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17 Sept 2025

Five weeks to go until Kilkenny’s Tradfest gets the city rocking!

Sharon Shannon, Kíla, Pádraig Jack, The Bonny Men, The Tulla Céilí Band, Drops of Green among acts to perform

Kilkenny

Aoife Scott

With just over five weeks to go, Kilkenny Tradfest is fast approaching and it’s time to secure your tickets before it’s too late.

This year boasts a line-up which is arguably the most comprehensive to date, with over 15 headline concerts and over 100 Music Trail gigs. Sharon Shannon, Kíla, Pádraig Jack, The Bonny Men, The Tulla Céilí Band, Drops of Green, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, The Half Room with Pauline Scanlon and Aoife Scott are just a few of the household names that will make their way to the marble city this St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend. 

Every week, The Kilkenny people will focus on a number of headline gigs, with a deep dive into the artists and a flavour of what to expect when they take the stage. 

The Bonny Men 
Since forming in 2011, The Bonny Men have established themselves as one of the top contemporary trad bands in the country, and indeed the world. Their second album, ‘Moyne Road’ reached no.1 in the Irish music charts, and they have been nominated for numerous folk awards in recent times.

They have performed at festivals all over the world and appeared regularly on Television and Radio. Recent appearances include Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Castle, and they begin a national tour in 2025 on the back of their third studio album, ‘The Broken Pledge’. You can catch The Bonny Men in action in The Kilford Arms Ballroom on Saturday, March 15 at 7pm. Tickets are €20 and are available now at www.kilkennytradfest.com

Aoife Scott
Award winning folk singer Aoife Scott is a songwriter based in Dublin, Ireland. Born into the legendary Black Family, Aoife is steadily rising to the top of the traditional and folk music scene and has long enjoyed success as an established artist in her own right.

Fragile and ethereal one minute and strong and vibrant the next, her dynamic and profound vocals explore the emotional depths of her lyrics, leaving the audience entranced. Experience the magic of Aoife Scott live in The Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel on Saturday, March 15 at 5pm. Tickets are €20 and are available now at www.kilkennytradfest.com

Drops of Green
Formed in early 2015, Drops of Green have established themselves as one of the premier Irish Ballad bands in the country. Their blissful four-part harmonies, and unique modern take on classic Irish Ballads has garnered them a faithful following at home and abroad. 

They have toured extensively and performed on stages and at festivals all over the world. Rooted in the south-east of Ireland, a gig on home-turf is sure to see them in flying form. This show is not to be missed. Don’t miss your opportunity to dance the night away with the lads at Kyteler’s Inn (upstairs) on Sunday, March 16 at 9pm. 

Tickets are €20 and are available now at www.kilkennytradfest.com

Follow on social media at:

Instagram @kilkennytradfest

Facebook @Kilkenny Tradfest
READ MORE: BIG AWARD WIN FOR NEWPARK HOTEL

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