Monday 16th March 2026
Location: Sullivan’s Taproom 15 John Street Lower R95 H2CE Kilkenny
BRIARS are an alternative folk act that sound like nobody else in the Irish scene. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.
Childhood friends Mick Grace & Paul O’Shea grew up together in South Kilkenny, playing in different bands together all over the world. Having started work on their own songs, the first lineup of BRIARS made its’ live debut in 2023 in iconic folk venue, Coughlans (Cork City). Word would spread quickly about the band’s energetic 6/7-piece live show and original, authentic sound, combining traditional influences with more contemporary approaches and textures.
Over the next two years, the band would regularly release music, receiving coverage from the likes of RTE Entertainment, Hot Press, Analogue Trash, The Irish Post and more, as well as regular radio play on national Irish and UK radio (RTE Radio 1, RTE 2FM, BBC Radio and more). High profile festival slots at the likes of Electric Picnic, Galway Folk Fest, When Next We Meet, Guinness Cork Jazz Fest cemented the band as a ‘must see’ live act, sharing bills with the likes of the Scratch, The Wran, Leevy, Billow Wood and more.
Successful showcases at AICF (Florida) and YRAS (Belfast) have resulted in the band being booked for a US tour in August 2027 (more details to follow). Their latest single ‘Before Long’ was released in January 2026, with another single and live EP all set for release before April.
Organisers Website

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