Wheel of Fortune, Irish Dancing, Farm Animals and Poultry, Tug o War and other fun and games. Fun was also had with food as children were encouraged to decorate their own buns whilst baking enthusiasts entered the Baking Competition.

Mid-Summer's Night Dream, July 19th.

Once again, a large crowd turned out at the Amphitheatre to see the rave reviewed production of Shakesperean classic "A Midsummers Night Dream" by the Chapter House Theatre Company. The event was significant in that it was the first event to take place in our newly erected canopy which was designed to shield the stage from the elements. Luckily, it wasn't needed as the weather was great with many taking the opportunity to turn up early to picnic and enjoy the great outdoors.

NEXT EVENT - AUGUST 20TH Andy Irvine

ANDY IRVINE is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself". Musician, singer, songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his 45 year career.

From Sweeney's Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s and then from Patrick Street to Andy Irvine & Dónal Lunny's Mozaik, Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.

As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie.
To quote the Irish Times, "Often copied, never equalled", his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dances and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs.

Andy graces Ballykeefe Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 20th 2011.

Tickets are available from:

Kilkenny Book Centre, High Street, Co.Kilkenny

O'Connors Shop, Kilmanagh

The Venue itself on the night

Matt O Sullivan 087-6261134

UPCOMING EVENTS

AUGUST MINI FEST

A number of events will be held throughout the month of August in what we like to call the August Mini Fest.

Early August will see moonlit concerts and events taking place. Past acts which have played at Ballykeefe Amphitheatre include Anuna, Moya Brennan, Oliver Dawson Saxon, Kila and many more. Times, dates and acts have yet to be confirmed

HERITAGE WEEK, AUGUST 20TH - 28TH

Ceol and Stroll will be held during Heritage Week (August 20th - August 28th). More details to follow

An Outdoor Mass will be held at the historic Mass Rock in Ballykeefe

Nature Event in association with the Natural Parks and Wildlife Service

CLIMB FEST September 9th -11th

Kilkenny's first Rock Climbing Festival

Introducing Kilkenny's first ever Rock Climbing Festival In association with Tyndall Mountaineering Club and Mid Tipp Hillwalkers on September 9th -11th. >>>> more

Quotes from Artists that have played here:

	Moya Brennan. " What a unique experience! There can't be anywhere else like Ballykeeffe in Ireland. Playing there was a pleasure - its intimate and easy to connect with the audience but at the same time there's a sense of grandeur and drama beneath the magnificent rockface. A gem of a place and I'm sure destined to become a favourite with all kinds of performers".
	Noirinn Ni Riain. " The amphitheatre was special and magical community resource. The dramatic cliff face of the old quarry makes for a very impressive backdrop and the tiered seating is beautifully landscaped in a way that also maximises the acoustics".
ANÚNA "To return to this unique venue is always a pleasure, and we are assured of a warm welcome at all times - thank you"
Experience The Unforgettable A deep, worked-out quarry, nestling beneath Ballykeeffe Wood and Nature Reserve, offers acoustics and a setting designed to provide an unforgettable and memorable evening. Leading performers have thrilled audiences here - Anuna, Kila, Cora Venus Lunny, Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir.