St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny 2025

What’s a street party without a carnival? From street entertainers and face painting to the vintage carnival and big wheel, all ages can get into the festival spirit along The Parade area beside Kilkenny Castle. Here, you’ll also find the festival market where you can browse the wares of local crafters or tuck into some tasty street food. Little ones can take part in the Rhythm Makers fun-filled drumming workshops to get into the festival spirit! For a funny photo opportunity, head to The Big Bench installation in the city centre for a snap for the chance to win a prize!

St. Patrick’s Day is the ideal opportunity to learn more about Irish history and there are plenty of events throughout the festival with fascinating insight into Kilkenny’s past. Join a special evening walking tour of the city with Shenanigan’s Walks to hear about what life in medieval Kilkenny was like and interesting local legends. Head to James Stephens Barracks for a guided tour led by an experienced former commandant who will take you on a journey through Ireland’s military heritage. Or get your hands dirty at The Big Dig with the School of Irish Archeology where budding historians can uncover our Viking past at this simulated dig site.

Things get crazy when night falls on the city and the Absurdist Pipe Band comes out to play! It’s hard to miss these colourful characters as they descend on the streets with bagpipes, drums and mischief aplenty. As well as that, Circus Gerbola rolls into town from the 12th March and are sure to put on a show with their incredible cast of aerialists, daring stuntspeople and, of course, entertaining clowns.

Kick off the weekend with the insightful AI:OK experience which explores how AI is influencing the future of creativity including a live performance from singer-songwriter Sarah Keane. Kids can take part in Juanita’s Big Problem – a climate-conscious clown show that tackles the climate crisis in an entertaining yet educational way.

The Kilkenny Uilleann Pipers welcome musicians aged 13 – 18 to their youth session for a chance to play traditional Irish instruments in a session environment. Practice your cúpla focal as Gaeilge (few words in Irish) at the Pop-Up Gaeltacht. All are welcome so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t spoken Irish since you were in school or have never even heard Irish being spoken before, give it a go and you may learn a phrase or two!

As well as the variety of family entertainment taking place throughout the festival, Saturday has lots going on for the little tikes. Step into the desert at Desert Bloom – an immersive blend of dance, storytelling and puppetry that brings the desert to life. Teaghlaigh Chill Chainnigh will host Amhránaíocht agus Dramaíocht do Pháistí – songs and drama for children through Irish. It is a fun and interactive way to bring the language to life. Then, get the party started with Mr. Boom and Mr. Rumble’s Bongo Party sessions along The Parade and create some beats!

The arrival of the American marching bands is always a highly-anticipated feature of the festival and we are thrilled to welcome 6 bands from across the United States to Kilkenny. The energetic performances complete with colour guard and cheerleaders are truly a spectacle along the city’s medieval streets. First up is the Illinois State University Marching Band taking to the streets on Saturday.

Hear all about the life and legacy of Tom Treacy – Kilkenny’s Forgotten Commander at an insightful talk at Kilkenny Castle. The talk outlines his involvement in the struggle for Irish Independence and the development of the Irish Volunteers under his leadership.

Returning favourite Pyro Collective bring the heat on Saturday night with their mesmerising fire show. Marvel at the fire performances accompanied by live music that really set the atmosphere for a fiery weekend!

The buzz continues to build into Sunday on the eve of the bank holiday, when the celebrations begin to ramp up. Today, we’ll be treated to not one, not two, but five American band performances during the day. Legacy Marching Band, Waukee High School, University of Central Florida and Horizon High School marching bands light up the streets with their tunes while Bay Port High School takes over St. Canice’s Cathedral for an incredible concert.

For families, Monsieur Gusto delights visitors with a comic circus show that incorporates juggling, jokes and even a hint of magic. And you can’t miss the stiltwalkers along The Parade – literally! Eyes to the sky for these towering characters roaming the streets.

Swing by the Festival Stage where you can enjoy incredible dance, vocal and musical performances for free from Sunday morning through to Monday evening. Acts including Lady Desart Choir, Jeremy Hickey and Zahra Khodabacksh grace the stage on Sunday.

Here we are, the main event. But before the parade even begins, there are a whole host of things to see and do!

Join the OPX Legends Tour and Mount Juliet Estate for their Pop-Up Golf & Hurling challenges with famous sporting faces! Test your putting skills and get tips from the experts. What’s that sound? That’s a Viking battle you hear, led by Déise Vikings. Learn about the Viking and Norman eras through their crafts, skills and, of course, epic battles!

The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band shifts things up a gear and get everyone in the spirit for the parade with a fantastic live music performance on the Festival Stand, followed by Samba Katz who lead the way with their infectious drum beats.

Then, it’s time for the all-important St. Patrick’s Day parade as it snakes through the medieval streets of Kilkenny city from 1:30pm. Expect colour, pageantry, culture and some surprises as the floats make their way along the parade route. And the fun doesn’t stop there! With music from The Hit Machine and Rhythm Riot, dance performances from Karbunklis and Kildare Irish Figure Dancers and a spectacular fireworks show in Kilkenny Castle Park, you won’t want to miss a second of the festivities!