Kilkenny Tradfest celebrates Irish traditional music, promoting local talent and drawing global performers each March.
The festival begins on Friday, 13th March with an opening trail gig in Doherty’s on Friary Street at 6pm, hosted by Conor & Alexa. One of the weekend’s most anticipated performances follows at St. Canice’s Cathedral at 7.30pm, where an exceptional lineup of Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhriain will perform, with special support from The Lady Desart Choir. The evening continues with another highlight as Clare Sands and her band take to the stage in Billy Byrne’s at 9pm, bringing their powerful contemporary folk sound to the festival’s opening night.
Saturday, 14th March, Rothe House hosts workshops and performances. Sibéal McDavitt leads Sean-nós dancing for children (12 pm) and teens/adults (1 pm). Tommy Lanigan’s Bodhrán workshop is at 4.30 pm. Music Trail features Abbeyfolk performing in The Barrel Yard at 5pm and Two Time Polka who take the stage in Paris Texas at 9.30pm. Evening concerts: Emma Langford bringing her distinctive blend of traditional and folk music to Cleere’s Theatre at 7pm and MUNDY who performs with a full band in Kyteler’s Inn at 9pm
Sunday, 15th March, the festival’s busiest day, features Emma Langford’s songwriting masterclass, Brian Leach and Oisín Quigley at Rothe House, Buíoch at Sullivan’s Taproom, Burnchurch at The Left Bank, Blackwater Céilí Band at Rivercourt, Pat Carey at Cleere’s, and Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta closing at Billy Byrne’s.
On Monday, 16th March, the pace eases slightly but the music continues with Up She Flew performing at Ryan’s Bar at 6pm, while Cork six-piece BRIARS play a free show at Sullivan’s Taproom at the same time. The evening concludes with a headline performance from Aran Islands singer-songwriter Pádraig Jack and his band in Billy Byrne’s at 9pm.
Finally, St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March, features a packed Music Trail with performances from Up She Flew, Anthony McCauley, Billy Carrigan, The Savage Jim Breen, Whiskers of Lichen, The Pontiffs, Mick Citern Walsh, Oisín Mac Cinnéide, and many more artists from Kilkenny and across the country. The day’s celebrations culminate after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a colourful and energetic performance by Jerry Fish on the festival stage at 4pm.
Nothing left to do now but grab your tickets and enjoy some of the very best entertainment in the land, right here in Kilkenny this St.Patrick’s weekend.
For more info and tickets check out www.kilkennytradfest.com and follow us on social media for news and updates. Bígí Linn!
