There are so many ways to entertain the children this St. Patrick’s Festival! All our St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny events are child friendly (and most come at no cost), but we’ve picked out a couple of highlights for you to put on your list! St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is a day out for all the family. Just click on the title for full details of each event.
Free Activities
KILKENNY ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE – the main event! See the creative entries, enjoy engaging music and interact with the many curious characters! Starting at 1.30pm and going from the top of John Street, up High St and ending in the Market Yard.
NORE VALLEY MOBILE FARM – come meet the animals! Open on the Parade Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th 12pm – 5pm.
HORIZON IRISH OPEN PRO GOLF PUTTING – fancy yourself an expert putter, or just want to give it ago ? First spot the Irish Open float in the Parade and then join us on the Parade after and have a go at the putting green.
‘ALL TIED UP’ WITH MONSIEUR GUSTO – Family entertainment show. Marvel and wonder as Monsieur Gusto entertains. Will he be able to escape ?? See him Friday the 18th and Sunday 20th March at the Parade Picnic area.
‘FUNKY FI’ CHINESE POLE SHOW – an aerial show like no other. Look up to see Funky Fi do her amazing tricks on her Chinese pole. This is an interactive and fun show for all the family. See her on Canal Square on Friday 18th at 3pm and Saturday the 19th at 2.30pm.
HAKUNA MATATA ACROBATS – amazing acrobatic tricks that will blow you away! Head up to the Castle Park after the Parade and catch them in the act at 3.30pm. If you miss them don’t worry they’ll be around again on Saturday the 19th at 4pm on the Parade.
Plus music workshops, MacDonagh Junction activities, street entertainment on the streets and of course the American Marching Bands!
Yes, we know this post is about free activities but we thought we’d throw in a couple of the paid activities too. Just so you know they’re there!
Activities with a cost
FIRESTORM BY ROGU – a dance fire show. Expect an explosion of fire, light, skill and the ridiculous. Returning to Kilkenny after their spectacular show at Yulefest Kilkenny. This is a show that is not to be missed. Taking place outside the Butler Gallery on St. Patrick’s night at 8.3opm. Tickets cost €3 for an individual and €10 for a family of 4. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the St. Vincent De Paul.
THE BIG WHEEL – everybody loves a carnival ride and our big green wheel will let you see Kilkenny from new heights! Open throughout the festival and for a few days before and after, there will be plenty of chances to have a go. This is a pay per ride activity.
VINTAGE CAROUSEL – beside the big wheel this vintage carousel is stunning and fun. See all the action as you spin around this classic carnival ride. Like the big wheel, the caroseul will be here a bit before and a bit after the festival as well as throughout, so you’ve plenty of time to have as many goes as you like! This is a pay per ride activity.