live acoustic music with ambient lighting in intimate performance lounge.

4 people sitting side by side at a table with candles on it and a wall in the background with the paint peeling off

5 people posing for the camera in a huge window of an old ruine

Artist enjoys playing accordion next to a friendly donkey under shaded oak trees, showcasing rustic charm and outdoor leisure.

Kilkenny Roots Festival Accommodation at Newpark Hotel

Stay at Newpark Hotel for the Kilkenny Roots Festival, just minutes from Kilkenny city centre. Held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, this renowned event brings world-class Americana, folk and roots music to venues across the city, creating one of Ireland’s most exciting live music experiences.

The Newpark Hotel offers a convenient base just minutes from these venues, making it easy to enjoy the festival without the stress of transport.

When is the Kilkenny Roots Festival 2027?

The Kilkenny Roots Festival 2027 takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend in Kilkenny city. It will run from Friday, April 30 to Monday, May 3, 2027.

Key details:

Location: Across pubs, theatres and venues throughout Kilkenny City
Format: A mix of ticketed headline gigs and a large free-admission music trail
Scale: Over 40 Irish and international acts performing across 90+ shows in 30+ venues
Music Genres: Americana, roots, bluegrass, Cajun, rockabilly and soul

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Where to Stay for the Kilkenny Roots Festival

The Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival transforms Kilkenny into a vibrant network of intimate venues, each offering its own unique atmosphere. Events take place across well-known locations such as Set Theatre, Cleere’s Bar & Theatre, Ryan’s Bar and Billy Byrne’s, along with many other venues throughout the city centre.

The festival creates a walkable music trail, allowing visitors to move easily between gigs and experience a diverse mix of performances, from afternoon sessions to late-night shows. With a blend of ticketed headline acts and a free live music trail, the Kilkenny Roots Festival offers one of Ireland’s most immersive live music experiences.

After a full day of music, return to Newpark Hotel to relax and recharge just minutes from Kilkenny city centre.

Book a Room

Historic cobblestone alleyway leading to welcoming entrance of vibrant red hotel door with multilingual greetings and flowers.

Guests enjoying live folk music with musicians playing guitar, violin, and accordion in a rustic pub setting, creating a lively atmosphere.

Something for everybody

Wander through Kilkenny’s medieval streets and discover over 90 ticketed and free shows across 30+ venues, with live music from afternoon into late night.

The Kilkenny Roots Festival 2027 showcases a diverse mix of genres including Americana, bluegrass, folk, rockabilly, Cajun and blues, bringing together Irish and international artists for a truly immersive city-wide experience.