Festival favourites set to return for St Patrick's Festival in Kilkenny

St Patrick’s Festival programme 2023 is live and jam-packed! With the Big Wheel, vintage carousel and the festival market returning and street entertainment, family shows, and live music throughout, there will be a guaranteed festive atmosphere in the city.

Throughout the week American and Canadian marching bands will perform through the streets and in the Castle Park. The festival kicks off with the biggest contingent of bands on Wednesday the 15th at 4pm, including returning favourite Purdue and their big drum.

The festival market, carnival rides and street entertainment will be in full swing on Thursday and will run till Sunday. With a free magic fire performance from festival favourite Monsieur Gusto in ‘Fireflame’ on Thursday evening on John’s Quay. 

St Patrick’s Day, Friday, March, 17, will be bigger than ever. With the St Patrick’s Day Parade, music on the festival stage, street entertainment and family shows, festivities at the Castle Park, plus dance and music performances throughout the city. It’s a full day out, pre and post parade so make sure to stick around and enjoy the whole day in Kilkenny. 

Saturday is another packed day of entertainment with street entertainment shows, American marching bands, family workshops and fireworks.

After the popularity of the event last year and at Christmas, St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny are once again lighting up the skies over Kilkenny City. Taking place in Kilkenny Castle Park, with extra added entertainment, this is a show not to be missed. A limited number of tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, February 15 at www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com.

Alongside St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny each afternoon and evening Kilkenny Tradfest will have headline gigs and a music trail with over 90 sessions throughout the city. 

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny runs from March 15 – 19. Find the full programme of events at www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com.

“After the success of last year’s festival, Kilkenny County Council are delighted to bring another fantastic programme of events to Kilkenny," said Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald.

"With so many free and family events there is something for everyone to come out and enjoy! St. Patrick’s Day has always been such a community affair and we encourage everyone across the city and county to come out and enjoy the festivities and to get involved and participate in the parade.” 

Marian Flannery, festival director, wants to remind local communities that participation in the parade is open to all local groups.

"The festival theme is Stories and Legends, and you’re encouraged to weave your own story through the streets of Kilkenny. Parade applications are available online," she said.