Ballykeefe Amphitheatre
The support that Ballykeefe Distillery is now providing to local sporting and cultural activities, is a reflection of Morgan and Anne’s deep roots and long-standing commitment to community based activities. Ballykeefe Distillery is proud to be the main sponsor in 2018 of our neighbours Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre.
Nestled at the foot of the old Ballykeeffe Quarry, Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre brings the authentic atmosphere of an open-air Italian theatre to the quaint Kilkenny countryside. The once-bustling slate quarry had lain abandoned and in disarray for many years, with most indifferent to its very existence. However, in the late 1990s, a team of dedicated volunteers recognised a unique potential which was brought to fruition through hard work and perseverance, and in the year 2000 the amphitheatre proudly played host to the first of many performances. The only amphitheatre in Ireland, this venue can seat 350 visitors on its tiered limestone benches, while the surrounding grass area can accommodate another 400 people. An unmissable programme of live concerts takes place each Summer, highlights from 2018 included performances from the legendary singer Paul Brady, the ever energetic Ham Sandwich and critically acclaimed brother duo Hudson Taylor.
The quarry itself is every rock-climber’s paradise with groups meeting regularly to scale its dizzying heights, while the surrounding woodland is popular with families, joggers and cyclists. Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre is maintained by volunteers who are members of the KBK (Kilmanagh, Ballycallan, and Killaloe) Enterprise and who work tirelessly all year round to maintain the grounds.
For further information about upcoming events visit www.ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com
