The Essentials

Your guide to St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2026 – everything you need to know to plan the perfect day out or overnight trip!

Festival programme & events

Big Festival in a Small city featuring over 80 events

The key to planning your visit is to know what’s on, what you would like to see and experience and what you need tickets for! To find out more about each event head to our programme page. There you can filter by ‘event type’ and day. If your event is ticketed make sure to click ‘book now’ to get your tickets before they are all gone!

Essentials

Planning what you are going to see is the fun bit! But on this page you’ll find everything else you need to know. Click to be brought to that section:

Festival Map & Parade Route

Navigate the festival with a clear map of the parade route and main event areas.

Find Your Way Around Kilkenny

Get ready to explore! The St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny map highlights all key festival locations, including the parade route, performance stages, markets, and family zones, so you can plan your day with ease.

Festival Map

Parade Route

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade weaves through Kilkenny’s beautiful medieval streets, creating an unforgettable spectacle in the heart of the city.

The 2026 Parade will follow this provisional route (subject to confirmation):

John Street (beginning around John’s Priory)
Bateman Quay
High Street
The Parade
Castle Road (finishing near Kilkenny Castle)

Plan Ahead & Park Smart

With thousands of visitors expected, we recommend arriving early and using public car parks or park-and-walk options near the city centre.

Top Tips

Please do not park on the parade route or along temporary road closures.
Allow extra time on St. Patrick’s Day due to heavy traffic.
For up-to-date parking info, visit Kilkenny County Council Parking Info.

Public Car Parks

(within walking distance)

Market Yard Car Park (R95 P89K)
Ormonde Street Car Park (R95 EFP9)
Market Cross Car Park (R95 N240)
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre Car Park (R95 P231)
County Hall Car Park (R95 X890) — limited availability during events

* Additional parking may be available at designated overflow or temporary sites during the festival weekend — these will be signposted locally and announced closer to the event.

View on Google map

Road Closures & Traffic Information

Road Closures will take place on St. Patrick’s Day March 17th. Please note before beginning your journey.

Plan Your Journey During the Festival

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, temporary road closures will be in place throughout the festival period — particularly on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) during the parade.

Expected Closures

(subject to change)

John Street, Rose Inn Street, and The Parade – closed to traffic during the parade.
Castle Road and Patrick Street – temporary restrictions for parade assembly and dispersal.
High Street and connecting lanes – pedestrian priority zones during key events.

* Traffic diversions will be clearly signposted, and local stewards will assist drivers.

Road closure notice

Getting Here

Getting here is simple—Kilkenny sits at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East and is well connected by major transport routes. Whether you’re travelling by car, train, or airport transfer, you’ll be here in no time and ready to enjoy the festival.

Explore How to Get Here

FAQs

Have questions? Get fast answers about events, timings, accessibility, participation, travel, and everything else you need to know before the festival kicks off.

Read the FAQs