St. Patrick’s Festival’s around the world are a celebration of what it is to be Irish. People come together as communities to have fun and appreciate the culture, heritage, history and people of the Emerald Isle.
At St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2026 we have a range of events to celebrate and appreciate Irish culture and heritage. From a storytelling event with a local Seanchaí and Sean Nós dancing lessons with acclaimed Irish dancer, to music sessions around the city, history talks in Kilkenny Castle and a Medieval Moments Walking Tour around the city. There is lots to try this St. Patrick’s Festival weekend in Kilkenny! Click the event titles to find out more and to book tickets.
Walking Tours
Medieval Moments – Evening Walking Tour with Shenanigans Walks. Step into Kilkenny’s beautiful Medieval streets and learn about the city’s medieval history, witch trials and local legends with plenty of shenanigan’s thrown in! 14th – 16th March 5pm & 6.30pm
History Talks
The National Flag of Ireland – History Talk with Comdt (retired) Larry Scallan in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle. Sunday 15th March 2pm.
James Stephens (1825 – 1901): Life and Legacy – History Talk with Comdt (retired) Larry Scallan in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle. Saturday 14th March 2pm.
Guided Tour of James Stephens Military Barracks Museum. Tuesday 17th March 11.30am – 1pm.
Storytelling
Irish Mythology & Folklore Storytelling – with local seanchaí (Irish storyteller) Martin Matthews. Sunday 15th March 4.30pm.
Little Folklore Friends – Kids Storytelling & Crafts with Author Niamh Donnellan in the beautiful medieval merchant house Rothe House. Saturday 14th March 2.15pm.
Little Irish History Heroes – Kids Storytelling & Crafts with Author Niamh Donnellan in the beautiful medieval merchant house Rothe House. Saturday 14th March 3.15pm.
Music & Dance
‘Óiche mhór Fhéile Pádraig, Cill Channaigh’ – Irish Music concert in the stunning St. Canice’s Cathedral with Iarla ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy & Aoife Ní Bhriain with support from Kilkenny’s own Lady Desart Choir. Friday 13th March 7.30pm.
Children’s Sean Nós Dancing Workshop – with Sibéal Davitt in the beautiful medieval merchant house Rothe House. Saturday 14th March 12pm.
Sean Nós Dancing Workshop for Teens/Adults – with Sibéal Davitt in the beautiful medieval merchant house Rothe House. Saturday 14th March 1pm.
Bodhrán Workshop – with Tommy Lanigan. Suitable for beginners and intermediate’s why not give this Irish musical instrument a try! In the beautiful medieval merchant house Rothe House. Saturday 14th March 4.30pm.
Ceol Óg – Ceiliúradh óg an cheoil – Youth celebration of Music with Music Generation at St. Canice’s Cathedral. Saturday 14th March 1pm.
An Céilí Mór with the Blackwater Céilí Band – get on your dancing shoes and get involved at our annual Céilí event with one of Ireland’s top Céilí bands! Sunday 15th March 3pm – 6pm
Youth Trad Session – Hosted by the Kilkenny Pipers Club in the Home Rule Club. Open to teenagers aged 13 – 18 years, all instruments welcome. Sunday March 15th 7pm – 9pm
Jerry Fish! Live on the Festival Stage – Free Post-Parade concert on the Festival Stage in the centre of Kilkenny city. Tuesday March 17th 4pm
Kilkenny Tradfest – live Irish music headline gigs and a free music trail. March 13th – 17th around Kilkenny city.
Living History
Déise Medieval – Viking Village in the Craft Yard. Interactive reenactment of daily viking/medieval life and battles. Sunday March 15th 12pm – 4pm
Learn to be a Knight – workshop for kids at the Medieval Mile Museum. Monday 16th March, 11am, 2pm, 4pm.
The Big Dig – archaelogical workshop for kids. Uncover viking treasures in this fun and engaging workshop for children aged 6-12 years on Canal Square. Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th 11am – 4pm (workshop each hour).
Food & Drinks
30 mile – Long Table Dinner at Butler House. Showcasing the best of Kilkenny and the South East with all ingredients sourced within a thirty mile radius. Saturday 14th March, 7pm.
Irish Language
Pop-up Gaeltact – speak the language, have a pint and enjoy a session at Bollard’s Bar. Monday 16th March, 6pm.
