Kilkenny events focus on the major four-day Saint Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny in Kilkenny City (14–17 March), billed as the “Big Festival in a Small City.” The programme includes over 80 events celebrating Irish music, culture, creativity, and community, with the highlight being the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade themed “Together – Le Chéile” (emphasising unity and shared spirit). The festival runs alongside Kilkenny Tradfest, delivering over 100 free traditional music sessions across the city.
- Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Tuesday, 17 March, 1:30 pm sharp): The flagship event starts at John Street (from John’s Priory), proceeds along Bateman Quay, High Street, The Parade, and finishes near Kilkenny Castle on Castle Road. Featuring over 2,000 performers—including marching bands, dancers, stilt-walkers, puppeteers, jugglers, local groups, and colourful floats—it is led by Grand Marshal George Candler (a renowned local livestock auctioneer, former Kilkenny Person of the Year, and long-time festival supporter). A post-parade performance by Jerry Fish takes place on the festival stage in the afternoon.
- Festival Market & Funfair (The Parade Plaza, open daily from Thursday, 12 March to Sunday, 22 March): The central hub in the heart of the city with a big wheel, vintage carousel, helter-skelter, local craft stalls, food vendors, and family attractions—creating a lively carnival atmosphere throughout the extended period.
- Kilkenny Tradfest (Music Trail) (14–17 March across over 36 pubs and venues, e.g., Kyteler’s Inn, Cleere’s Bar, Paris Texas): Over 100 free gigs and sessions featuring trad legends and rising talent, including performances by artists like Sharon Shannon, Mundy (with his band at Kyteler’s Inn on Saturday, 14 March at 9:00 pm), Blackthorn Rising, and many more—transforming the city into a live music trail for authentic Irish tunes.
Key Events & Performance Times
- Headline Concert: Iarla Ó Lionáird & Trio (Friday, 13 March, 7:00 pm at Saint Canice’s Cathedral): A special pre-festival musical highlight.
- Storytelling: Irish Mythology (Sunday, 15 March, 4:30 pm at Pembroke Hotel): Engaging sessions exploring folklore and legends.
- Fire & Drum Spectacular (Monday, 16 March, 7:30 pm at UPMC Nowlan Park): A breathtaking nighttime show with pyro, drums, and high-energy performances.
- Barracks Museum Guided Tour (Tuesday, 17 March, 11:30 am at James Stephens Barracks): Historical insights into Kilkenny’s military paSaint
- American Marching Bands (throughout the weekend at Kilkenny Castle Park): Dynamic performances by international bands adding spectacle and pageantry.
- Evening Walking Tours (hosted by Shenanigans Walks, 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm on 14–16 March): Magical medieval history strolls through the city’s ancient streets.
- Museum of the Moon (open daily at Saint Canice’s Cathedral): An illuminated lunar installation with special performances on Saint Patrick’s Day for a mesmerising visual experience.
These events are mostly free (some may require booking or small fees), family-friendly, and inclusive, drawing crowds to Kilkenny’s medieval charm. For the full updated programme, routes, road closures, tickets (e.g., for specific concerts or tours), or any last-minute additions, visit the official site at stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com or check their social media.
Tourism Ireland reaches out toe the Irish Diaspora
Saint Patrick’s Day county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in the USA
Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Delaware – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois –Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – Nevada – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington DC – Washington State – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming –
Saint Patrick’s Day province by province in Canada
Alberta – British Columbia – Manitoba – New Brunswick – Newfoundland and Labrador – Nova Scotia – Ontario – Prince Edward Island – Quebec – Saskatchewan
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in Australia
New South Wales – Northern Territory – Queensland – Tasmania – Victoria – Western Australia
