Kilkenny to host its first ever Pride Parade

History will be made this summer as Kilkenny hosts the inaugural Kilkenny Pride Festival from Thursday, July 24, to Sunday, July 27, bringing a vibrant celebration of LGBTQI+ culture, inclusivity, and community spirit to the Marble City.

It will be the first Pride event in Kilkenny City in over a decade. Under the theme “Le Chéile” (together), the festival promises an unforgettable mix of events, from the first-ever Kilkenny Pride Parade to workshops, talks, live music, comedy nights and family-friendly activities.

The festival is a collaboration between local LGBTQI+ groups, allies, and businesses, reflecting Kilkenny’s growing commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organisers are calling on the local community, volunteers, and businesses to get involved and support the celebration of love, diversity, and togetherness in the Marble City.

“This is a landmark moment for Kilkenny,” said Etaoin Holahan, co-chair of the Kilkenny Pride committee. “Pride is about visibility, acceptance, and coming together as a community - Le Chéile. We invite everyone from all walks of life to join in the celebrations from July 24th to 27th.”

“We have big plans for Pride Kilkenny, the first Pride event in our city in over a decade. We aim to create a dynamic mix of free events, offering something for everyone to enjoy and unite the community in solidarity and celebration. 

We’d like to invite the community and local businesses to stand with us and check out www.kilkennypride.ie for different ways to get involved. Let’s make history together!” Holahan concluded.

Festival highlights include Kilkenny’s first Pride Parade, a colourful, joyous march through the heart of the city closing with a family-friendly BBQ at Butler Gallery.  

The festival weekend will feature live music, comedy and performances across multiple stages in Kilkenny city and suburbs, plus workshops and talks, engaging discussions on LGBTQI+ rights, mental health, and allyship, as well as electric late-night events where everyone can dance, connect, and celebrate freely.

A costume-making workshop supported in part by the Kilkenny County Council Arts Act Grant is taking place in Fennelly’s of Callan, where participants will work with local artists to create costumes and masks for the Pride Parade. Crafters and participants are encouraged to join the workshop. 

The full line-up for Kilkenny Pride Festival 2025 is available on www.kilkennypride.ie with further announcements coming via @kilkennypride on Instagram. All are welcome to join the celebration.

Pride Kilkenny organisers encourage people to get involved by contacting hiya@kilkennypride.ie.