Thousands Line the Streets for St Patrick’s Festival Parade in Kilkenny
Tricolour bunting and flags rippled across the city last weekend, setting the scene for another action-filled St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny, drawing crowds of over 100,000 to Ireland’s Medieval capital.
Run alongside its sister festival, Kilkenny Tradfest, the weekend saw over 100 free gigs in venues throughout Kilkenny, and 80 family-friendly events over Kilkenny County Council’s four-day programme of events.
Parade highlights, floats and community groups
A blustery spring day brought thousands of people to the city centre for this year’s St Patrick’s Parade, which brought together 12 colourful floats and more than 40 walking groups representing the diversity of local community life.
Leading the parade was Grand Marshal George Candler, accompanied by the Army Colour Party and the Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band. Under the 2026 theme ‘Together – Le Chéile’, some 1,500 participants promenaded proudly through Kilkenny’s medieval streets from MacDonagh Junction to the Parade Plaza via John Street, Bateman’s Quay and High Street.
Among the notable performances were the Global Dance Club, an inclusive community dance group inspired by cultures from around the world, including Cuba, Ireland, Uganda, India, Nigeria and South Africa. Coordinated by the Kilkenny Local Authority Integration Team and supported by Creative Ireland.
Celebrating a milestone this year was the Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM), which marked its 35th anniversary. The organisation, which has contributed greatly to filmmaking in Kilkenny, nurturing generations of professional storytellers, showcased large creative props as part of its parade entry.
Two new additions to the parade were the Kilkenny Youth Pride Committee, a group of young creatives from Ossory Youth who helped organise the city’s first Pride Parade in 2025. Their colourful costumes drew inspiration from Irish mythology, featuring characters such as Lugh, Brigid, the Salmon of Knowledge and Danú, all crafted using natural and recycled materials. First-time participants from the Kilkenny Traveller Community were Traveller children carrying flags and baskets of paper flowers, while others displayed shadow-boxing, hurling, and soccer skills.
Other eye-catching groups included the Nore Valley Farm float, complete with goats and the Easter bunny, alongside the Mooncoin-based Irish language pop-up group and the wonderfully quirky Bashful Dachshund entry, celebrating the ‘sausage-dog’ with a special sculpture by students from Scoil Aireagail.
Kilkenny designer Bridget Ní Dhuinn created striking large-scale puppets representing The Morrigan, a legendary shape-shifting goddess of Irish folklore, as a youthful woman and a snake; just some of her many forms.
Post Parade Celebrations
The post-parade celebrations continued with The Hit Machine and the enigmatic Jerry Fish on The Festival Stage, Karbunkulis Latvian Dancers, Rhythm Riot, Hakuna Matata acrobats, and street entertainment at the Festival Market.
Speaking at the Parade, Festival Director, Marian Flannery, thanked the Kilkenny County Council and sponsors MacDonagh Junction, Martin Peters Associates, Dunnes Stores, KidCo and Fáilte Ireland for their continued support.
“We are delighted with the success of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival. It’s fantastic to welcome so many people into the city to enjoy the celebrations and experience everything Kilkenny has to offer. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was incredible, with families, visitors and locals all coming together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage le chéile.
Just as importantly, the festival provides a significant boost to the local economy, supporting businesses across the city and showcasing Kilkenny as a vibrant and welcoming destination. It’s wonderful to see the city so full of life.”
Kilkenny is one of just six locations outside the capital recognised by Fáilte Ireland as an exemplary modern celebration of Irish culture and heritage. St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny continues to go from strength to strength, bringing communities together and welcoming visitors from across Ireland and around the world. See www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com for highlights.
