Kilkenny’s Toil & Trouble Festival 2026

Set against the backdrop of one of Ireland’s Home of Halloween destinations, this unmissable new festival brings a number of spellbinding events inspired by Kilkenny’s storied past from the 29th October – 1st November 2026.

The inception of Kilkenny’s Toil & Trouble Festival in 2024 was to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the burning of Petronella de Meath for heresy in Kilkenny city. She was tried in place of her lady – Alice Kyteler – who fled before her trial which was the first of its kind in Ireland. Nods to both women can still be seen throughout the city centre today, embedded in its history.

It has since grown to a full programme of events across the weekend that explores the societal attitudes towards women tracing back to by the spells cast on society during the witch trials in the 14th century at the festival’s roots. At its heart, it is also a celebration of women through captivating performances, informative talks and interactive creative workshops.

Click here to view the programme & book tickets

Illustration by Cartoon Saloon