Photos by Dylan Vaughan
Irish culture, history, and heritage will be at the centre of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Festival 2025, with a series of events dedicated to significant historical figures in Kilkenny.
Kilkenny recently marked 700 years since the witch trial of Alice Kyteler, the first of its kind in Ireland. The historic event saw the noblewoman escape from peril whilst her associate Petronella de Meath was executed in her place.
On St. Patrick’s Day, in a dramatic display, the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group will take visitors back to Medieval Kilkenny to relive that fateful day of November 3rd in the year 1324.
The re-enactment will see the infamous Bishop Ledrede lay seven charges against the wealthy woman and her employee, and parade them through the streets of Kilkenny.
Following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the group will depict the trial and subsequent execution of Petronella de Meath in a short performance at Rothe House and Garden.
Regular performers at the St. Patrick’s Festival, the Historical Kilkenny Re-enactment Group, share history through visual displays for further generations to learn about the past.
Historic Highlights
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture, featuring parades, food, music, dancing, and more. March 17th is believed to be the date of his death, and we commemorate him each year at home and around the world.
Among the historic highlights at St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2025 is a chance to dive into Ireland’s rich military heritage with a guided tour of the James Stephens Military Barracks Museum, led by retired Commandant Larry Scallan.
Comdt Scallan will also deliver a fascinating look at Tom Treacy, Kilkenny’s forgotten Commander (1919 – 1923) at Parade Tower. The talk will detail Tom Treacy’s early life and explain his important role in Irish independence from 1914 to 1922.
Visitors can learn about Kilkenny’s medieval history and explore the City’s streetscapes on two walking tours, the (self-guided) Medieval Mile Street Tour and the Medieval Moments Walking Tour, with experienced guide Nevin Cody stopping at key locations to recount historical events and stories of local legends.
Festival Director Marian Flannery commented, “We hope people will join us in celebrating Kilkenny’s vibrant history. As we explore our City’s rich past, we invite you to discover the stories, legends, and traditions that have shaped our community.”
A diverse programme of 120 events will take place in Kilkenny City during St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2025, from March 14th to 17th, celebrating Irish culture, music, and heritage. Events culminate with two days of free live performances on the festival stage and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th, which brings the best of Kilkenny together, both past and present.
For the full line-up and more information, visit St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny.
