Pictures: Legal minds and big ideas take centre stage at inaugural Kilkenny Law Festival

Kilkenny hosted the inaugural Kilkenny Law Festival over the weekend, attracting large audiences for a dynamic mix of debates, talks and screenings exploring the role of law in society.

The brainchild of Kilkenomics founder Naoise Nunn, the festival marked a significant new addition to Kilkenny’s summer events calendar. Over the course of the weekend, attendees heard from leading figures in the fields of law, history, and technology in a wide-ranging programme that tackled legal questions and wider cultural phenomena.

Highlights included panel discussions on censorship and the Trump administration’s impact on the justice system, as well as a lively debate on defamation and the media. In city centre venues Pembroke Hotel and the Hole in the Wall, fireside chats and podcast recordings with judges offered insights into the judiciary. A thought-provoking session considered the legal foundations for a potential United Ireland and the creation of a new constitution.

Pictures by Vicky Comerford

The festival also embraced the future of law, with events focusing on the growing influence of legal tech and artificial intelligence. Culture and creativity were woven into the programme, including a screening of Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story, directed by Sinéad O’Shea, which drew strong attendance and praise.

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There was also talks on the merger of An Garda Siochana and DMP 100 years ago, and a legal-eyed review of the Sunday newspapers, while musical comedian Paddy Cullivan performed his sell-out historical show about the murder of Wolfe Tone and its impact on the formation of Ireland.

Organisers described the weekend as a success, with engaged audiences, good turnout and positive feedback. There are already calls for the Kilkenny Law Festival to return next year, establishing itself as a key event for legal minds and curious citizens alike.
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