RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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Elf, Siobhan Donohoe and Santa PICTURE: VICKY COMERFORD
This Saturday, November 26 Santa will choose the green route as he arrives by boat at 2.30pm before taking to the streets of Kilkenny on his bike at 3pm!
As we all know, a special Christmas magic allows Santa to travel on his sleigh through the sky on Christmas Eve without causing any environmental damage. In his visits to check in on all the children of Kilkenny before Christmas, Santa wants to make sure he is as environmentally-friendly as possible and chooses to arrive in Kilkenny by boat to launch Yulefest 2022, Kilkenny’s Christmas Festival!
Watch Santa as he travels up the river Nore from Greensbridge to Canal Square accompanied by Kilkenny Civil Defence and the Nore Dragon Paddlers, and line the river banks and bridges to give him a warm welcome to the Marble City!
Meet him in person as he finishes his journey on the river at Canal Square and join him for the second leg of the trip – Santa’s City Cycle - where Yulefest is partnering with Cycle Kilkenny to help Santa on his journey. ‘Bling your bike’ and join eco-conscious Santa as he hops on his special, elf-powered machine for a cycle through Kilkenny before finishing at the Castle Park.
Pedal power and perhaps some elf magic will transport Santa on the cycling invention through the City Centre. Artist and inventor, Paddy Bloomer, designed the eco-elf mobile from recycled materials - six elves at a time will pedal this fun machine!. Children of all ages are welcome to join in!
“Yulefest has something for all age groups, whether you’re looking for a festive staycation or family fun activities to create a magical Christmas for the kids. There will be lots of free or low-cost events, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of our Medieval City this Christmas," said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick.
Festival Director Marian Flannery said: “We’re delighted to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus back to Kilkenny this year! They told me after Yulefest last year how much they had enjoyed their trip and couldn’t wait to come back again. We’ve worked with the Civil Defence, Nore Dragon Paddlers, Cycle Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Council to make sure they have a fun and environmentally-friendly time in Kilkenny!
"We’d love for you to come out and welcome them to our lovely City, and enjoy some free music and entertainment - you can even get a head start on your Christmas shopping at our Markets on the Parade!.”
"Christmas will truly begin when, after his cycle, Santa turns on the Christmas lights on The Parade! The turning on of the lights officially marks the launch of Yulefest 2022, join us at the Yulefest Bandstand on the Parade from 4.30pm to take part in the fun. On the launch day there will be Christmas Markets, live music and street entertainment for all the family to enjoy. It’s the most wonderful time of the year so put on your favourite Christmas jumper and join us to light up Kilkenny!
Yulefest ‘Christmas in Kilkenny’ returns at the end of November and brings the festive spirit to Ireland’s Marble City from Friday, November 25 to Friday, December 23. Kilkenny’s Medieval City will transform into a Christmas Wonderland of festive cheer for all the family. After the success of last year’s festival, this year Yulefest has grown - with a larger Christmas Market on The Parade and an extended Christmas week programme.
The five-week festival welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a packed programme of Christmas activities including live music on the Yulefest Bandstand; the Kilkenny Christmas Market where you can pick up perfect presents for the ones you love; the annual Medieval Mile Run; Yulefest Outdoor Movie Night; and Elf Village in Castlecomer, plus some very special events soon to be announced! New for Yulefest Kilkenny 2022 is an extended Christmas week programme beginning on Tuesday, December 20. The Kilkenny Christmas Market will be open throughout the week, along with live music on the Yulefest Bandstand.
Yulefest Kilkenny is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council.
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