Festivals in Kilkenny

Wrapped around St Patrick’s Festival on the 15th-18th March, why not come along with all of the family and take in the Kilkenny St.Patrick’s Day Parade. Line the streets to support local groups and be entertained by their performances as they parade the streets of the city. Immerse yourself in a rich programme of events with workshops, masterclasses and acts..

Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival, held each May Bank Holiday weekend in the medieval city of Kilkenny, brings together over 40 Irish and international Roots and Americana artists across more than 30 venues. With upwards of 90 ticketed and free performances, from bluegrass and folk to rockabilly and Cajun, the Festival offers a thrilling musical trail through the city’s historic streets, alternating between intimate bar sessions and full theatre concerts. For visitors seeking comfortable and convenient accommodation during the festivities, the Newpark Hotel, located just a five‑minute hop from the heart of the city, makes the perfect base, combining restful elegance with easy access to all the action.

Cat Laughs has grown from a small event comprising a handful of shows in 1995 to an internationally acclaimed festival which showcases the very best in Irish & international comedy acts through out the June bankholiday weekend. The festival attracts in excess of 30,000 visitors to Kilkenny City

Since 1974, Kilkenny Arts Festival has brought some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, performers, writers, and artists to the heart of Ireland’s medieval city. Each August, for ten unforgettable days, Kilkenny’s historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses, and gardens transform into enchanting venues for extraordinary performances and intimate moments between artists and audiences.

From outdoor theatre to contemporary dance, the Festival is committed to presenting world-class events that captivate and inspire audiences of every kind. And for those looking to immerse themselves in the experience, the perfect place to stay during the Kilkenny Arts Festival is the Newpark Hotel, offering comfort, elegance, and a warm welcome just minutes from the heart of the action.

Kilkenny Animated Festival, a vibrant celebration of visual storytelling, will take place in October 2026 in Kilkenny, Ireland. Hosted by the wildly acclaimed Cartoon Saloon and BAFTA-winning Lighthouse Studios, this innovative festival brings together animation, illustration, cartoons, and cutting‑edge exhibitions, performances, and workshops—all set against the enchanting backdrop of medieval Kilkenny. For visitors attending Kilkenny Animated, the ideal place to stay is the elegant Newpark Hotel, comfortably located just minutes from the city’s historic centre. Whether you’re winding down after a day of animation workshops or heading straight out to evening performances, Newpark offers the perfect base to savour everything this vibrant festival has to offer.

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival brings a delicious burst of flavour to Ireland’s medieval city, celebrating local producers, international chefs, street food, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet markets throughout vibrant, historically rich surroundings. From tastings with artisan cheesemakers to masterclasses with renowned chefs and festive outdoor feasting in Kilkenny’s charming streets and squares, the festival invites food lovers of all kinds to savour something truly special. And for those wanting to enjoy the full culinary experience in comfort and style, the perfect place to stay during the festival is the Newpark Hotel, ideally located, welcoming, and just minutes from all the foodie action.

Kilkenomics is the world’s first economics and comedy festival, bringing together some of the sharpest minds in economics and the wittiest comedians for a truly unique blend of insight and entertainment. Held each November in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny, the festival sparks lively, intelligent and often hilarious conversations about the global economy, politics, and society. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that attracts curious minds from all walks of life. The perfect place to stay during Kilkenomics is the Newpark Hotel, offering stylish comfort, exceptional service, and easy access to all the festival’s venues.

Each year, Kilkenny plays host to a vibrant celebration of European cinema, showcasing an exciting lineup of films from across the continent. The European Film Festival brings together filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles for a week of screenings, discussions, and cultural exchange in one of Ireland’s most charming medieval cities. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating documentaries, the festival transforms Kilkenny into a hub of storytelling and creativity. The perfect place to stay during the Festival is the Newpark Hotel, offering stylish accommodation, exceptional dining, and a relaxing escape just moments from the city’s bustling festival scene.