The 11th Kilkenny Tradfest which starts this week promises to be the best yet, with a line-up packed full of both trad legends and young blood. Come and experience the unforgettable energy of the traditional music scene between the 15th and 18th March, coinciding with St. Patrick’s weekend. The festival capitalises on the unique strength of Kilkenny’s hospitality and creative arts-culture to deliver an event which is truly unique and steeped in heritage.
Kilkenny, a medieval city has so many wonderful pubs and venues, too numerous to mention dotted around historic buildings and cobbled streets, so the best advice is to book a ticket for an evening gig and hit the Bulmers Music Trail early in the day. If you get lost, just follow the sound of the music!
To help you plan which gigs to book for Kilkenny Tradfest, here’s our top picks:
Promising to be a very memorable and unique concert in the Set Theatre on March 18th, this is an inspired pairing of twice Grammy nominated vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird with renowned pianist/composer Cormac McCarthy and acclaimed clarinet maestro Matthew Berrill. Iarla will be supported by Kilkenny Tradfest newcomers – Burnchurch.
Irish rock group Hothouse Flowers will combine traditional Irish music with influences from soul, gospel and rock in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on March 15th. Fans both old and new will be thrilled by their Kilkenny Tradfest performance which promises to be an electric live show.
The famous Cleeres Bar and Theatre welcomes Clare Sands on March 15th, a passionate and alluring Cork based multi-instrumentalist creating eclectic and energetic, trad infused popular music. An unmissable, raw live performer, she will bring her audience on an exhilarating journey of celebration, resilience and hope.
Folk legend, John Spillane and his Band of Wrens, will take the stage at Kyteler’s Inn on Saturday, March 16. John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.
Between the jigs, the reels, the songs and the banter at Kilkenny Tradfest, you will not find a contemporary, traditional Irish band to engage with and entertain an audience as brilliantly as Shaskeen and singer Katie Theasby. They’ll be entertaining a live audience in the Pembroke Hotel on March 16th, with a jam-packed and entertaining concert from start to finish.
Nell Ní Chróinín who hails from the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork will play the Clubhouse Hotel on the 17th March. Múscraí area is historically linked with a strong heritage of song and music and Nell was exposed to these local traditions from a very young age, which throughout her career has been the corner stone to her identity as an artist and a traditional Sean Nós singer
The Tulla Ceili Band will bring a night of lively entertainment to the River Court Hotel on March 16th. As the Band heads for it’s 80th anniversary there is a healthy mix of young and old talented musicians keeping the traditional East Clare style of music alive.
