Editorial: Festivals, fun days, agri shows - Kilkenny has it all

This is always a truly special time of year in Kilkenny. The season sees some of the city and county’s best festivals come to life, the sun is out, and large numbers of visitors and tourists are amazed at all there is to do and see.

Kilkenny Arts Festival roared into life on Thursday evening at a packed launch party that marks the start of 10 days of incredible performance and creativity. It sees local and internationally renowned artists wow attendees and audiences from near and far.

The Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA) Festival also opened, with a stunning range of diverse exhibitions and events taking place. Empty shops, busy cafés, outdoor public spaces have been taken over by pop-up galleries; artists relishing the chance to exhibit their work to a wider audience. There is a noticeable buzz around the streets — not just in Kilkenny City, but also in the likes of Callan and Thomastown, where thriving artistic communities are gathering and enjoying each others’ work.

If you haven’t had your fill of culture, worry not. While the Graignamanagh Regatta was sadly cancelled due to an issue with water quality, the town will be a beehive of activity next week when the Town of Books Festival begins.

And, of course, before the end of the month, the always well-attended Iverk Show returns to Piltown.

These events bring tangible benefits to Kilkenny’s economy, drawing thousands of visitors who eat in our cafés, stay in our hotels, and browse our shops. The footfall and energy of the festival season sustain local businesses long after they’ve finished for another year.

As well, they give the people of Kilkenny a sense of pride and ownership in their cultural and community life.
It looks like the good weather is set to continue, so let’s make the best of it. Get out and support your local festivals and event spaces, enjoy what’s on offer, applaud the artists and organisers, and take pride in how well Kilkenny puts on a show.