The Stables in Mullingar, previously nominated IMRO Music Venue Of The Year for two consecutive years in 2007-08 and winner of the Hot Press special commemoration award 2008, welcomes a myriad of talented Irish musicians on Saturday, July 30.
The once recognised venue was a must stop for Ireland's and Europe’s touring musicians, having hosted Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan, The Frames, the late Mic Christopher, Duke Special, The Stunning, the Hothouse Flowers and The Coronas to name a few.
In 2011, Tommy McManus, the man who built and put The Stables on the map listed the venue and attached public house up for lease. The pub and venue changed hands on a few occasions from 2011-2013 and The Stables fell into the abyss - memories of joyous gigs and unforgettable performances felt like they would never return.
Things got so bad that the entire establishment for a period of time in late 2013 and it looked as though we had seen the last of The Stables. However, in 2014, Kieran Smith leased a premises that had lost its purpose. Upon taking over, Kieran wanted to first focus on the trade of the pub and create a welcoming atmosphere for all who visited.
Not needing long for the pub to be a bustling part of Mullingar social scene once again, Kieran's attention quickly shifted to the rebirth of the iconic music venue The Stables.
In just four years Kieran rejuvenated one of Ireland's most iconic venues, cultivating a thriving local music scene with sold out shows by The Academic, The Blizzards, Paulie Martin & Friends, Fallen Lights & Scally with huge success.
Confident in the venue's rebirth, The Stables began promoting shows from bigger acts with names like Damien Dempsey, Mick Flannery, Ryan Sheridan & The Pale becoming part of the norm once again at The Stables.
Kieran, ever the entrepreneur, used the Covid-19 closures to refit the whole establishment, modernising the furnishings and expanding with an upstairs beer garden. It is Kieran's belief that the venue can once again be placed side by side with the cornerstones of the Irish music circuit like Whelan’s, Roisin Dubh, Monroes, The Spirit Store, Dolans or Cyprus Avenue.
With that major league in mind, the creation of The Stables Live at The Showgrounds happened in 2021. This saw the promotion move to an external venue for the first time and host its biggest show to date. The legendary Aslan were joined by Lisa Canny, Flynn & more at The Culleen Showgrounds last August to a crowd of 500 people with the capacity capped with government guidelines at the time.
The sell out event was a huge success and established an inspiration for an annual outing of The Stables Live. This year’s show takes place on the eve of the Fleadh Ceoil at Culleen Showgrounds, Mullingar on Saturday, July 30 with confirmed acts Damien Dempsey, The Hothouse Flowers, Moxie, Clare Sands, Cian Thomas & Luke Price and promises to be an incredible night of music and entertainment.
Owner Kieran asks that people get out and support local venues and independent promotions.
“A night out in Mullingar is as good as any city in Ireland and a night of music run by The Stables Live will always be a night to remember," Kieran enthused.
Check out www.thestableslive.com for more details and ticket information.
