Pictures 1: Thousands flock to fantastic Kilkenny City St Patrick's Day parade - spot anyone you know?!

Tens of thousands of people took their vantage points along the medieval streets of Kilkenny today to observe the thrilling St Patrick's Day parade unfold in a vibrant procession of colour and local legends.

A new parade route was introduced this year to account for the Kilkenny festival's growing popularity; the extended route weaved through the historic streets from John's Street, Bateman Quay, High Street, and The Parade, concluding on the Castle Road.

The St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2025 saw 60 floats and over 1,500 participants from local groups, schools, and community organisations, with record-breaking crowds gathering in Kilkenny City to mark the occasion.

Festival Director Marian Flannery acknowledged the efforts of all groups involved: “Our theme, ‘Bí Beo, Bí Linn’ – Be alive, be with us, encouraged groups to bring energy and creativity to the Kilkenny streets. There was a strong turnout this year," she said. "We are grateful to all the organisations and individuals who contributed to this year’s parade, adding to the pageantry of our national holiday.”

The crowds enjoyed stilt walkers, Latvian dancers, hula hoopers, jugglers, an alien invasion, cat pageantry, Buí Bolg Giant Snake, booming brass bands, Irish folklore, and more. Local organisations embraced this year's theme, Bí Beo, Bí Linn – ‘Be Alive, Be With Us’ - to capture the spirit of Kilkenny, and showcase its unique culture and character.

In a special performance, the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group took the crowd back to 1324 to the witch trial of Alice Kyteler.

St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny named Mia Griffin, Rás na mBan winner and Irish national team cyclist, as Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade. The Glenmore native, who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics, became the first Irish winner of Rás na mBan in over a decade.

For the first time, the festival also introduced a Junior Grand Marshal. Enya Cox Dempsey, aged 14, from Castlecomer, won Junior Eurovision Éire 2024 and represented Ireland in Madrid with her Irish-language song Le Chéile. The singing sensation treated the crowd to a rendition at the St Patrick's Day Parade.

Sister festivals over the March bank holiday weekend brought in over 100,000 visitors to the Marble City. Tradfest Kilkenny and St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 saw a busy programme of over 120 events, including two days of free live music on the Festival Stage at Parade Plaza under the gaze of the iconic Kilkenny Castle.

Festival stage
Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Festival saw two days of free performances on the Festival Stage, with the live music drawing large crowds on Sunday and Monday. The event took place amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Festival Market, with performances continuing into this evening.

Among the standout moments of the weekend was the arrival of five American Marching Bands making their way through the City, the annual Festival Fireworks Display, and a re-enactment of the Trial of Dame Alice Kyteler, 700 years after the fateful event in 1324.

Sunday’s programme featured an eclectic mix of musical and dance performances, including Buíoch and the Lady Desart Choir. World Champion Irish Dancer Kilkenny’s Zahra Khodabachsh gave a striking performance alongside renowned drummer Jeremy Hickey (RSAG).

Monday’s celebrations continued with festival favourites The Hit Machine, a Celtic drumming ensemble and a headline performance from the award-winning band Kíla, drawing another successful St Patrick's Festival to a close in Kilkenny.

"Kilkenny's St Patrick's Festival is a celebration of everything that makes our city special, our people, our heritage, and our sense of community," said Festival Chairperson and Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness.

"Seeing over 40,000 people come together to enjoy the Parade and approximately 100,000 visitors arriving for the weekend is a testament to the magic of Kilkenny. We're proud to welcome people from all over Ireland and beyond to experience our festival and city."

St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 was brought by Kilkenny County Council with support from Failte Ireland. The event was selected among six exceptional events to showcase unique aspects of Irish heritage and culture and to spotlight Kilkenny with overseas visitors.
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