The following is a list of some of the many annual events and festivals that take place across Kilkenny City and County. Don't be stuck for something to do!
 
Castlecomer Wellington Race (January 1st)
Join in the largest rubber boot race in the world over a 6.4km circuit, with hundreds of wellie-booted runners, in all sorts of attire, taking part. A great way to start the year!
 
Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
Entertainment on the Streets of Kilkenny. Parades at various locations.
 
Rhythm and Roots Weekend (May Bank Holiday)
Featuring a world class lineup of international and Irish Roots / Americana Acts.
Website: www.kilkennyroots.com Telephone: 056 7763669
 
Kilkenny Fleadh Ceoil (Mid May)
A weekend of traditional music, set dancing, song and open air activities organised by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.
Contact: Noreen O'Neill  Telephone: 086 8249618
Email: comhaltaskk@eircom.net
 
 
 
Carlsberg Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June Bank Holiday)
International comedy festival of great renown. Don’t stay at home – have a laugh!
Website: www.carlsbergcatslaughs.com
 
Kilkenny River Festival (early July)
Water-based activities including competitions and displays on the River Nore.
Website: www.kilkennycanoe.com
 
Graiguenamanagh/Tinnahinch Regatta and Boat Rally Festival (August Bank Holiday)
The festival includes musical events, sporting activities and comedy acts. The regatta includes over 20 events from an Iron Man contest to cot (fishing boat) races, swimming and diving competitions.
 
 
Thomastown Traditional Irish Music Weekend (August Bank Holiday)
This annual event offers a weekend of live music in the pubs and on the streets of Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.
 
Ballykeeffe Mini Fest (August Bank Holiday)
Family Fun Day 20th June. Chapter House Theatre Group are performing ‘Mid Summers Night Dream’ on the 8th July. 31st July Tir Na Nóg perform. August Bank Holiday events to be confirmed.
Website: www.ballykeeffe.com
 
 
Kilkenny Arts Festival (August)
This exciting festival offers a spectacular variety of events in Kilkenny City and County to suit all ages and tastes including art, crafts, classical, jazz, world and traditional music, poetry and book readings, street performances, outdoor plays and workshops... Just be there!! Programme available from the booking office from early July. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Website: www.kilkennyarts.ie
 
Heritage Week (end August)
Organised by Dúchas there is something for everyone in Heritage Week such as guided tours of Kilkenny Castle, exhibitions, nature walks, bird watching and guided tours of Dúchas sites. Many events are free of charge during this week.
Website: www.heritageireland.ie
 
Iverk Agricultural Show (August)
This agricultural show dates back to 1826 and is one of the largest in the country. Held annually in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
Website: www.iverkshow.com
 
Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival (September)
Antiquarian, general second-hand and bargain book dealers descend on the village of Graiguenamanagh offering thousands of books to suit all tastes and budgets. Readings, book valuations and entertainment are on offer.
Website: www.booktownireland.com
 
Celtic Festival (September to October)
The Kilkenny Celtic Festival is dedicated to encouraging a wider and deeper appreciation of all things Celtic, expressed in the Irish Language, song, music, dance and food. Each year the festival focuses on one of the Celtic Nations.
Website: www.celticfestival.ie
 
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (late October)
Savour Kilkenny is now in its fourth year. It’s a festival with a true community heart run by a voluntary committee of Kilkenny people who are passionate about food. Growing it, making it, cooking it, sharing it and eating it – all are celebrated each year in a rainbow programme.
 
If you’re reading this, the chances are you agree that food is one of life’s simplest yet richest pleasures. In a world that’s changed so much and so quickly, it connects us to nature and to each other. We’re lucky to have an exceptionally vibrant and creative food culture here and Savour Kilkenny is a chance to throw open our doors and invite you (and the rest of the world!) to join the party and enjoy it with us.
Contact: Edward Hayden, Secretary Telephone: 059 9724359
Website: www.savourkilkenny.com
Email: info@savourkilkenny.com
 
Éigse Shiabh Rua Co Kilkenny (November)
This traditional festival is based in Slieverue village and includes a seminar on local music and national history, children’s historical tour, poetry readings and tours to historical locations.
Contact: Katherine Grant  Telephone: 051 832482
Location: Rhu Glenn Hotel, Slieverue Village 
 
 
 
Dancing for Pleasure (November)
A social dancing festival with tuition every morning and dancing to live bands in the evenings. Gala dinner on Thursday night.
Contact: Bob Ormsby  Telephone: 053 9133214
Location: Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
 
Kilkenny Chess Festival (Last weekend in November)
With games played at five different grades including Grand Masters and International Masters and attracting players from as far a field as Russia, this international festival welcomes all chess enthusiasts. Free to spectators. Venues will be Butler House and the Club House Hotel.
Contact: Jack Lowry Telephone: 087 7840626
Email: chess@iol.ie