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- Site-specific theatre and street performance — Actors take over alleys, courtyards and old buildings so shows feel built into the town itself. It’s not just “a play on a stage”; the medieval streets become part of the story, which makes every performance unpredictable and alive. (Personal favourite — there’s nothing like watching a piece that uses a castle wall as scenery.)
- Music across unusual venues — From intimate chamber concerts in historic rooms to bigger outdoor gigs in courtyards, the range runs classical, folk, jazz and contemporary. The way sound sits in Kilkenny’s stone buildings gives many performances a warmth and clarity you won’t get in a modern hall.
- Literary events and spoken-word sessions — Writers, poets and storytellers appear in formats that vary from formal readings
- Site-specific theatre and street performance — Actors take over alleys, courtyards and old buildings so shows feel built into the town itself. It’s not just “a play on a stage”; the medieval streets become part of the story, which makes every performance unpredictable and alive. (Personal favourite — there’s nothing like watching a piece that uses a castle wall as scenery.)
- Music across unusual venues — From intimate chamber concerts in historic rooms to bigger outdoor gigs in courtyards, the range runs classical, folk, jazz and contemporary. The way sound sits in Kilkenny’s stone buildings gives many performances a warmth and clarity you won’t get in a modern hall.
- Literary events and spoken-word sessions — Writers, poets and storytellers appear in formats that vary from formal readings to casual conversations and late-night salon vibes. It’s the festival’s brain — thoughtful, provocative, and often surprisingly funny.
- Visual arts and pop-up installations — Galleries and temporary outdoor pieces spread across the city, so wandering the streets often turns into an accidental mini-exhibition. There’s a strong sense of discovery: you might duck into a chapel and find an installation that stays with you.
- Workshops, family programmes and the fringe atmosphere — Hands-on workshops, community projects and smaller fringe events give the festival a grassroots energy. It’s where locals and visitors mix, late-night sessions happen in pubs, and you can try something new without breaking the bank.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket
Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Walking Tour with a Kilkenny-Born Local Guide
Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours
Hurling Tours Ireland - Hurling Experience in Kilkenny
Walk the Medieval Mile with Pat
The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour
Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour
Walking Tours of Kilkenny with John Comerford
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.