Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Kilkenny from 20 March to 1 May 2026, highlighting a blend of music, cultural heritage, live performances, wellness, and community activities primarily in Kilkenny City and surrounding areas. The period follows the main St. Patrick’s Festival (14-17 March) and Kilkenny Tradfest (13-17 March), with some fringe extensions possible into early days.
Major Festivals
- Kilkenny Roots Festival 2026 (1-4 May, starting 1 May within the period): An internationally acclaimed roots and Americana music festival transforming Kilkenny City with over 40 Irish and international acts across more than 30 venues (including Kyteler’s Inn and historic pubs). Genres span swing, bluegrass, rockabilly, cajun, folk, blues, and alt-country, featuring 90+ ticketed and free shows, plus the popular Smithwick’s Music Trail for pub-hopping sessions and late-night vibes.
Arts & Culture Events
- Journée Internationale de la Francophonie (20 March): A free guided tour in French at Kilkenny Castle to celebrate International Francophonie Day, exploring the medieval site’s history and architecture in a multilingual setting.
- Choral Treasures (28 March): An evening of beautiful choral music at the Medieval Mile Museum, featuring performances by the In Caelo Chamber Choir and the Portmarnock Singers in a historic, atmospheric venue.
- The History of Folk Horror (20 April): An engaging talk or presentation at Set Theatre delving into the cultural roots, evolution, and themes of folk horror in film and literature, followed by a Q&A.
Live Music & Performance
- Michael English 2026 Irish Concert Tour (22 March): A live show by Irish music star Michael English, with special guest Brendan Shine, at the Watergate Theatre.
- Bone Machine plays the music of Tom Waits (5 April): A punk-jazz and blues reinterpretation of Tom Waits classics at Cleere’s Bar & Theatre.
- Cam Cole (21 April): High-energy one-man band performance by Cam Cole at Cleere’s Bar & Theatre.
Community & Wellness
- World Down Syndrome Day (21 March): Awareness and celebration activities at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.
- Earth Medicine Retreat (18 April): A wellness-focused event at Castlecomer Discovery Park, including wreath-making, holistic healing workshops, and nature connection.
- Saddle up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny 2026 (26 April): A fundraising cycling event through the scenic Kilkenny countryside, starting from Danesfort GAA Club.
Ongoing & Family Experiences
- Kilkenny Famine Experience (daily through May): A 50-minute interactive tour at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre exploring the impact of the Great Hunger in Kilkenny through immersive storytelling and exhibits.
- Medieval Mile Walking Tours (various dates): Guided tours by costumed guides sharing quirky tales of witches, merchants, medieval history, and hidden gems along Kilkenny’s historic Medieval Mile.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Kilkenny is widely regarded as the medieval and craft capital of Ireland, hosting world-class festivals focused on comedy, music, and heritage.
- Kilkenny Animated (February): A festival celebrating the art of animation, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and screenings from world-renowned studios like Cartoon Saloon.
- Kilkenomics (March/November): A unique festival that brings together world-leading economists and famous comedians to discuss global affairs in a lighthearted, accessible way.
- St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny (March): A multi-day celebration featuring a large carnival parade through the medieval city, street performances, and traditional music.
- Tradfest Kilkenny (March): Held over the St. Patrick’s weekend, this festival showcases the best of Irish traditional music with sessions in the city’s historic pubs and venues.
- Kilkenny Roots Festival (May): A premier Americana and roots music festival featuring international acts performing in venues across the city over the bank holiday weekend.
- Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June): One of Ireland’s most famous comedy festivals, attracting top-tier international and Irish stand-up comedians to Kilkenny City.
- Kilkenny Arts Festival (August): A prestigious ten-day event featuring classical music, theatre, contemporary dance, and visual arts in historic spaces like St. Canice’s Cathedral.
- National Heritage Week (August): A series of events across the county celebrating Kilkenny’s medieval history, including guided tours of castles, abbeys, and ancient walls.
- Iverk Show (August): Ireland’s oldest agricultural show, held in Piltown, featuring livestock competitions, local food, and family entertainment.
- Scoil na gCláirseach – Festival of Early Irish Harp (August): An international festival dedicated to the historical wire-strung harp, featuring workshops and concerts in the city.
- Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October): A massive bank holiday celebration of local gastronomy featuring a giant food market, celebrity chef demos, and dining events.
- Subtitle European Film Festival (November): A unique film festival focusing on popular European cinema, bringing international actors and directors to Kilkenny for screenings and awards.
- Yulefest Kilkenny (December): A month-long Christmas festival featuring festive markets, light installations, an ice rink, and seasonal workshops across the city and county.
Festivals
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