Kilkenny Pride Parade route and grand marshal confirmed!
Organisers would like to invite local businesses, communities, clubs and individuals to stand with Kilkenny’s LGBTQAI+ community and walk together in Kilkenny’s Pride Parade
Kilkenny Pride has confirmed the route of this year’s Pride parade and revealed who the grand marshal will be.
Last year, hundreds of people weaved through Kilkenny’s ancient streets with many more cheering from the footpaths. Scores of people turned out to celebrate love, diversity, inclusion and community.
Kilkenny Pride is inviting friends and allies to walk again this year under the theme ‘Express Yourself’. Everyone is invited toto show up in the fullest expression of themselves, represent the beauty of every person, honour every identity, and bring visibility to every story throughout the medieval streets of Kilkenny.
Organisers would like to invite local businesses, communities, clubs and individuals to stand with Kilkenny’s LGBTQAI+ community and walk together in Kilkenny’s Pride Parade. Joining groups such as Mammies for Trans Rights, Network Ireland Kilkenny, Youth Pride, and elected local officials, among others.
Grand Marshal
Kilkenny Pride has announced that Kilkenny Youth Pride will be this year’s Grand Marshal, leading the 2026 parade. The group of LGBTQAI+ youths has its own lineup for Kilkenny Pride, including a talent show in Ossory Youth, a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Young Irish Film-Makers, a brunch before the parade and a craft corner at the Butler Gallery following the parade at the family fun day.
Setting off at 1.30 pm, all are welcome to meet at Kilkenny Castle's main gates; participants are asked to bring their whistles, banners, costumes, wings, flags, glitter, headpieces and their energy!
On behalf of the committee, co-chair Niamh Morgan said, "We are proud to confirm that our Youth Pride Committee will lead us as grand marshals in the Kilkenny Pride parade. As a committee, we have always wanted to build a pride festival that would represent community, chosen family, inclusion and growth for generations to come. The youth pride committee reflects these goals as well as courage and authenticity, and truly represent the future of our community in Kilkenny.
The work they and Ossory Pride have put into creating a youth pride festival has been integral to the community, and we are so grateful to have them! As they lead us out at this year's parade, they lead us toward a future where we hope everyone can live openly, safely and most importantly, with Pride."
Parade route and Family Fun Day
The parade route will proceed from Kilkenny Castle Gates and travel down High Street towards Bateman’s Quay. Crossing the River Nore and finishing at the Butler Gallery. Following the Pride Parade, Butler Gallery is hosting an afternoon of exuberant entertainment at the Family Fun Day sponsored by State Street, with activities in association with Ossory Youth.
Everyone is welcome to join us for family-friendly activities and live entertainment suitable for tots to great-grandparents, extended family and all your friends.
Organisers say pack a picnic blanket and grab yourself a beverage, some delicious treats and snacks from Wildflower Café. Pick your spot on the lawn at Butler Gallery and settle back to enjoy a fantastic line-up.
Kilkenny Pride is thrilled to welcome the incredible MC, Poppy de Scrace, back for a second year to guide us through a packed programme of musical entertainment, face painting, art, drag artists, fun and games for all the family. All are welcome. The full programme, tickets, and more information are available on www.kilkennypride.ie.