FAQs

Your Guide to St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny

Are events suitable for families and children?

Absolutely! The festival is family-friendly, with plenty of children’s entertainment, workshops, and the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Are there accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. We’re committed to making the festival accessible for all. Visit our Accessibility page for details on accessible parking, venues, and services.
Can I watch the parade online?

Yes! The main parade and highlights will be livestreamed on our website and social media channels on St. Patrick’s Day.
How can I take part in the parade or festival?

Applications for the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade open in January each year. Visit our Participate page to learn more and complete an application form. If you are a performer wishing to participate in the wider festival, feel free to contact us via the contact page at any time.
How do I get to Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. It’s just 90 minutes from Dublin, two hours from Cork, and three hours from Belfast. Visit our Getting Here page for full travel details.
Is Kilkenny Tradfest part of St. Patrick’s Festival?

Kind of! They are sister festivals that run alongside each other over St. Patrick’s weekend. The two programmes compliment each other and some events are run in association with both festivals. The two festivals offer great day to night entertainment, celebrating Irish music, culture and heritage. Kilkenny Tradfest features headline gigs from top Irish artists and a free music trail in pubs and venues around the city! Plus to make it convenient for everyone both programmes are combined in one booklet so you can plan your time in Kilkenny perfectly!
Is parking available in Kilkenny during the festival?

Yes, public parking is available at various city locations. Check out our handy google map for locations. Where possible visitors are encouraged to use public transport and on March 17th we recommend using park-and-walk options as there are a number of road closures to facilitate the Parade.
Is there an entry fee?

The festival offers a mix of free and ticketed events. Access to the Festival Quarter, with the Festival Market, Street Entertainment and the Festival Funfair is free and un-ticketed. Viewing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and American Marching Band performances is free and un-ticketed. Some children’s shows, workshops, talks and highlight events are ticketed. When looking through the programme there will be a ‘book now‘ button or cost listed on ticketed events. For ticketed events, tickets will be on sale up until the time of the event, however it is advised to book them in advance as many gigs and performances will sell out.
What should I wear?

Ireland in March can be cool and changeable. We recommend warm layers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes — and don’t forget your green!
What time does the St. Patrick’s Day Parade start?

The parade begins at 1:30 PM on March 17th.
When does St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny take place?

The festival runs from 14–17 March 2026, with four days of family fun, culture and heritage throughout Kilkenny City. The festival will kick off with an extra special concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral on the evening of Friday 13th March.
When will the full festival programme be announced?

The full programme is announced in February each year, with some tickets going on sale earlier. Check out the programme page for full details of this years line-up! For new announcements and special events follow along on social media.