Entrepreneur Sean Kirwan turned his vision into a reality with a unique concert experience at Russborough House, attracting 650 guests across three sold-out evenings.
“I’ve always had a passion for business and for creating experiences that people will genuinely remember,” says Sean Kirwan. “This year, I decided to take the biggest risk of my life and turn that passion into something real.”
Kirwan, who says he has always had a passion for business and creating memorable experiences, created Moonlight Picnic, a concert experience set in the beautiful grounds of Russborough House in Co Wicklow.
“Putting my entire savings into an idea that had never been tested before brought plenty of sleepless nights and worry. There was always the question of whether people would actually buy into the vision”
The 27-year-old decided to invest his entire savings into launching Moonlight Picnic, an immersive outdoor concert experience featuring a live piano performance, 2,000 candles and two illuminated four-metre high moons.
Across three nights Moonlight Picnic sold 650 tickets and every night was a sell-out.
A gamble pays off
Kirwan admits that putting his savings behind a concept that had never been tested was far from comfortable.
“I’ve always had a passion for business and for creating experiences that people will genuinely remember,” he says.
“This year, I decided to take the biggest risk of my life and turn that passion into something real.”
The financial commitment came with uncertainty and pressure.
“Putting my entire savings into an idea that had never been tested before brought plenty of sleepless nights and worry. There was always the question of whether people would actually buy into the vision.”
The response from the public quickly provided an answer.
“Seeing 650 people buy tickets and all three nights sell out made those sleepless nights worthwhile.”
For Kirwan, the success of the event went beyond ticket sales.
“Watching something that had existed only in my head become a real experience that people were enjoying was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Showcasing Wicklow’s heritage and talent
While Moonlight Picnic centred on live music and atmosphere, Kirwan says the wider ambition is to create experiences that celebrate Ireland’s historic estates and support local communities.
“For me, Moonlight Picnic was proof that an idea can become something much bigger when you’re willing to take a chance on it”
“The idea behind Moonlight Picnic is bigger than simply putting on a concert,” he explains.
“I want to create memorable experiences that showcase some of the incredible historic estates and beautiful locations we have around Ireland, while also supporting local talent and giving people a new way to experience these places.”
For the Russborough House event, local connections were a key part of the concept.
“It was important to me to use local talent, including Rosie Griffin, and to create an event that felt connected to Wicklow.”
He also saw the event as an opportunity to encourage more people to discover one of the county’s best-known landmarks.
“One of my main goals was to introduce more people to the incredible grounds of Russborough House and show what can be created in such a special setting.”
A personal journey behind the business
The decision to launch Moonlight Picnic was shaped by more than entrepreneurial ambition.
Over the past year, Kirwan experienced two life-changing events that influenced his outlook and fuelled his determination to pursue the idea.
Last October, he completed a full Ironman Triathlon, a gruelling 226km endurance challenge. Months later, in April, he lost his father.
Those experiences, he says, reshaped how he viewed risk and opportunity.
“Last October, I completed a full Ironman Triathlon, a 226km challenge and in April I lost my Dad.
“Those experiences were very different, but both changed my perspective on life. They made me realise that it’s often through challenges that we grow the most, and that sometimes you have to take the risk and back yourself rather than spend your life wondering what might have been.”
He credits that mindset with giving him the confidence to move forward with Moonlight Picnic.
“That mindset gave me the push to bring Moonlight Picnic to life.”
Building the next chapter
Following the success of the inaugural event, Kirwan is already planning what comes next.
His vision extends beyond Russborough House and beyond a single event format.
“My long-term ambition is to bring these types of experiences to historic estates throughout Ireland, creating events that showcase our incredible surroundings, support local talent and give people experiences they will remember.”
Planning is already underway for the next venture, which will return to Russborough House later this year.
“I’m already working on the next chapter, including a pumpkin patch experience at Russborough House this autumn.”
For Kirwan, Moonlight Picnic represents more than a successful event. It is validation that a bold idea can gain traction when matched with determination and belief.
“For me, Moonlight Picnic was proof that an idea can become something much bigger when you’re willing to take a chance on it.”
“Going from investing my savings in my first ever event to selling 650 tickets across three sold out nights has given me huge belief in where this could go next.”
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