Kilkenny Arts Festival

Kilkenny Arts Festival 6 - 16 August 2026
Extraordinary artists and unique collaborations in the magical medieval city of Kilkenny.

www.kilkennyarts.ie


Funded by The Arts Council, Kilkenny County Council and Fáilte Ireland

During the Festival, audiences were treated to a beautiful performance by local musician Mick Foley, whose haunting uill...
26/08/2026

During the Festival, audiences were treated to a beautiful performance by local musician Mick Foley, whose haunting uilleann pipes filled the stunning surroundings of Butler House & Gardens.

Looking back on some truly special Festival moments in the remarkable surroundings of St John’s Priory. This medieval Au...
26/08/2026

Looking back on some truly special Festival moments in the remarkable surroundings of St John’s Priory. This medieval Augustinian priory, rarely open to the public, became one of the most atmospheric venues of , hosting a beautiful series of intimate concerts throughout the Festival.

Among the highlights was Dowland 400, a four-part journey through the life and music of John Dowland, marking 400 years since his death and filling this historic space with the sounds of Renaissance music and classical lute.

📸 Karen Cox Photography

On the first friday of , the Parade came to life 🔥The Demon Dance was Episode 1 of The Alice Project – an epic five-epi...
26/08/2026

On the first friday of , the Parade came to life 🔥

The Demon Dance was Episode 1 of The Alice Project – an epic five-episode reimagining of the Kilkenny Witch Trials by acclaimed theatre company Asylum Productions.

Inspired by one of the historic charges brought against Dame Alice – summoning demons at the crossroads – The Demon Dance transformed the Parade into a pagan Lughnasa party, bringing people together for an unforgettable night of music, movement and celebration.

The story unfolded across five episodes and venues throughout the Festival, inviting audiences to experience the story in any order.

A huge well done to Asylum Productions and everyone who took part in bringing The Alice Project to life across Kilkenny 🔥

📸 Karen Cox Photography

To mark Cate Le Bon’s Kilkenny Arts Festival performance, artist Craig Carry created a gorgeous limited-edition screen-p...
25/08/2026

To mark Cate Le Bon’s Kilkenny Arts Festival performance, artist Craig Carry created a gorgeous limited-edition screen-printed poster.

This limited-edition poster is now available to purchase at kilkennyarts.ie/festival/merchandise.

The artwork reworks a medieval "house-mark" symbol for Michelangelo, sourced from Rudolf Koch's "The Book of Signs" - a nod to Cate's album 'Michelangelo Dying'. The marble texture background echoes Kilkenny's own "marble city" nickname.

Limited edition of 100, signed & numbered.


A unique Festival memento for Cate Le Bon fans and print lovers alike.

Thank you to Lamber de Bie Flowers Kilkenny for helping bring Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026 to life with their stunning fl...
19/08/2026

Thank you to Lamber de Bie Flowers Kilkenny for helping bring Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026 to life with their stunning floral creations 🌸

From the breathtaking arrangements in St Canice's Cathedral, St John's Priory and Parade Tower, to the beautiful floral touches that enhanced so many of our Festival venues, your artistry added an extra layer of beauty to every performance and experience.

Images: Karen Cox Photography

What a night! 64ksana brought brought the house down at Set with an incredible performance that you couldn't not dance t...
19/08/2026

What a night!

64ksana brought brought the house down at Set with an incredible performance that you couldn't not dance to!!

Fusing hypnotic vocals, pulsating techno and traditional Korean shamanic influences, 64ksana created a truly immersive live experience.

The perfect way to round off the Festival!! ⚡️

Images: Karen Cox Photography

What a way to bring The Alice Project to a close!! 🧡 The Burning (The Words of Petronella) was a theatrical spectacle at...
19/08/2026

What a way to bring The Alice Project to a close!! 🧡

The Burning (The Words of Petronella) was a theatrical spectacle at St Kieran's College 🔥

The incredible performers, fantastic community choir, and hilarious narration, truly honoured the life of Petronella de Meath.

The Burning was the culmination of a five-part city-wide theatrical experience created by Asylum Productions that captivated audiences throughout the Festival.

A huge congratulations to the cast, creative team, musicians, volunteers and everyone who helped make this landmark production possible 👏👏👏

Images: Karen Cox Photography

Martin Hayes & Friends brought to a spectacular close with an extraordinary celebration of music in the magnificent su...
19/08/2026

Martin Hayes & Friends brought to a spectacular close with an extraordinary celebration of music in the magnificent surroundings of St Canice's Cathedral!

Joined by an exceptional gathering of Festival artists including Kyle Sanna, Kate Ellis, Francesco Turrisi, Rhiannon Giddens, Danny O'Mahony, Síle Denvir, Aoife Ní Bhriain, and Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Martin rounded off the Marble City Sessions, and the Festival, with a remarkable performance.

Address

11 Patrick's Court, Patrick Street
Kilkenny
R95P042

Telephone

+353567763663

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