Wednesday 11th February 2026
Location: Cleeres Bar and Theatre, 28 Parliament Street, Kilkenny
Out of stock
If there is such a thing as a well-marked path in rock and roll, The Frames have never shown much interest in following it. For over 35 years, the band have carved their own route, guided by instinct, independence and a deep connection to their audience.
Formed in Dublin in 1990 around songwriter and vocalist Glen Hansard, The Frames quickly became a cornerstone of Ireland’s live music scene, building a fiercely loyal following through constant touring and a commitment to creative independence. Across albums including Fitzcarraldo, Dance the Devil, For The Birds, Burn The Maps and The Cost, the band achieved multiple Irish chart-toppers while remaining closely tied to the venues and communities that supported them from the start.
Though individual members have pursued acclaimed solo and collaborative projects over the years, The Frames have continued to reunite for landmark live performances, including sold-out shows at Electric Picnic, Iveagh Gardens, Live at the Marquee and Kilmainham.
In 2026, this grassroots venue tour offers a reminder of where it all began, and of the vital role small venues continue to play in Ireland’s musical ecosystem.
Spirit Store Dundalk, Dolan’s Warehouse Limerick, DeBarras Clonakilty + Cleeres Kilkenny
One of Ireland’s most beloved bands, The Frames, have announced a special run of intimate Irish shows for February 2026, returning to the grassroots venues that played a vital role in shaping their early career. The band will play Spirit Store, Dundalk (4 Feb), Dolan’s Warehouse, Limerick (8 Feb), DeBarras, Clonakilty (9 Feb), and Cleeres, Kilkenny (11 Feb).
At a time when Irish artists continue to excel on the world stage, these shows shine a spotlight on the small and medium-sized venues that form the foundation of Ireland’s live music ecosystem, and which are now under increasing threat.
These grassroots venues are the training grounds for artists, technicians, promoters, and crews. They are cultural hubs, employers, tourism drivers, and community spaces. Yet across Ireland – as across the UK, Europe and the US – many are operating on unsustainable margins, facing rising costs, reduced touring circuits, and mounting financial pressure.
This Frames tour has been organised by the venues and band to act as a wake up call. It aims to be part of a wider ongoing conversation about the real hurdles these venues face to keep delivering quality shows. Without sustained support for these rooms, the artists of tomorrow may never get the chance to take their first steps. For The Frames, these shows are an opportunity to give something back to the venues that helped shape their journey.
Glen Hansard shared: “These are the rooms… where we learn to tell stories and learn the magic of the intimate spaces. Only from there can we take it to a bigger stage with any confidence.”
Those running Ireland’s grassroots venues say the tour arrives at a critical moment.
“Small and mid-sized venues have played a crucial role in nu
Organisers Website

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