March 15th to 18th 2024
Kilkenny will once again come to life with an explosion of colour and community spirit on the streets of the Medieval City this St. Patrick’s Day, as part of the city’s 11th Kilkenny Tradfest, a celebration of traditional music and culture, which has now become an established national festival.
The major city parade begins at 1.30 pm at the top of John Street in the city and will make its way through the narrow streets of the city, passing the twelfth century, Kilkenny Castle, the historic City Hall and travelling along the city’s Medieval Mile, before finishing in the city’s Market Yard. As well as the dozens of community, cultural, sporting and artistic groups, the parade will be led by Grand Marshall, Kilkenny hurling legend and bestselling author, Richie Power. There will also be a special guest appearance by Stephen Mulrooney, fresh from his newfound stardom as singer on the Late Late Toy Show and singing at Ireland’s recent rugby internationals against Italy and Wales.
The Parade will also feature hugely colourful displays by street artists from all over Ireland and activities specially designed for young people, from face painting, drumming workshops, magicians and circus performers, performing all over the festival weekend with some in the city’s new Festival Tent venue in the Market Yard.
The traditional Festival Market on the Parade will be accompanied by the magnificent Big Wheel, offering eyewatering views of the whole city and a traditional Victorian Carousel, all with Kilkenny Castle as its magnificent backdrop.
Visit Ireland Ancient East’s Festival City
Speaking at the launch of both festivals in Paris Texas Bar & Restaurant on Thursday 22nd February, Chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Festival, Cllr. Joe Malone said that the local council were delighted with the variety of entertainment for the weekend:
‘We will again welcome five American Bands to our city in the days before the Parade and our celebration of our national Saint’s day on the 17th will be another step forward in the fantastic revival of St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny. We particularly look forward to seeing all the voluntary groups from all over our County and City. There is no better experience for a local Kilkenny child or adult than walking in our parade and waving to their family members and neighbours. We are delighted to have Richie and Stevie leading the event.’
St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is supported by Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland), and is produced by Kilkenny County Council, to celebrate the unique arts, Irish music, culture and creativity that thrives throughout Kilkenny City and County.
Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council said: ‘Kilkenny County Council is delighted with the growth and expansion of St. Patrick’s Festival which is a very important municipal event supported by Failte Ireland’s Festivals Programme. We know that St. Patrick’s Festival and Kilkenny Tradfest will present a superb attraction for both domestic and international visitors to enjoy this year encapsulating the city’s medieval origins aswell its myths and legends and the notorious Kilkenny Cats!”
Experience a Fleadh Cheoil Atmosphere
Meanwhile, the 11th Kilkenny Tradfest will mean a four day extravaganza of folk and traditional music will fill the streets and ancient and modern hostelries with jigs, reels, hornpipes and wonderful songs from some of the country’s finest performers. Headline acts include Hothouse Flowers, Clare Sands, the legendary Shaskeen, John Spillane, Breaking Trad and the recently emerging Aran Islands star, Pádraig Jack.
The Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork will be well represented by award-winning singers, Nell Ní Chróinín and international star Iarla Ó Lionáird while dancers will have their toes tapping or their feet jumping to the neighbouring and world-renowned Tulla and Kilfenora Céilí Bands. Former Kilkenny resident Leonard Barry will bring his Sligo-based trio, while the upcoming generation will be represented by Buíoch and local stars, Burnchurch. The headliners will be completed by Clancy’s Kitchen.
Workshops in singing and instrument playing from traditional guitar to uilleann pipes are booking well and will feature a unique collaboration with Na Píobairí Uilleann and Music Generation to allow people to ‘Try the Pipes’.
Throughout the weekend, the emphasis will also be on the fantastic free Music Trail, sponsored by Bulmers Irish Cider. This will see over ninety free sessions, both plugged and unplugged throughout the city’s famous pubs and taverns.
Chairperson of Kilkenny Tradfest, Brendan Treacy, said that the festival is once again at the forefront of music festivals in the country:
‘With the continuing and fantastic sponsorship from Bulmers, who have been loyal supporters of Kilkenny Tradfest since we began, we can promise visitors, both local and international, the real spirit of Irish culture, through our music on our national festival weekend. The brilliant coming together of so many musicians who meet up as friends and jump in on each other’s sessions, mean that this is as close as you can get to a Fleadh Cheoil atmosphere. All of this happens in our pubs who offer superb food and atmosphere as side dishes to the wonderful music for the weekend. Visitors can be assured that Kilkenny will be the heart of the action this St. Patrick’s weekend.’
