BRINGING YOU LIVE MUSIC, CEOL AGUS CRAIC
Kilkenny TradFest is thrilled to announce its return with live, in-person performances and an extended programme, including a brand new music series of concerts at the stunning Medieval Mile Museum, made possible by the Local Live Public Performance Scheme from and administered by Kilkenny Arts Office. Their 2022 invited musicians are so excited to be back performing, and to create the thrill and energy of live music; so come join us, book your tickets and look forward to the return and magic of live music once again!
Special concerts and headline acts of the TradFest programme represent the very best of Irish traditional music and the 2022 line-up includes Paul Brady, The Kilfenora Ceili Band, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Steve Cooney, Máirtín O’Connor Cathal Hayden & Séamie O’Dowd, Inni-K, Seo Linn, The Bonny men, Kevin Burke & The Goodman Trio, Zoe Conway & John McIntyre, Pip & John Murphy, The Peter Browne Trio, Aoife Scott & Band, George Murphy & The Rising Sons and more!
There is an extensive Music Trail in Kilkenny’s finest pubs – such a great way to enjoy a superb array of FREE live music sessions and sing-alongs with everything from trad to folk and ballads and more besides! The Trail brings the medieval streets of Kilkenny to life as locals and visitors nip in and out to hear great music.
Kilkenny TradFest was established in 2013, it is organised by Kilkenny City Vintners sponsored by Bulmers, and is supported by Kilkenny County Council. It takes place alongside the ever expanding and very exciting St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny each year.
TradFest has attracted numerous accolades and in 2016 was awarded ‘Small Festival of the Year’ award by the prestigious IMRO music body ‘in recognition of Ireland’s live music venues who provide the public with exceptional live music experiences, week in, week out’. It was nominated again in 2019.
Bígí Linn!
Bulmers Music Trail
For Kilkenny Tradfest 2022 pubs throughout the city have arranged free music sessions – a mixture of trad, rock, ballads & folk with many familiar names on the line-up! Come along + enjoy your favourite kind of session.
Scroll below to view the line up for each day!
Kilkenny TradFest Concerts 2022
Check out the fantastic line of up Free Concerts throughout Kilkenny during Kilkenny Tradfest from March 16th to 20th. See events below and Book Now!
Zoë Conway & John McIntyre
The Bonny Men
The Bonny Men comprise seven talented musicians; prestigious titles among them include multiple All-Ireland Champions, twice World Bodhrán Champion, and a recipient of the prestigious TG4 “Young Musician of the Year”. In 2020 they were nominated for Best Folk Group; and Best Traditional Track; at the 2020 RTÉ Folk Awards. Established in 2011, their sets of tunes burst with explosive energy and vibrant sound.
“A reputation for electric live performances with an energy reminiscent of the legendary Bothy Band.” (Hot Press) BOOK NOW
Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney
Kilfenora Céilí Band
Seo Linn
With three of the four band members hailing from Kilkenny, their influences are varied; from traditional Irish to old school rock, modern pop to classical orchestra.
Stiofán Ó Fearail – Guitars, Vocals Daithí Ó Ruaidh – Keyboard, Synth, Saxophone, Harmonicas, Whistle, Vocals Kevin Shortall – Accordion, Percussion, Vocals Keith Ó Briain – Bass, Mandolin, Guitars, Percussion, Vocals
Their debut album, ‘Solas’, released in 2017 won the Nós Music Awards for ‘2017 Album of the Year’. Seo Linn have proven themselves as top class entertainers on an international stage captivating fans in Ireland, the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, France and Uganda. BOOK NOW
Aoife Scott & Band
Pip & John Murphy
Philip King BOOK NOW
George Murphy & The Rising Sons
Kevin Burke & The Goodman Trio
Master fiddler Kevin Burke is regarded as one of the finest, most influential players in music today. From The Bothy Band to Patrick Street, he has defined Irish fiddling for a generation.
The Goodman Trio comprise acclaimed uilleann piper Mick O’Brien, multi-instrumentalist Emer Mayock and the renowned fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain. The fabulously talented trio will perform the music of Cannon James Goodman’s music. BOOK NOW
Paul Brady
MÁIRTÍN O'CONNOR | CATHAL HAYDEN | SEAMIE O'DOWD
Inni-K
Inni-K (Eithne Ni Chathain) has received consistent praise for her fresh style of indie-folk since the 2015 release of her acclaimed album ‘The King Has Two Horse’s Ears’. Her original song-writing career combines her unique approach to song-writing with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics and a unique approach to song writing. Her upcoming album of innovatively arranged sean-nós song ‘Iníon’ is due for release 11 February 2022 – bound to enthral! ‘One of Ireland’s most exciting artists’ (Irish Times). BOOK NOW
