Kilkenny Arts Festival 2025 with Pembroke Kilkenny

Each August, Kilkenny transforms into a vibrant cultural stage, alive with creativity, energy, and celebration. This year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival, running from August 7th to 17th, promises one of its most exciting programmes yet and we can’t wait to be part of it!

The festival brings a rich mix of world premieres, captivating performances, bold collaborations, and intimate artistic encounters to every corner of the city. Whether you’re drawn to theatre, dance, literature, crafts, or the vast spectrum of music on offer, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. The festival also features a fantastic children’s programme but be quick, as these events tend to book out early!

Celebrating Local Talent at Pembroke Kilkenny

This year, Pembroke Kilkenny is thrilled to host two outstanding local artists, each bringing their unique vision and talent to our space.

Sandra Blanchfield, an award-winning artist based in north Kilkenny, creates stunning works in oils and acrylics on canvas. Her art captures the natural beauty of Ireland from sweeping landscapes to native wildlife, and even portraits of cherished pets.

We also welcome Roger O’Reilly, an internationally recognised illustrator and recipient of multiple accolades, including Illustrator of the Year (2004). Roger’s celebrated project, Lighthouses of Ireland, is a tribute to Ireland’s coastal heritage and won the An Post Irish Published Book of the Year Award in 2018. In 2024, he followed up with Legendary Lighthouses of Britain, featuring over 100 iconic maritime landmarks.

Make Pembroke Kilkenny Your Festival Base

If you’re planning a visit for the Kilkenny Arts Festival, Pembroke Kilkenny offers the perfect base in the heart of the city. Just steps from many of the festival’s key venues, you’ll enjoy stylish comfort, local hospitality, and easy access to everything Kilkenny has to offer.

Don’t forget to check out our special hotel offers ideal for making the most of your arts-filled getaway.

For more information about this year’s exciting line-up, visit www.KilkennyArts.ie. We look forward to celebrating the arts with you this August!