St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny unveils exciting line-up for 2025

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny has grown from a one-day event to a lively four-day spectacle and a firm favourite for visitors in Ireland and further afield.

The Big Festival in a Small City’ is set to take place from March 14-17. This year’s festival promises an explosion of sights, sounds, and flavours, from the electrifying energy of American marching bands and thrilling live entertainment to tasty treats at the bustling festival market.

History buffs can step back in time with lectures and guided walking tours, while music lovers can soak up the lively tunes echoing through the city.

For families, the towering big wheel and charming vintage fairground, drumming workshops and pop-up performances, including Samba Katz, The Hit Machine, Rhythm Riot Performance, Karbunkalis Latvian Dancers, The Absurdist Pipe on the Parade Plaza, will keep the little ones entertained.

The weekend culminates in the big spectacle, the St Patrick’s Day parade and when the city comes alive with colour, local stories and community spirit, followed by a free live performance from Kila on the festival stage with the iconic Kilkenny Castle as its backdrop.

An explosive fireworks display will light up Kilkenny skies on Sunday, March 16. Organisers encourage families to take their vantage point in Kilkenny Castle Park. The event typically sells out within hours.

St Patrick’s Festival has teamed up with Kilkenny Tradfest for two exclusive events under the touring artwork ‘Museum of The Moon’, an installation by UK artist Luke Jerram at St Canice’s Cathedral.

Trad sensation Sharon Shannon is doing a once-in-a-lifetime performance under the moon at St Canice’s Cathedral on Friday, March 14, while The Lunar Banquet on Saturday, March 15 features a three-course feast with wine pairing from Langton’s House Hotel and music by The Half Room with Pauline Scanlon.

Families can unearth Viking treasures in The Big Dig, gaze upon the unforgettable PyroCollective fire show, or enjoy a spectacular circus performance with a climate-conscious clown.
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“Thanks to the incredible support from Fáilte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council, we’ve been able to create a programme that celebrates everything we love about our city – its history, its culture, its people, and its warm welcome,” said festival chair and Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness.

“We’re bringing back some festival favourites and raising the bar with brand-new surprises to delight visitors of all ages. Kilkenny will be buzzing, and I’d encourage everyone to join the celebration.”

Festival Director Marian Flannery says some of the events are already in demand, and encouraged festival-goers to book early and avoid disappointment: “Keep an eye on our website for the full festival line-up," she said.

For tickets or more information, visit stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com