If music is your thing then we’ve got you covered! Whether it’s traditional trad you’re after, some Celtic drumming or upcoming Kilkenny talent we’ve got it all.
From the 16th – 20th March the Festival Bandstand will have performances throughout the day, with traditional trad, local musicians, and a bit of everything in between. The Bandstand, which was a highlight of Yulefest Kilkenny, will return at a new location for the St. Patrick’s Festival. Catch all these great acts on Canal Square and enjoy free local live performances, with thanks to the Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and the Local Live Performance Scheme. Full schedule here.
On the 15th, 16th and 19th catch the unique sound of American Marching Bands who have travelled to Ireland especially for St. Patrick’s week. From the cowboy styling of the Hardin Simmons Cowboy Band on Tuesday, one of the largest American Marching band events Kilkenny has ever seen on the Wednesday, and the Pride of Dayton playing outside Kilkenny Castle on Saturday 19th. Click here for full details.
The Medieval Mile Museum is hosting a very special music series this week with all proceeds going to Amber Women’s Refuge. The series features some of the best Irish traditional musicians in the stunning unique setting of the Medieval Mile Museum. Taking place nightly 7.30pm. Tickets are €20 (+ booking fee) with all proceeds going to Amber Women’s Refuge.
- Wednesday: Eclectic blends of fiddle and guitar music from husband and wife folk duo Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre
- Thursday: Songs from sean-nós tradition by the uniquely talented Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney
- Friday: Renowned Wexford Harmonica players Pip & John Murphy; award-winning folk singer Aoife Scott + Band (Double act)
- Saturday: Trad virtuoso Kevin Burke; plus The Goodman Trio, featuring acclaimed uileann piper Mick O’Brien, multi-instrumentalist Emer Mayock and renowned fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain (The Trio will performing music collected by the late Cannon James Goodman (A native Dingle man, Goodman compiled more than 2,000 Irish tunes, now held in Trinity College Library).
- Sunday: Ireland’s most renowned button accordionist Mairtin O’Connor, along with the extraordinary Cathal Hayden and Seamie O Dowd
- Book your tickets now!
And of course Kilkenny Tradfest takes place from the 16th – 20th March in Kilkenny city alongside the St. Patrick’s Festival. With a range of headliner gigs and a music trail across the city, the place is sure to be buzzing. After enjoying a day at the St. Patrick’s Festival this is the perfect afterparty with the best of Irish and local music. Visit www.kilkennytradfest.com to find out more.
Bonus: If you’d like something a bit more interactive, we have a range of music workshops over the weekend, for young and old. Find out more here.
