Kilkenny's winding slipways, central location, and vibrant nightlife make it the perfect festival location. From April through October is festival season in Kilkenny. In early summer the festival season starts in April with the Pan Celtic Festival, a celebration of all things Irish, whilst in May the Rhythm & Roots festival hosts international stars of bluegrass, country and alt-country scenes. During high summer, the Murphy's Cat Laughs Comedy Festivals, now established beside Montreaux and Edinburgh as one of the world-class comedy festivals, precedes the Source outdoor music festival which has featured Bob Dylan and Paul Simon amongst others, and the renowned Kilkenny Arts Festival features the best of visual art, street performance and classical music.
Art & Exhibitions
Since the establishment of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in the 1970's, Kilkenny has built an international reputation for showcasing the best of contemporary art. The Butler Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Kilkenny County Council Arts Office, the National Gallery and many other private galleries have exciting and progressive exhibitions programmes throughout the year. As well as the official exhibitions, the vibrant arts scene in Kilkenny means that many hotels, restaurants and public buildings exhibit work by local artists, adding a wonderfully stimulating cultural dimension to a pleasant meal or relaxing drink.
The Cat Laughs
It's a long way to Tipperary but the craic is in Kilkenny this June Bank Holiday Weekend, where Smithwick's ® ale is sponsoring the famous Cat Laughs Festival.
The 2007 festival featured a line-up bursting at the seams with show-stopping stand-up talent. The 2006 comic candy came from far and wide with Statesiders Kevin Meaney, Dom Irrera & Rich Hall on board while Phil Kay, Andy Smart, Jimmy Carr & Rhod Gilbert from the UK also took part. The best of Irish comeic talent also performed including Dara O Briain, Maeve Higgins, Ardal O'Hanlon, Jason Byrne, Owen O'Neill, Colin Murphy, Ed Byrne and Des Bishop.
check out www.smithwickscatlaughs.com for further information.
Kilkenny Arts Festival
Kilkenny Arts Festival is one of the country's largest multi disciplinary events that takes place annually in August.
The 2008 event will take place from the 8th-17th August 2008 and will feature events in Classical, World, Trad and Jazz Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Art, Literature, Film, Young People's events and an extensive Young People's programme.
For festival updates see www.kilkennyarts.ie
Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
A deep, worked-out quarry, nestling beneath Ballykeeffe Wood and Nature Reserve, Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre offers acoustics and a setting designed to provide an unforgettable and memorable evening. Leading performers have thrilled audiences here - Anuna, Kila, Cora Venus Lunny, Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir. Check our website for details of events.
Kilkenny Celtic Festival
October 2008 - Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital, in the Sunny South East of Ireland, is where the varying threads of Ireland's Celtic traditions and history can best be explored. Although mainly a Norman town, its majestic castle, lofty cathedral, five medieval abbeys, together with its meandering streetscape create a special and particular feel to this ancient Irish city
