Be Part of the Celebration this St. Patrick’s Day – Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade Applications close February 20th!
St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Council are delighted to announce the dates for St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2026! Building on the success of 2025, the 2026 St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny aims to attract similar visitor numbers, deepen community involvement, and further strengthen Kilkenny’s position as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination during the national holiday period.
St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny will take place from 14 to 17 March 2026, with a busy schedule of events including music and performances, workshops, family shows, street entertainment, carnival rides and the popular Festival Market. The centrepiece of the four-day event is a spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where a diverse mix of local groups, nations performers, and pageantry ‘come together’ under the theme ‘Together – le Chéile’.
Call for community groups and businesses
Kilkenny County Council is calling for community groups, musicians, youth groups, actors, local businesses and creatives to participate in the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, 17th March, at 1.30 pm and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny. Last date for entries is Friday, 20th February 2026.
The 2026 theme is ‘Together – Le Chéile’. Inspired by the Irish tradition of seanchaí and storytelling, family meals, playing GAA, or showing up for the community, organisers say, “the world is better when we come together.”
“The parade has been a focal point of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Kilkenny for decades, and Kilkenny County Council is proud to continue this living tradition,” said Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Kilkenny County Council.
“Beyond its cultural importance, the festival delivers substantial benefits for the local economy, supporting businesses, hospitality and tourism across the county and bringing visitors to the city. We invite organisations from every corner of Kilkenny to show their creativity, energy and community spirit at the parade and help us celebrate a modern, inclusive Irish identity and heritage, le chéile.”
“We are looking for people to tell us their stories, show the passion they have for their organisation and showcase the best of Kilkenny in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.” Event coordinator, Marian Flannery, explained what makes a great Parade entry. “We encourage all local organisations and businesses to get involved. We’re looking for groups that add spectacle, bring lots of energy, colour and passion to bring the Kilkenny streets to life on March 17th.”
Over the last 14 years Kilkenny has hosted one of Ireland’s most welcoming and creative St. Patrick’s Festivals, growing the celebrations around St. Patrick’s Day into a multi day event. The municipal celebration brings locals, visitors, artists, and international performers together, alongside its sister event, Kilkenny Tradfest. The line-up is full of trad legends and emerging artists. Both festivals take place in venues across Kilkenny from the 14th to the 17th March.
Applications are now open to community groups, schools, sports clubs, cultural organisations, charities, and businesses to take part in this year’s Parade. To register for the Parade complete the application form here.