With final preparations under way it’s time to look ahead to St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2026! We can’t wait to welcome you to our medieval city for one of our biggest festivals of the year. With over 80 events and lots to explore there is something for all ages and interests at the 2026 festival, but to make life easier for you we’ve picked out some highlights you might enjoy!
Kicking off the 2026 Festival with an opening concert on the 13th is Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhrian supported by the Lady Desart Choir. If you want to experience some of the best of Irish music this is your chance! Set in the beautiful St. Canice’s Cathedral, which sits overlooking Kilkenny City and it’s famous medieval mile, this is a concert that will connect you to Irish heritage. An evening you won’t forget! There aren’t many left, so book your tickets now: Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy & Aoife Ní Bhriain in concert!
Saturday sees the Festival Market, Festival Funfair, Street Entertainment and Children’s Shows get into full swing! The Festival Quarter on the Parade Plaza is the hub of Festival activities. Overlooked by the stunning Kilkenny Castle, it will be a hive of activity all day and throughout the festival. Take a ride on the Big Wheel, pick up a gift from a craft stall at the festival market or treat yourself to some delicious street food! Throughout the day there will be street entertainers roaming around so be on the look out – you might get caught out by The Convicts, peppered by the Pepperazzi or serenaded by the Roving Pirates! Stilt walkers will also be on hand keeping an eye from above, make sure to say hello and snap a picture!
A highlight on Saturday is the Big Dig for young children interested in archaeology and exploring. This outdoor activity allows children to dig through the sand, find artefacts and learn about ruins. While the children enjoy the activity, parents can grab a coffee from the nearby WildTails and soak up the Festival atmosphere on Canal Square. The Big Dig runs for 40mins every hour from 11am – 6pm on Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are required (tickets can be booked up until the start of the event unless the event is sold out). Get your tickets here.
For children and families that would like to enjoy a show we have a range of children and family shows across the weekend. Beginning on Saturday with ‘Out of The Blue‘ an interactive clown show that deals with the hilarity and complexity of the doing the laundry! In typical clown style communication is done through action, mine, gestures and sounds so this show is suitable for all aged children and for speakers of all languages. This is a ticketed show with family tickets available. Tickets are available here (tickets can be booked up until the start of the event unless the event is sold out).
Now that the families are entertained, it’s time to move on to the History enthusiasts and those who want to try a bit of Irish culture this St. Patrick’s weekend! There are lots of options for those interested in history as Comdt (retired) Larry Scallan will host history talks on the The National Flag of Ireland (Sunday 2pm) and James Stephens (1825-1901): Life and Legacy (Saturday 2pm) in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle. A historic setting for learning about Irish history from our local expert! These are ticketed events, click the titles to book your tickets.
For those who would like something a bit more physical why not give Sean Nós dancing a go with top Irish dancer Sibéal Davitt in another beautiful venue, Kilkenny’s Rothe House! There are workshops for adults and children on Saturday 14th with only a few places left, so snap up your place and step into something uniquely Irish! If a Céilí is more your thing, we’ve got you covered with the Céilí Mór with the Blackwater Céilí Band on Sunday 15th in the River Court Hotel. Book your tickets in advance here or pay on the door.
Sunday sees the first of the American Marching Bands arrive in Kilkenny! The Marching Illini from the University of Illinois taking to the streets of Kilkenny! Beginning at Kilkenny Castle at 12noon, the 380 strong band will march through Kilkenny city playing and performing. It is an impressive sight to behold! This is a free event open to the public. You are encouraged to go to the Castle Park or to line the Parade/High Street/Bateman Quay to see the full spectacle. (please note the performance is weather dependent and at the discretion of the band, you should double check social media ahead of the event).
After enjoying the marching band, head over to the Castle Yard beside the Design Centre and visit Déise Medieval and their Viking Village (free, non-ticketed). See them in costume reenacting daily life, with crafts, food and battles. Finish off your afternoon with Irish Mythology, Folklore and Storytelling with local seanchaí Martin Matthews in the Pembroke Hotel. This is a lovely opportunity to immerse yourself in the mythical side of Ireland and our great storytelling tradition. Get your tickets here!
As the day begins to fade into the evening, now is the perfect chance to take a tour around the streets of Kilkenny with another local storyteller and tour guide Nevin Cody from Shenanigans Walks! This special evening tour has been created especially for St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny. Medieval moments is just under an hour and will bring you to the key points on the Medieval Mile. Learn about local history and legends while having a great laugh, a spot of magic and of course plenty of shenanigans!! The Medieval Moments Walking Tour will take place each evening at 5pm and 6.30pm from the 14th – 16th March. Best way to learn about and explore the city! Then when you’re finished treat yourself to a pint and a traditional music session at one of Kilkenny Tradfest’s many Music Trail gigs. Book tickets for the walking tour here.
Look sharp, it’s Monday morning and St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny are delighted to welcome two more American Marching Bands to town! Both will perform in Kilkenny Castle Park with Campo Verde at 11am and Ohio State University at 12.30pm. (Again, please note the performance is weather dependent and at the discretion of the band, you should double check social media ahead of the event).
In the evening St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is taking over the home of Kilkenny hurling, UPMC Nowlan Park, with a spectacular Fire & Drum Show. Celebrating the Irish tradition of everyone coming together – le chéile around the fire with a little modern day twist. Featuring Irish group Pyro Collective with an opening performance by Kilkenny drummer Jeremy Hickey! This unique flame-based show of immersive dynamic fire choreography, aerial acrobatics, and atmospheric effects will ignite your imagination. Incorporating multiple fire performers and live drumming. Energetic, raw and a spectacular sight to behold! Only last few tickets remaining, gets yours here!
After all the excitement and activity for the first three days it’s now time for St. Patrick’s Day and the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade!! The Parade theme is ‘Together – le chéile’ showcasing how the world is better when we come together. Whether it’s telling stories around the fire, playing camogie in the field or being there for your community! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade showcases the best of our Kilkenny community with Irish music, culture and creativity. The Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 1.30pm. Find out everything you need to know about the Parade here. The Parade is free and un-ticketed but we do advise arriving early as movement across the city will be limited just before the Parade. For the first time in 2026 we have Grandstand tickets for sale, treat yourself to a seat and a great view. For something extra special add on the post Parade reception with the Mayor of Kilkenny to your ticket! Tickets are available here.
On St. Patrick’s Day the city really comes alive with pre and post parade entertainment across the city! The Festival Market and Funfair will be open from 11am. The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be performing at the Review Stand at 12.15pm. While for the first time in 2026 Batman Quay will be a second hub of entertainment around the new Grandstand with children’s entertainment, Irish dancing performances and a DJ from 12noon. Post Parade there will be entertainers everywhere you look, always ask nicely if you’d like a picture! At 3.15pm Rhythm Riot will be performing on Kieran St, at 3.30pm The Hit Machine will be on the Festival Stage, at 3.45pm the Karbunkulis will be dancing at Canal Square, followed by the Hakuna Matata Acrobats at 4.15pm, while at 4pm Jerry Fish will take to Festival stage for a free 90 minute performance to close out St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny!
If you’ve made it this far, well done!! You’ve got the inside scoop on the highlights of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2026! Of course that is not everything, with over 80 events we couldn’t list them all! Check out the programme page for the full list of events and ticketing information, you can scroll to your hearts content or filter by event type or day.
We’ve compiled the ‘essentials’ for your visit here, this includes road closures, parking, festival map etc. Extra information for international visitors is here and our access guide to the festival can be found here! Plus our news section gives you insider knowledge and top tips, including some discounts for location attractions.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival in Kilkenny with a BIG FESTIVAL in Small City! March 14th – 17th 2026. Bígí Linn!