Kilkenny Arts Festival 2025

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Kilkenny Arts Festival – Ten Days of Pure Magic

Every summer since 1974, Kilkenny has burst into colour as music, theatre, dance, and art spill into its medieval streets. For ten unforgettable days in August, ancient churches, castle courtyards, and secret gardens become stages for performances you’ll talk about for years.

One night you might hear a haunting violin in a candlelit chapel. The next, you could be watching world-class theatre under the stars or discovering a jazz trio tucked away in a hidden courtyard. Everywhere you turn, something unexpected is waiting.

From spellbinding classical concerts to bold contemporary creations, the Festival mixes tradition with daring innovation. It’s a celebration where history and creativity meet, and the whole city becomes part of the story.

Whether you’re here for the big names, the intimate moments, or the sheer joy of wandering between events, Kilkenny Arts Festival is your ticket to a summer filled with art, adventure, and a touch of magic.

With events on throughout the small city and a few in the county too, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of Panoramic Ireland’s favourites to look out for

Secret Music Series at Mount Juliet

Out in the lush gardens of Mount Juliet, this event takes place on Sunday 17th August with an unannounced line-up from 15:00.

FREE EVENT

Light Up the Castle - Because You’re Free

A must-see performance by Laura Sheehan that seeks to make us feel a little more human again, nightly at 22:45 from 13th-16th August.

FREE EVENT

Annemarie Ní Churreáin - Ghostgirl

Described by The Irish Times as a fresh and vivid new voice, poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin reads from Ghostgirl at the Parade Tower from 17:00 on Saturday 16th August.

Tickets €18

Irish Chamber Orchestra

Directed by Henning Kraggerud, performing his own work Equinox alongside classics from Mahler, Barber and JS Bach. All held in the wonderful setting of Saint Canice’s Cathedral. At 19:30 on Friday 15th August.

Tickets €37

Secret Byrd by The Gesualdo Six & Fretwork

Telling the story of William Byrd, a composer during the reign of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth I who, as a Catholic, continued to work on Latin masses while composing for the royal court. 12th and 13th of August at 18:30 and 21:00.

740 Years of Reverb - James McVinnie & Eliza McCarthy

Saint Canice’s Cathedral will have the sound of the organ reverbing for eight hours as they play Jonny Greenwood’s 740 Years of Reverb on 9th August between 13:00 and 21:00.

Tickets from €20 for 2 hours

Ciarán Hinds at Saint Canice’s Cathedral

Returns for the third time on the 10th of August, performing this year with text from Charles Eisenstein set to music by The Fews Ensemble and Mezzo Soprano Sharon Carty. At 20:30.

Tickets €30

Lucia and Maria at Cleere’s Pub and Theatre

What better setting than Cleere’s Pub and Theatre for violin and fiddle as Lucia and Maria perform at 21:00 on 11th August.

Tickets €20

Colm Mac Con Iomaire String Quartet

More fiddling will be had at the Set Theatre on 13th August at 14:30 as Colm Mac Con Iomaire is joined, after a solo set, by Kate Ellis, Rakhi and Simmy Singh to form a formidable string quartet.

Tickets €25

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And that’s only just some of the world class talent on offer at Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Ready to experience the magic?

For more information and the complete festival programme:

View Full Programme