Elegant gift voucher with golden ribbon, inviting guests to buy now for a luxurious hotel experience.

Guests viewing illuminated castle facade with vibrant lights at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

Guests enjoy live music in a stunning cathedral setting with vibrant lighting and gothic architecture.

Kilkenny Arts Festival Accommodation at Newpark Hotel

Experience one of Ireland’s most celebrated cultural events with a stay at Newpark Hotel Kilkenny during the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Taking place each August, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant hub of music, theatre, art, and performance. Located just minutes from Kilkenny city centre, Newpark Hotel offers the perfect base to enjoy the festival while relaxing in comfort.

What is the Kilkenny Arts Festival?

The Kilkenny Arts Festival is an annual celebration of music, theatre, visual arts, literature, and live performance. Held across historic venues and cultural spaces throughout Kilkenny, the festival attracts international artists and visitors every year.

When is the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026?

The Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026 runs from 6–16 August, bringing 10 days of music, theatre, art, and live performances to Kilkenny city. Events take place across iconic venues such as Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral, alongside galleries, theatres, and outdoor spaces throughout the city.

Stay Near the Kilkenny Arts Festival

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny is ideally located just a short distance from the city’s main festival venues, including Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile, making it a convenient base for your visit. Guests can relax in spacious, comfortable rooms and enjoy on-site dining at Scotts Bar & Brasserie or The Terrace.

With free parking, easy access to the city centre, and family-friendly facilities set within beautifully landscaped grounds, the hotel offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience during the festival.

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Programme

Here are some of this year’s highlights

The Curing Line

5th, 6th, 8th and 9th August

Kilkenny Arts Festival is delighted to announce the world premiere of Michael Gallen’s new opera The Curing Line.

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multiple people dancing and performing on stage with a dark backdrop

Cate Le Bon

11 August 2026

Welsh multi-disciplinary artist and producer Cate Le Bon’s work has long defied categorization—an architect of sound who builds emotional landscapes from abstraction, texture, and tone.

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live acoustic music performers with musical instruments in formont of a vibrant blue curtains

Alternative Arts Festival

Experience the vibrant energy of Kilkenny this August with the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival (AKA), running from 6th–16th August 2026. This inspiring, community-driven festival transforms the city and county into a hub of creativity, with a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances and artist-led events celebrating local talent and culture. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique summer escape, Kilkenny comes alive in August.