Expect craic agus ceol (fun and music) in Kilkenny this March with the return of the highly anticipated Kilkenny Tradfest!
The festival, now in its thirteenth year, coincides with the energetic St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Kilkenny will be alive with traditional Irish music during what promises to be the best celebration yet! The fun-filled long weekend kicks off on Friday evening with some of the most recognisable faces in the Irish music scene.
For more information on each of the events, click the event title.
Please note: Pre-booking is required for ticketed events.
Friday 14th March
Ticketed Events
Abbeyfolk & Kevin Morrin, The Spirit of Luke
Formed in the 1980’s, Abbeyfolk are a traditional Irish band who have performed with a number of iconic Irish musicians including Sharon Shannon, The Wolfe Tones and The Fureys. In this special once-off performance, they will be joined by balladeer Kevin Morrin to celebrate the life and musical legacy of The Dubliner, Luke Kelly.
Embark on a dynamic journey through Irish traditional music with Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne and Jim Murray, a trio with tumultuous accolades in the Irish music scene. Their 2021 release “Nasc” is regarded as one of the finest albums in recent years from an Irish Traditional band. Hear for yourself at Tradfest!
Sharon Shannon In Concert Under The Moon
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime Sharon Shannon concert under the stunning Museum of the Moon at St. Canice’s Cathedral. The ethereal background will provide for an enchanting encounter between Irish culture, heritage and a legend of Irish music. Enjoy an out of this world concert with one of Ireland’s best-loved traditional artists.
Ticketed Workshops
Discover the future of music led by Dr. Martin Clancy, a globally recognised authority on the ethics of using AI in music. Feel the fusion of technology and music with a live performance from Mayo native, Sarah Keane.
Museum of the Moon by James Billings
Saturday 15th March
Ticketed Events
Award-winning folk singer Aoife Scott is a songwriter based in Dublin. Born into the legendary Black Family, Aoife is rising to the top of the traditional and folk music scene with her unique and modern stylings on traditional sounds. Don’t miss her hauntingly beautiful vocals at the Pembroke Hotel.
A proud Gaeilgeoir and native to the Aran Islands, Padraig Jack writes beautiful music in both English and Irish. Having been named as “One of Ireland’s most exciting artists” by Hot Press Magazine, Jack is popularising the Irish language once more through the magic of music.
Known for their electrifyingly unique performances, The Bonny Men have been delighting audiences since 2011. They expertly merge traditional and modern sounds to create a distinctive sound. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled night of singing and dancing in the Kilford Arms.
Trad Hits with DJ Aoghan Courtney
Head to Matt the Millers for some DJ Trad beats to finish up the night with DJ Aoghan Courtney playing the best tunes from The Dubliners, The Tumbling Paddies and much more. Hit the dancefloor and grab your friends from some craic agus spraoi!
Sunday 16th March
Ticketed Events
Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Join the Connemara siblings at Cleere’s Theatre for an immersive experience into their English and Irish language music, inspired by their country and their heritage. Enjoy the stylings of their Sean Nós vocals that have been shared by their family for years.
Formed in 1946 to take part in a Ceili Band competition at Feile Luimni, The Tulla Ceili Band have performed at both national and international events. Ranging from the Willie Clancy festival to Electric Picnic. There is a healthy mix of young and old talented musicians keeping the traditional East Clare music alive.
Dee Armstrong is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, composer, and a vibrant presence who has been an integral part of Irish music for over three decades. Best known as a member of the legendary band Kíla, Dee’s electrifying performances showcase her mastery of the fiddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, banjo, bodhrán, and tuned percussion. Her solo work has left a mark in theatre, radio and films including that of Kilkenny’s own, Cartoon Saloon.
Drops of Green are one of Ireland’s premier ballad bands.Comprised of 6 members who perform magical 4-part harmonies, they have performed for both national and international audiences. This show is not to be missed, the band is back on home soil and ready to sing their hearts out at Kilkenny Tradfest!
The Lunar Banquet: An Enchanting Evening ‘Under the Moon’ in St. Canice’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Festival and Kilkenny Tradfest have come together to combine music, art and amazing food in the unique setting of St Canice’s Cathedral with their temporary exhibition of the stunning touring artwork ‘Museum Of The Moon’ by UK artist Luke Jerram.
Guests will listen to music by The Half Room, featuring Pauline Scanlon while enjoying an exquisite 3 course wine paired meal, catered by Langton’s Hotel. This will be a unique dining and musical experience, celebrating our national festival weekend.
St. Patrick’s Day
Monday 17th March
Ticketed Events
The Kilfenora Céilí Band are one of Ireland’s most iconic traditional music groups, has been delighting audiences for over a century with their unique performances. Hailing from County Clare, the band has been at the heart of Irish traditional music since 1909, earning a reputation as one of the outstanding names in Irish music.
Join world-renowned bodhrán player, songwriter, and performer Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kíla for a bodhrán masterclass that will deepen your understanding of this iconic Irish instrument in the beautiful backdrop of the Kilkenny Castle tower.
Burnchurch at Kilkenny Tradfest
Free Events on the Bulmers Music Trail
Join the award-winning Dublin band for some enchanting tunes at the Review Stand this St.Patrick’s Day. Be amazed at the beautiful sounds they produce with an array of different traditional instruments from across the world- including whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán to djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass, and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars.
Kilkenny Uilleann Pipes Club Youth Session
The Kilkenny Uilleann Pipes Club run a youth session once a month in the Home Rule Club to inspire the next generation of Irish musicians and give them an environment to interact and hone their skills. All musicians aged 13-18 are welcome to join with any instrument of their choice.
Fáilte roimh gach duine! The next Pop Up Gaeltacht will take place in Bollard’s Bar Kilkenny on Friday the 14th of March at 8pm as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia agus Kilkenny Tradfest! All are welcome to join in with their cúpla focal!
This young traditional Irish band from the Midlands compose, arrange and write their own music. They will be performing on the Review Stand in the City Centre on Sunday the 16th of March. Come and be inspired by the mesmerising talent of these young musicians.
The award-winning Irish group, Two Time Polka will spice up the atmosphere in Left Bank on Sunday the 16th of March with their eclectic mix of Trad, Cajun, Bluegrass and Rock ’n Roll music.
Kilkenny natives Burnchurch are a 4-piece band of siblings. They have shown their unwavering dedication to the traditional music landscape, starting out busking on The Parade to composing music for large sporting events. Join them at Sullivan’s Taproom on the 16th of March for a night filled with memorable music.
Canadian country folk artist, Sarah Jane Scouten gains inspiration from the natural world whilst writing her music. Living in Dumfries in Scotland during 2020, she felt a connection to nature like never before. Come and see why she was nominated for 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Explore the beauty of old world Irish folk songs with Macdara Yeats in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on St. Patrick’s Day. Credited with being one of the forces behind the resurgence of Irish folk among young people in Dublin, Yeats’ gig is a must-see.
The French Pogues draw their inspiration from Irish traditional music and hold a special place for the infamous Irish band, The Pogues. The group has added new instruments over the years including the flute, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki. Expect an explosive live performance which combines top-class renditions, with good humour, craic and devilment. Check them out in Smithwick’s Barrel Yard at 4pm or in Ryan’s Bar at 9pm on St. Patrick’s Day.
Head to the Clubhouse Hotel and discover the instrument that is recognised under the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Twenty years ago, the Kilkenny Uilleann Pipers Club was formed to help encourage the playing of the uilleann pipes in the area. Experience the sound of the enchanting instrument on Saturday the 15th of March.
For the full programme and to book tickets, head to KilkennyTradfest.com.
Spend your bank holiday weekend in Kilkenny this March. With St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny running alongside Kilkenny Tradfest, there are endless events and things to see and do! Click here to read our guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny.
