Past Events

Kilkenny Animated has commissioned Algorithm to produce a spectacular projection mapped illuminations, with an animated loop of scenes and characters from the film, playing on the expanse of the external river walls of Kilkenny Castle.

Building on the huge popularity and success of previous walking and sketching tours that allow visitors to combine the historical and architectural features of Kilkenny with the artistic approach of some of the animated film’s story artists on relaxed and fun walking tours, Kilkenny Animated will extend these tours throughout the month of October.

Butler Gallery continues its successful partnership with Cartoon Saloon in presenting an exhibition in response to WolfWalkers, Cartoon Saloon's new film. The exhibition highlights the strengths and messages of this animated film whose story is based in medieval Kilkenny and includes core working drawings and backgrounds. This interactive and immersive exhibition is designed by Stephen McNamara of Roji and will coincide with the Irish premier of the film.

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!

Zoë Conway & John McIntyre, this superb wife and husband folk duo bring to the stage traditional Irish, jazz and new world music. With an eclectic blend of fiddle and guitar music, their arrangements combine the very best of old and new music. The duo have recorded on major film soundtracks. Separately and together they have won numerous international awards. Different and distinctive, outrageously talented and accomplished.

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)

Renowned two-time Grammy nominee Iarla Ó Lionáird and acoustic guitar virtuoso Steve Cooney have forged a unique musical partnership over many year performing songs from the sean-nós tradition (singing in the old/traditional style). Iarla, steeped in West Cork music traditions and Steve representing Australian aboriginal imagination create distinctive, memorable music.

The Kilfenora Céilí Band is widely known throughout the world of folk and traditional music. It was founded in 1909 in Kilfenora Co. Clare. Since then, the band has brought its distinctive driving rhythm worldwide. Some of the festivals and venues include Glastonbury, Milwaukee Irish Fest, Mid-Summer Swing at The Lincoln Centre New York, Venues in London, Paris, Horgen, Switzerland, New York and Cleveland. The band is now touring it’s 2022 show.

Aoife – born into the legendary Black family – has a unique sound, largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music. Her single “All Along the Wild Atlantic Way” was named “Song of the Year” at the Irish Folk Music Awards in 2017. While in America she received the award of Emerging Artist of the Year at the Live Ireland Awards (US) in 2018.

“There aren’t a lot of Irish harmonica players who play jigs and reels, and who write jigs and reels,” “The Murphys have a special way of playing. They’re masters.”

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

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.

Following the success of his 2019 tour George Murphy and his band The Rising Sons are back on the road and have just announced a 20 date tour of Ireland, U.K and America for 2022. The Dubliner made his mark on the Irish music scene after a memorable appearance on the RTE Television show “You’re a Star” where his rendition of classic songs by Luke Kelly wowed the nation. George has released four solo studio albums including Dreamed A Dream(Sony), So The Story Goes, The Ballad of Archie Thompson, and 2016’s Shadowman:The Stable Sessions. George also toured extensively with The High Kings filling the vacancy left by the departure of Martin Furey.

Ireland’s most renowned Irish button accordionist Mairtin O’Connor who began playing at the age of nine has built a formidable musical relationship with Cathal Hayden, a multiple All Ireland winner of fiddle and banjo, along with the multi-talented Seamie O’Dowd vocalist, guitarist and song writer. This dynamic, talented trio are recognised for their skill, mastery and diversity of Irish Trad which enthrals and energizes audiences at home and internationally.

Paul Brady, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is one of Ireland’s most highly regarded and successful artists. He crosses musical boundaries again and again, incorporating folk, rock, blues traditional Irish & classic pop styles into his songwriting. His live performances, whether solo or with a full band, include songs from his extensive catalogue of 40 years. Often classified as a musicians’ musician, Paul Brady’s songs have been covered by a huge array of major artists.

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).