Special Events in Kilkenny

There are some important dates to remember if you are thinking about visiting Kilkenny. All of the events below are easily reachable from the self catering cottages at Croan Cottages.

As well as these festivals, we have also prepared itineraries to help you plan days out while you are on Holiday at Croan Cottages. Details are provided in each of our self catering cottages and we have listed some of the suggestions on theRecommended Days Out page on our website.

We have also listed some of the activities available in Kilkenny for those travelling with Children. Visit our Kids Activitiespage for more details.

There really is something here for everyone:

January

New Year's day - The Wellie Race and Parade, Castlecomer. This event takes place annually on New Year's Day.http://www.wellierace.com/

February

Waterford New Music Week  Waterford Institute of Technology, in association with Garter Lane Arts Centre, will present the eleventh Waterford New Music Week from 4th - 10th February 2013. 
This is the only contemporary music festival in the South East of Ireland. It celebrates national and international contemporary composition and performance.

March

St. Patrick's Day, 17th, Events throughout the South East all week

April

Sean Dunne Young Writers' Festival, (21st March) Waterford
The festival is entirely free and is charged with the development of a new cannon of works. Contact Garter Lane 051-855038 email: arts@waterfordcity.ie

May

Guinness Feile na nDeise Festival (every May Bank Holiday weekend)
Traditional/Jazz/Bluegrass festival. http://www.feilenandeise.com/

Rhythm and Roots International Music Festival, Kilkenny (every May Bank Holiday weekend)
The Carlsberg Kilkenny Rhythm n' Roots Weekend focuses on introducing cutting edge acts to Ireland.http://www.kilkennyroots.com/

June

Cat Laughs International Comedy Festival, Kilkenny (every June Bank Holiday weekend)
It has established a reputation for relaxed shows and performances by leading comedians from these islands, Europe and even America. http://www.thecatlaughs.com/ 

IMMRAMA, Lismore Festival Of Travel Writing (13 - 16 June 2013), Waterford, three full days of Literature, arts, music and cultural activities for all interests and ages. Music, literature, readings, performances, street and indoor theatre, exhibitions, art, history, photography and competitions. http://www.lismoreimmrama.com/

South East Gardens Festival, Waterford, early June, a trail of 15 private gardens, ranging from cottage style gardens to colourful attractively designed new gardens. Phone +353 (0)51 384273

Open Deep Sea Angling Competition, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058-41395 or 058-46401

Éigse Carlow Arts Festival (Early June)
A ten-day celebration of visual art, performance, dance, music, literature, street spectacle, craft and film, Éigse Carlow Arts Festival is one of Ireland's largest arts festivals. http://www.eigsecarlow.ie/

Carlow Regatta (June) 
Rowing in nearby Carlow has been popular since 1859. the highlight of this year is the annual regatta which attracts thousand of entries from both Ireland and overseas.

Military re-enactment at Duncannon Fort (June) 
The Munster Military Vehicle and re-enactment Group will assemble a gathering of veteran military vehicles and an assorted number of historical re-enactors from varied times in Irish and World history. www.thehook-wexford.com/heritage/

Waterford International Choral Festival 
International, non-competitive festival for amateur choirs in all categories.

July

Clonmel Junction Festival (Early July)
An extensive range of events which includes theatre shows for adults, children and families and music events ranging from Jazz to Rock and from World Music to Traditional. http://www.junctionfestival.com/

South Tipperary Garden Trail, Clonmel (July TBC)
Tours through award winning gardens

Cashel Summer Festival 
Live Music, free outdoor concerts, family field day, literary events, Art Exhibitions, Theatre.http://www.cashelsummerfestival.com/

JFK Dunbrody Festival, New Ross
International Festival celebrating the maritime history of New Ross and its connection with the Kennedy family. Live open air concerts, visiting naval vessels, hot air balloons, helicopter rides, children's events, River regatta, Norman day and fireworks. http://www.jfkdunbrodyfestival.org/

TráFest Music Weekend Street Concerts in Tramore, Co. Waterford. Pub gigs every night for Early to Mid July.www.spraoi.com

August

Duncannon International Sand Sculpting Festival Competition & Exhibition 
Festivals Duncannon, Wexford
Sand sculpting competition, fun for everyone!
+353 (0)87 235 5478 Early August

Waterford Spraoi Festival 
For three days, the streets and quays of Waterford city are transformed into a huge stage featuring an international cast of musicians and street theatre performers. All events are free. http://www.spraoi.com/

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre - 
Concert Venues Kilkenny City, Kilkenny
+353 (0) 56 7769424

Graiguenamanagh Regatta and Rowing Festival, Co. Kilkenny (August Bank Holiday weekend) 
Reputed to be the oldest Regatta on Irelands inland waterways. The entire town gather to see local and visitor alike compete on the river in swimming and diving costumes, and most special of all, racing in 'cots', which are the traditional small fishing craft of the Barrow. Music abounds in the Pubs, football matches and other events are also timed to coincide with the Graiguenamanagh Regatta.

Thomastown, Music Festival (Early August) 
Traditional Music will be played in local venues around the village of Thomastown, throughout the weekend.

Kilkenny Arts Festival (Early August)
The fabulous medieval city of Kilkenny makes a stunning backdrop to its annual international arts festival. Kilkenny Arts Festival takes place over 10 days in August and plays host to some of the world's leading artists and performers in a range of art forms. Widely acclaimed for its unique mix of art forms and venues, this year's festival will feature music - classical, jazz and traditional Irish - visual art, theatre and dance in unusual spaces around the city, literature and film, a full range of events for young people, and outdoor events in the city and county. http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/

Carlow Floral Festival (First week of August)
The festival promises lots of floral fun and facts with gardening and floral workshops, arts and crafts demonstrations, musical performances and superb street entertainment.

Lismore Community Festival, West Waterford 
Horse Racing, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Tel: 051 381425, Early August http://www.tramore-racecourse.com/

Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. Last week in August, since 1994.http://www.waterford-dunmore.com/

September

Iverk Agricultural Show (4th September)
The Iverk show dates back to 1826 and still flourishes to this day. It is now estimated to be one of the largest agricultural shows in the country, attracting patrons from the 32 counties. http://www.iverkshow.com/

Waterford Fringe Festival (19th - 28th September)
Waterford Fringe Festival is a multi-disciplinary Arts Festival to coincide with The Waterford International Festival Of Light Opera. http://www.waterfordfringefestival.com/

Waterford International Festival of Light Opera 
A classic among events, the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera is long established, popular and polished. It gathers some of the leading Music Societies from throughout these islands. http://www.waterfordfestival.com/

National Heritage Week, Late August - Early September, Nationwide. 
http://www.heritageireland.ie/

Angling Open Deep Sea Competition, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058-41395 or 058-46401

Kilkenny Celtic Festival (Late September - Early October)
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.http://www.celticfestival.ie/

October

Nire Valley Walking Festival, Waterford (First or Second week in October)
Festival of walking for enthusiasts of all levels.

Carlow Autumn Walking Festival (First week in October)
This walking festival allows experienced walkers to enjoy the invigorating challenge of Carlow's mountain treks while novices will find peace and tranquillity on quiet country routes. Knowledgeable local guides will lead the way.

National Conker Championships, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny (Last Sunday in October)
Open-to-all Conker competitions for all ages culminating in the crowning of the Irish Conker Champion. In addition to conkering there will be lots of other activities for all ages as well as plenty of hot food and drink.http://www.freshfordinfo.ie/

'IMAGINE' - Waterford Arts Festival (last weekend in October) nine mini festivals all in one theatre, film, music, comedy, dance, literature, visual, craft and children - a platform for local talent and a showcase for international artists. The annual festival is a vibrant mix of the traditional and contemporary, well-established acts, special commissions, Irish exclusives and European premieres. http://www.waterfordartsfestival.com/

November

Duiske Concert Season (4th - 6th November)
A unique chance to hear Classical and Traditional music in a 13th century setting. 

December

Kilkenny On Ice will run from December 3rd to January 22nd. Christmas has finally come to Kilkenny – with the most exciting festive event for all the family! Located at Cillin Hill, Kilkenny. Indoor skating and REAL ICE! No synthetic ice here, it's all the real deal.