What another fantastic year at St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny! Despite the weather and a few mishaps earlier in the week the festival was another huge success, with so many of you coming out to support and enjoy the events!
Kilkenny’s 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade (despite a morning of downpour) saw over 20,000 people come out to support our local community groups, clubs, visiting delegations and performers as they Paraded through the medieval streets of Kilkenny. The Legends and Stories theme was embraced by all and we were treated to groups telling Irish stories like that of Naomh Bríd and Tom Crean, we saw the spectacle of 250 years of Circus and we even took a dive ‘under the sea’. Communities and groups from all walks of life put contemporary Kilkenny on display during this celebration of our national holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities continued throughout the afternoon in the Castle Park, and on The Parade and Canal Square. There were lots of opportunities to enjoy some drums and to get involved alongside Viking reenactments, dancing and street entertainment shows.
Throughout the weekend we welcomed two marching bands who paraded through the streets of Kilkenny, set some more drummers on the loose and celebrated the weekend that was with Fireworks over the Castle Park!!!
All in all it was another great festival, celebrating Irish music, culture and heritage! We were delighted to see so many visitors from across the world join us in our celebrations, alongside our neighbors and our local community. We’re already looking forward to next year!!
In the meantime keep an eye on our socials for continued highlights of our 2023 festival and future announcements about 2024!
