Visitors to Ireland encouraged to escape to Kilkenny for St Patrick's weekend

Kilkenny has become one of the top destinations in Ireland to visit with its close proximity to Dublin, it is always a much loved spot for a city break and a truly traditional Irish experience.

The great thing about visiting Kilkenny City is that there are countless, incredible things to see and do within a short walking distance and with a jam-packed St Patrick’s Festival Programme for 2024 there is literally something to add to everyone’s bucket list.

From walking tours to fire spectacles, marching bands to Tradfest Kilkenny gigs, circus acts to drumming workshops,  fireworks to pageantry and processions, the experiences during St Patricks Festival will immerse visitors in Kilkenny’s unique arts and cultural heritage and create a memorable trip away with friends or family. 

Kilkenny was made for family fun and St Patrick’s Festival will have some great family friendly activities over the weekend with Tickets Now on Sale from stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com.

Events include rhythm makers drumming workshops with offer a natural team building activity and promote inclusion, reflection and mindfulness. Out Of The Blue, a wonderfully subversive and Interactive Circus Family Show All the way from Turin in Italy. Guido Fanzini’s Impossible Circus Show, a circus tale of sibling rivalry, brotherly love and pogo sticks. 

Monsieur Gusto, Not only is he an international Escapologist, a Random Object Juggler and Balancer of Strange Things, but with All Tied Up M. Gusto also manages to fit in some Newspaper Magic, some Chair Acrobatics and some very Serious Fashion. Steve Stumbles Circus Show, a fun and awesome entertainment for the whole family this St Patrick’s weekend. 

This St Patrick’s Festival, a new fire show is coming to Kilkenny. Energetic, raw and a spectacular sight to behold, join Broken Theatre's Pyro Collective for this special Saturday night event.

Another evening activity to enjoy is the Kilkenny Tales & Legends Evening Walking Tour where visitors can take an evening stroll through the medieval and intriguing streets and alleyways of Kilkenny’s medieval city. Learn about curious ‘Kilkenny Cat’ tales, historic witches and local legends. Explore the city by night and get a different perspective on this tour hosted by Nevin Cody from Shenanigans Walks. 

There is so much to enjoy over the course of the weekend in Kilkenny with American College and Marching Bands entertaining the crowds at Kilkenny Castle and marching through the medieval streets; The famous St Patrick's Day Parade which will weave tales and showcase legends through the city's streets. With live music, pageantry, and local community groups the Parade is a celebration of Kilkenny, the community and their welcoming culture; The Festival Market on the Parade; Daredevil Circus, Trad Sessions, Workshops, Street Entertainment, Ferris Wheel, Carrousel, Helter Skelter, Face Painting and lots of family fun filled activities.

To top off a great weekend, the skies of Kilkenny will light up in a celebratory St Patrick's night event with a spectacular fireworks display. Tickets are on sale now and ticket holders get a prime viewing spot in Kilkenny Castle Park, in the heart of Kilkenny's medieval city.

Kilkenny is renowned for its hospitality and wide range of high quality hotels. From luxury, trendy boutique hotels to family friendly havens with spacious suites there is a hotel accommodation to satisfy every traveller’s needs and budget. Hotels in Kilkenny City are all within close proximity to Kilkenny’s vast array of restaurants, pubs, cafes and nightlife, famous iconic attractions including Kilkenny Castle and The Medieval Mile which will be buzzing with entertainment and festivities during St. Patrick’s weekend.

When it comes to dining, there is an incredible array of places to eat in Kilkenny and a story behind every dish. The diverse food scene will leave you spoilt for choice as you wander the fun filled streets over the festival days. There are numerous restaurants to satisfy your appetite, cafes, bars and brunch spots to choose from all with their own unique offering and in a casual or fine dining setting. Outside the walls of Kilkenny Castle, you can also enjoy some delicious treats from the artisan vendors at the Festival Market on the Parade.

Kilkenny will be home to two festivals this March, as Kilkenny Tradfest also ignites a rhythmic heart beat through the city’s pubs and bars. Come and experience the unforgettable energy as you explore the traditional music scene, local brew, traditional pubs and trendy nightclubs with headline acts including Hothouse Flowers, John Spillane, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Pádraig Jack, Buíoch, Breaking Trad and Clare Sands.

A medieval city where the bars are dotted around historic buildings and cobbled streets. As the day goes on, the sound of laughter and trad music will fill the narrow streets along the Bulmers Music Trail. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect pint in a traditional Kilkenny pub or just want to experience everything from live music sessions, sing-alongs, trad and folk and ballads, St Patrick’s Festival nightlife has something for you.

There’s nothing quite like St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny with the very best of festivals, food and atmosphere is on tap for all to enjoy. See for yourself as you discover Kilkenny with your friends or family this March!

For tickets and the full festival programme visit:

stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com