Theme revealed for this year's Kilkenny St Patrick's Day parade!

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2024 is shaping up to be our biggest St Patrick’s Festival ever, according to festival director Marian Flannery.

The annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which has now spread to a multi-day event, will take over Kilkenny City from March 15-18. Building on the success of the last few years the self-titled ‘Big Festival in a Small City’ features its biggest programme ever in 2024.

Filling four full days of family fun, the festival will feature four visiting American marching bands, street theatre, family shows, carnival rides, the festival market, live music, walking tours, new fire shows, and lots more. Running alongside Kilkenny Tradfest, the city will be animated from morning to night. 

The centre of every St Patrick’s Festival, the Kilkenny City St Patrick’s Day Parade, will take place on Lá le Pádraig, March 17, at 1.30pm. The theme for this year's Parade is Kilkenny Cats: Tales and Legends.

With history and stories from witches and cats to Tudors and castles and present day legends in sports stars, musicians, artists and community leaders. The parade theme invites participants to tap into the tales and present the Kilkenny legends that celebrate their history, culture and stories of Kilkenny. 

Participation in the Parade is open to local community groups, organisations, youth performers, and local businesses. With everyone encouraged to get involved! Parade applications are now open on www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com 

“Putting Kilkenny centre-stage, the parade will weave tales and showcase legends through the medieval city streets of Kilkenny," said chair of Kilkenny St Patrick’s Day parade and Mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone.

"With live music, pageantry, and local community groups the parade is a celebration of Kilkenny, our community and our welcoming culture. I encourage all community groups, local businesses and organisations to get together and to get involved. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world and we’re excited to put on a show to celebrate our Irish heritage, culture and local community here in Kilkenny.” 

The extensive St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny programme is produced by Kilkenny County Council, with additional funding provided by Fáilte Ireland and sponsors. 

“With four full days of entertainment for all ages, celebrating Irish music culture and creativity the festival aims to attract families from across the South-East along with a growing number of international visitors," said Kilkenny County Council, director of services Tim Butler.

"Kilkenny is putting itself on the map when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, thanks to involvement from local businesses and the community with the support of Fáilte Ireland.”

For a full list of events and a preview of what to expect check out www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com