Cavan singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill is set to perform at the Live at Castle Mills concert series in Kilkenny this July, alongside The National’s Matt Berninger and Engine Alley. O’Neill’s work has featured in the television drama Peaky Blinders. Her upcoming performance reflects a broader trend of cross-genre collaboration in the Irish live music sector.
How is Irish music influencing global media?
O’Neill’s compositions, including “Blackbird” and an adaptation of Bob Dylan’s “All the Tired Horses,” appeared in the final scene of Peaky Blinders.
O’Neill praised the documentary Tradfluencer: The Sharon Shannon Story.
Why are artists shifting toward environmental activism?
O’Neill cites Mary Reynolds’ book We are the ARK as a key influence. The movement advocates for “Acts of Restorative Kindness,” encouraging individuals to transform private gardens into ARKs to allow native flora and fauna to heal.
What is the future of the Irish live music circuit?
The emergence of concert series, such as Live at Castle Mills, is taking place in Kilkenny City. Dublin’s Whelan’s hosted New Orleans-based songwriter Carsie Blanton last month. O’Neill identified the band Delivery Service as a “next big thing” after seeing them perform at Dublin’s Spindizzy Records.
Comparison: Legacy vs. Emerging Talent
| Artist Type | Primary Driver | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy/Established | Catalog & Legacy | The Pogues |
| Emerging | Original EP/Live Buzz | Delivery Service |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Live at Castle Mills concert? The event featuring Matt Berninger, Lisa O’Neill and Engine Alley is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th 2026.
- What is an ARK in the context of Mary Reynolds’ work? It stands for Acts of Restorative Kindness, a program designed to help individuals restore biodiversity in their local gardens.
- Where does Lisa O’Neill find new music? O’Neill attends in-store performances at independent record shops like Spindizzy Records and listens to programming on stations like lyric FM.
Are you attending the Live at Castle Mills series this summer? Share your thoughts on the future of the Irish music scene in the comments section below.
