Trad takes over the marble city in 14th Kilkenny Tradfest

As the dust settles on another action-packed St Patrick’s weekend, we take a look back at some of the highlights of Kilkenny Tradfest 2026.

Sessions kicked off on the music trail early Friday evening, marking the beginning of a five-day marathon of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Local legends featured heavily on this year’s trail, joined as usual, by some of the finest players from all over the country.

The complimentary combination of local and national talent is at the core of the tradfest ethos, and was exemplified beautifully by Friday Night’s ‘Oíche Mhór’ at St Canice’s Cathedral. Kilkenny’s Lady Desart Choir brought proceedings to a thundering beginning, before Iarla Ó Lionáird (Kilkenny-based Cork-native), Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhriain mesmerized their audience with a spell-binding set worthy of this ancient and historic venue.
Pictures: Thousands line the city streets for action-filled parade - St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny

Another artist with Kilkenny connections, Clare Sands, closed out the night with an intimate set at Billy Byrne’s. In a show that ranged from delicate sean-nós to powerful, driving singalongs – she soon had the room moving with her. Heavily influenced by the Irish language and mythology, Clare’s new album which comes out later this year, is one to get your hands on.

On Saturday the festival picked up momentum with trail gigs as early as 4pm. Local favourite Tommy Lanigan returned to Rothe House for yet another sold out Bodhrán workshop. Laois/Kilkenny combo Abbeyfolk, on the back of a sold-out Luke Kelly Tribute at Tradfest 2025, returned with a 5pm slot at the Barrel Yard. Emma Langford hosted a full-house at Cleere’s for an endlessly entertaining set – rich in storytelling, traditional folk influence and of course beautifully written songs.

At 9pm Kyteler’s Inn hosted one of the gigs of the festival, as Mundy and his band took to the stage for a blistering 2 hour-set. Ever the showman, Mundy lulled his crowd into a false sense of security with some tender acoustic ballads before donning an electric guitar and his signature cowboy hat and tearing into a show that grew and grew in both intensity and volume.
Including classics such as Galway Girl, Mexico, July, Gin and Tonic Sky and ending with a raucous rendition of Primal Scream’s ‘move on up’. Not even a last minute penalty for France could dampen the spirits of a packed ballroom at Kyteler’s Inn.

Sunday saw Emma Langford host a lunch-time songwriting masterclass at The Pembroke Hotel.
Scattered Sessions brought a special show to Rothe House with Brian Leach and his hammered dulcimer, while Tyrone’s Blackwater CéilÍ Band made a splash at the Rivercourt with their first ever Kilkenny appearance.

Pat Carey’s ‘How I Became a Wave’ put on a beautiful show at Cleere’s before show-stoppers Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta charmed a full house at Billy Byrne’s with their inimitable brand of Connemara trad agus Sean-nós. Earlier in the day Laois four-piece Buíoch brought their upbeat original trad to O’Sullivan’s taproom, while local rising stars Burnchurch drew a huge crowd and provided some shelter form the rain storm at The Left Bank.

Monday saw the return of the ‘an pop-up Gaeltacht’ at Bollard’s, hosted by local musician and songwriter Oisín Mac Cinnéide, while Cork ensemble BRIARS made their first appearance at the festival with a storming set at Sullivan’s which drew an encore from the delighted crowd. Local powerhouse Up She Flew rocked Ryan’s Bar, as the music trail continued to gather momentum approaching St.Patrick’s Day.

The final headline show of the festival took place in Billy Byrne’s at 9pm with Pádraig Jack (supported by Jack Keeshan) bringing all the good vibes and drawing the evening to a close on a positively uplifting note. Keeshan, a Roscrea man, showcased an impressive arsenal of songs and a natural rapport with the crowd.

Pádraig Jack and his band, making their 3rd successive appearance at the festival – lit up the terrace at Bily Byrne’s with a sweltering set spanning sean-nós, folk, and rocked up originals. The Aran Island man holds the audience with combination of wittiness and deep sincerity. Anthony Thistlewaite (Waterboys) helped to elevate the performance to cosmic heights with his soul-swirling saxophone accompaniment.

Finally, St Patrick’s Day saw Tradfest take a small step aside to make way for the main event of the parade and a day of family fun which included a post-parade performance from Jerry Fish.

However, the Bulmers Music Trail continued in full flight as the focus shifted firmly to the pubs and bars of Kilkenny. Up She Flew returned for a 2nd performance at Sullivan’s while Whiskers of Lichen made their customary splash at Ryan’s Bar. Drunken Mahone, France’s finest Pogues tribute band – having missed out last year – made their long-awaited debut at Ryan’s Bar at 9pm.

Local newcomers The Pontiffs played two shows at Sean Byrne’s and Matt The Millers. The Music trail featured over 100 gigs and featured so many fantastic musicians from Kilkenny and around the country including Áine McGrath, Anthony McCauley, Martin Coughlan and many many more.

Kilkenny Tradfest would like to thank all of those who continue to make this festival possible; the venues, artists, agents, musicians, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and most importantly those of you who come out to see the shows year after year. Music is a shared experience and it doesn’t happen without the willingness to come together with a common goal; to create, to move and to be moved.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir agus le cúnamh Dé feicimid arís sibh i 2027.