Festivals

Category

Castlecomer Wellington Race (January 1st)

Join in the largest rubber boot race in the world with hundreds of wellie-booted runners, in all sorts of attire, over a 6.4 km circuit. A great way to start the year!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ComerWellieRace/
- Read more about Castlecomer Wellington Race (January 1st)
Durrow Scarecrow Festival (week leading up to August Bank Holiday)

This annual event offers a range of activities, including a scarecrow making competition. Don't miss this fun event!
- Read more about Durrow Scarecrow Festival (week leading up to August Bank Holiday)
Éigse Sliabh Rua Co Kilkenny (November)

This traditional festival is based in Slieverue village and includes talks on local and national history, traditional music and children’s historical tour, poetry readings and tours to historical locations.
- Read more about Éigse Sliabh Rua Co Kilkenny (November)
Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival (late August/September)

Antiquarian, general second-hand and bargain book dealers descend on the village of Graiguenamanagh offering thousands of books to suit all tastes and budgets. Readings, book valuations and entertainment are on offer.
- Read more about Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival (late August/September)
Graiguenamanagh/Tinnahinch Regatta and Boat Rally Festival (June)

The festival includes musical events, sporting activities and comedy acts. The regatta includes over 20 events from an Iron Man contest to cot (fishing boat) races, swimming and diving competitions.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Graignamanagh-Regatta-402147136571713/
- Read more about Graiguenamanagh/Tinnahinch Regatta and Boat Rally Festival (June)
Heritage Week (mid to late August)

Organised by Duchas there is something for everyone in Heritage Week such as guided tours of Kilkenny Castle, exhibitions, nature walks, bird watching and guided tours of heritage sites.

Many events are free of charge during this week.
- Read more about Heritage Week (mid to late August)
Iverk Agricultural Show (late August)

This agricultural show dates back to 1826 and is one of the largest in the country.

Showcases the best of livestock, poultry, produce and crafts, as well as featuring showjumping.

Held annually in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
- Read more about Iverk Agricultural Show (late August)
Kilkenny Arts Festival (early to mid-August)

This exciting festival takes place over two weekends and the intervening week.

The festival offers a spectacular variety of events, in Kilkenny City and County, to suit all ages and tastes including art, crafts, classical, jazz, world and traditional music, poetry and book readings, street performances, outdoor plays and workshops... Just be there!!

Programme available early July from the booking office. Book early to avoid disappointment.
- Read more about Kilkenny Arts Festival (early to mid-August)
Kilkenny Chess Festival (Every November)

With games played at five different grades including Grand Masters and International Masters and attracting players from as far afield as Russia, this international festival welcomes all chess enthusiasts.
Free to spectators.
Venues are Ormonde Hotel and Club House Hotel, Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Congress 2020 - check on the website
- Read more about Kilkenny Chess Festival (Every November)
Kilkenny Fleadh Ceoil (end of April)

A weekend of traditional music, sessions and competitions, dancing, song and open air activities organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
- Read more about Kilkenny Fleadh Ceoil (end of April)
Kilkenny Roots Weekend (May Bank Holiday)

Featuring a world class lineup of international and Irish Roots / Americana Acts

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/KilkennyRootsFestival
- Read more about Kilkenny Roots Weekend (May Bank Holiday)
Kilkenomics Festival (November)

This unique festival brings together economists, financial analysts, journalists and other specialists to discuss issues that are affecting all our lives. What’s different here is the serious people are joined by comedians who help keep the discussion in layman’s terms so we can all understand what they’re talking about! As it says in the brochure “it’s serious but it’s great fun too!”

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/kilkenomics
- Read more about Kilkenomics Festival (November)
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October Bank Holiday)

Savour Kilkenny is a festival with a true community heart run by a voluntary committee of Kilkenny people who are passionate about food. Growing it, making it, cooking it, sharing it and eating it – all are celebrated each year in a jam packed programme.

We’re lucky to have an exceptionally vibrant and creative food culture here and Savour Kilkenny is a chance to throw open our doors and invite you to join the party and enjoy it with us.

Join us for a week-end of culinary experiences, celebrity chef demos, food stalls and much more!

Social Media
- Read more about Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October Bank Holiday)
St Patrick’s Day (March 17th)

Entertainment on the streets of Kilkenny. Parades at various locations in the City and around the County.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/StPatricksDayKilkenny/
- Read more about St Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
Subtitle European Film Festival (November)

The SUBTITLE European Film Festival provides a unique opportunity to catch some of the most popular European films that rarely show up at the multiplex. And a chance to meet its filmmakers and stars. If you are looking for provocative, funny, accessible and smart European films, then SUBTITLE is for you!
- Read more about Subtitle European Film Festival (November)
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June Bank Holiday)

International comedy festival of great renown. Don’t stay at home – have a laugh!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/catlaughs
- Read more about The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June Bank Holiday)
Thomastown Traditional Irish Music Weekend (August Bank Holiday)

This annual event offers a weekend of live music in the pubs and on the streets of Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.
- Read more about Thomastown Traditional Irish Music Weekend (August Bank Holiday)
Tradfest (St Patrick’s week-end)

Range of traditional music at various venues around the City. Don’t miss it, it’s great fun!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/KKTradFest/
- Read more about Tradfest (St Patrick’s week-end)
Yulefest Kilkenny (December)

A range of seasonal events in Kilkenny City and County.
- Read more about Yulefest Kilkenny (December)