Getting into the rhythm

KILKENNY is gearing up for the 15th Smithwick’s Rhythm and Roots music festival this May bank holiday weekend.

The boutique festival, which started in 1998, features Americana, country, blues, bluegrass and folk, and is one of Europe’s premier assemblies of North American roots music.

It’s now a badge of honour for established acts to brag about cutting their teeth at Kilkenny.