Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK)

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

After last year's sell-out run in the Castle Yard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre return to Kilkenny with an uproarious production of As You Like It.

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junk ensemble (Ireland)

junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead

Sat 10th Aug - Mon 12th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

Commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival - World Premiere Dusk Ahead

Multi-award-winning collective junk ensemble celebrate the festival’s 40th birthday with the world premiere of a specially-commissioned piece, co-produced by Kilkenny Arts Festival and Project Arts Centre.

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TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun

Thu 15th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.

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Camerata Ireland

Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)

Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.

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Ensemble Marsyas (International)
My inspiring festival

Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court

Sun 11th Aug
The Black Abbey

One of the freshest and most exciting new baroque ensembles in Europe come to Kilkenny with an intriguing programme ranging from John Dowland to Handel.

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Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Kaleidoscope (Ireland)

Mon 12th Aug
Left Bank

After a sell-out success at the 2011 festival, Kaleidoscope returns for another imaginative programme spanning five hundred years of music from Ireland, Europe and beyond.

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Ian Wilson (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet

Tue 13th Aug
St. John’s Priory

The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.

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Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.

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Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Malcolm Proud (Ireland)

Thu 15th Aug
St. John’s Priory

Forty years after his first appearance at the festival, the acclaimed international harpsichordist and pianist Malcolm Proud returns with a solo harpsichord recital in St John's.

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Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US)

Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson

Crash Ensemble presents a mouthwatering concert showcasing the work of some of the best contemporary Irish and American composers, including Nico Muhly, Donnacha Dennehy and Michael Gordon.

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Courtney Orlando (US)

Courtney Orlando (US)

The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.

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Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble

Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

To mark the year of The Gathering 2013, the Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir brings together singers from all over the globe to take part in our most ambitious choral event yet.

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Phisqa (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Phisqa (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug
Cleere’s Pub

This young quintet's blend of jazz and Peruvian rhythms has made them one of the most exciting new jazz ensembles in Ireland.

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Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
My alternative festival

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band. 

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Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.

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Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Wed 14th Aug
St. John’s Priory

A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert. 

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The Naomhóg and the Begleys
My first festival

The Naomhóg and the Begleys

Thu 15th Aug

A crew of nautical troubadours sails up the River Nore to Kilkenny in a hand-crafted boat for a very special night of dancing, shanties and tales of the high seas.

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Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
My inspiring festival

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)

Sat 17th Aug
Set Theatre

The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.

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The Divine Comedy
My surprising festival

The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)

Over the years Neil Hannon has performed in a range of magnificent venues, but there’s nowhere better than St Canice’s to show off the full range of his talents.

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David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
My surprising festival

David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)

Sun 11th Aug
Set Theatre

Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set. 

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New Music Night

New Music Night

Wed 14th Aug
Set Theatre

The ever-popular New Music Night returns to the Set with another eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent including Biggles Flys Again, Seti the First and the Thomas Donoghue Band.

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Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
My surprising festival

Fight Like Apes (Ireland)

The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".

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The Fall (UK)
My surprising festival

The Fall (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
Set Theatre

Mark E Smith - one of the most charismatic frontmen in pop - brings his new line-up to the Set for what might just be the gig of the festival.

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R.S.A.G with Replete
My alternative festival

R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)

Sun 18th Aug
Set Theatre

Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.

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Roger Doyle (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned

The “godfather of Irish electronica” presents an exclusive preview of the opening act of his new (and very first) opera: The Death by Fire of Giordano Bruno.

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James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole:

James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland

Sat 10th Aug
The Parade Tower

In this special event to celebrate the staging of The Taming of the Shrew, leading Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro joins Fintan O’Toole to explore the surprising ways in which Ireland works its way into Shakespeare’s imagination.

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The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling

The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature

This year's Hubert Butler Lecture brings one of the UK's leading public intellectuals to Kilkenny to explore the ways in which great literature can enrich all our lives.

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Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

This exciting double bill pairs this year's IMPAC winner, Kevin Barry, with Ron Rash: one of the great contemporary exponents of the American short story.

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Remembering September 1913

Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack

Wed 14th Aug
The Parade Tower

To celebrate the centenary of its publication, Kilkenny Arts Festival brings together two leading Yeats scholars to explore 'September 1913': one of Yeats' most famous poems.

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Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.

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Poetry, Music & Song

Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion

Sun 18th Aug

2011 festival closers Scullion are back to round off the Literature strand in the company of novelist Colm Tóibín, poet Paula Meehan and traditional singer Niamh Parsons.

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Official Festival Opening Party
My first festival

Official Festival Opening Party

Fri 9th Aug
Butler House

Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.

Free

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My alternative festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Curated by Kate Ellis, co-artistic director of Crash Ensemble, Soundsworks is a bespoke installation presented as part of Crash's residency.

Free

event details

Banter on Music
My alternative festival

Banter on Music

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

In the first of our three Banter panels, Jim Carroll's guests explore everything from the Seattle grunge scene to the story of 'My Lovely Horse'.

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Talking Theatre
My surprising festival

Talking Theatre

Sun 11th Aug
The Parade Tower

Join us in the Parade Tower before the show for a Q&A with the cast of The Taming of the Shrew in conversation with our festival director, Rosemary Collier.

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Free

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40th Festival Commissions:
My inspiring festival

40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien

Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.

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Free

event details

National  Campaign for the Arts

National Campaign for the Arts

Mon 12th Aug
Newpark Hotel

An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.

event details

Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
My inspiring festival

Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty

Tue 13th Aug
Newpark Hotel

Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.

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Banter on Fashion
My alternative festival

Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?

In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.

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1913-2013
My inspiring festival

1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future

A panel of leading historians and trade unionists examine the labour movement and ask whether trade unions could again become the powerful democratic organisations they once were.

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40th Festival Commissions:
My alternative festival

40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier

Fri 16th Aug
Rothe House

Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.

Free

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My inspiring festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)

Heralded as a violinist  of "tireless energy and bright tone" (The New York Times), American violinist Courtney Orlando performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's events for Kilkenny Arts Festival.

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Hot Potatoes
My surprising festival

Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

It’s 1959 and H Williams have just opened 5,000 square feet of self-service retail on Dublin’s Henry Street, ushering in the age of the supermarket in Ireland.

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Banter on the Big Issues
My alternative festival

Banter on the Big Issues

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

Jim Carroll's Banter salon explores some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the work of campaigners for justice to the future of the arts sector in Ireland.

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Setting the Scene
My surprising festival

Setting the Scene

Sat 17th Aug
Rothe House

Ahead of the penultimate performance of The Taming of the Shrew, Joe Murphy joins Tom Creed to provide an introduction to one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies.

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Free

event details

Connections
My first festival

Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler House

MADE is a collective of 28 professional craftsmen and women working in textiles, millinery, ceramics, jewellery, candle-making, leatherwork, basketry, printmaking, glass and stone carving.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Blackstack Studio

Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Friary

A show of existing work and commissioned new work by two Kilkenny-based painters whose practices find synthesis in the pace and character of the local landscape.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks

Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler Gallery

Bob and Roberta Smith shows a number of works that explore the importance of culture and art in society, from a letter to Michael Gove (British Minister for Education), to pieces that pay tribute to women artists.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Smith invites you to explore Arendt’s work and life through her own and others’ writings, as well as costumes, wigs and props!

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk

Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My surprising festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Rothe House

Smith reinvents Rothe House as a space for meeting and discussion, provoking and encouraging visitors literally to get on his Soap Box and start a debate.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My first festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Bateman Quay

Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
County Hall

Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.

Free

event details

Artists Brunch
My inspiring festival

Artists Brunch

Join us in Billy Byrne's for a Sunday morning chat and some insights into the work of Kilkenny-based artists featured in the Connections programme.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley

Bob and Roberta Smith joins tennis correspondent Steve Bierley (who inspired one of Bob's most celebrated works), for a fascinating exchange about art and inspiration.

Free

event details

Costume: Future Fashion
My inspiring festival

Costume: Future Fashion

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Focusing on innovators of fashion and sculpture for the body, Future Fashion explores the work of fashion, jewellery and shoe designers who are embracing – and transforming – craft skills and techniques through innovative design thinking, sculptural aesthetic, and cutting-edge technology and materials.

Free

event details

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Fri 9th Aug - Wed 16th Oct
National Craft Gallery

Turning the traditional idea of a costume exhibition inside out, Behind the Scenes focuses on the undergarment, demonstrating that these complex, functional pieces are beautiful objects in their own right.

Free

event details

Costume
My inspiring festival

Costume Curator & Artist Talk

Curator Angela O'Kelly explores the world of Costume with Niamh Lunny, head of costume at the Abbey Theatre, and artists Úna Burke, Ana Rajcevic and Andreia Chaves.

Free

event details

Architects of Air (UK)
My alternative festival

Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
Kilkenny Castle Park

Architects of Air are bringing one of their most magical creations to the Castle Park. If you’ve never been inside a luminarium, now’s your chance!

event details

Macnas (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere

The award-winning Macnas brings a brand new show to the city featuring masked performers, a music box, a bag of curiosities and a 15-foot penny farthing ridden by a dragonfly!

Free

event details

Family Workshops:
My surprising festival

Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Reflecting the layered skirts and crinolines in the Behind the Scenes exhibition, sculptor Jean Conroy will construct a woven willow installation in the Castle Yard. All are welcome to drop in and weave part of the skirts.

Free

event details

Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
The Parade

Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!

Free

event details

Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
My inspiring festival

Make a Movie in 3 Hours!

Sat 10th Aug

Want to make it to the Oscars? As part of their 21st anniversary celebrations, Young Irish Film-Makers are calling all budding film-makers (aged 13-16) to join them at their studios for a film workshop with a difference.

Free

event details

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle

This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.

Free

event details

Family Workshops:
My first festival

Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Design and craft imaginative costume pieces and bodywear using simple pinning techniques inspired by Úna Burke’s scuptural leather work. This playful workshop explores form and structure through mixed-media experimentation.

Free

event details

Architects of Air (UK)
My alternative festival

Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
Kilkenny Castle Park

Architects of Air are bringing one of their most magical creations to the Castle Park. If you’ve never been inside a luminarium, now’s your chance!

event details

The Gregory Walkers (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods

Mon 12th Aug
The Parade Tower

In a show specially created for this year’s festival, some of Ireland’s leading musicians join forces to take you on a magical musical adventure through the stories of the deep, dark woods.

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Solas
My inspiring festival

Solas Art Makes Children Powerful

Mon 12th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
Butler Gallery

Get vocal after exploring the work of Bob and Roberta Smith at the Butler Gallery! Artists Jenny and Jean invite you to participate in this creative workshop that will incorporate stencilling, drawing, painting and lots of fun!

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Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Inspired by simple patterns within the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, children will create new designs to ‘up-cycle’ their old T-shirts. Using an embroidery hoop Maeve will show us easy screenprinting techniques.

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Design and create your own clay characters, sculpt costumes of wizards’ cloaks, princesses’ gowns, astronauts’ space helmets or fairy wings! Take your characters home and, once dry, you can paint and decorate them!

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Taking inspiration from the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, this fun workshop explores the endless possibilities of fibre, fabric and felt to create your own unique felt badges and brooches to take home.

Free

event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

Come on an imaginative journey with your child! Drama facilitator Joanna Parkes combines creative play, story and drama to explore fictional worlds that adults and children will enjoy sharing together.

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Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

The king has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to know about: he has donkey ears! Enjoy an active theatre workshop full of creative storytelling inspired by this old legend found in Ireland, Croatia and Africa.

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event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Tiptoe into gentle and interactive music inspired by colours, pictures, lights and nature, in workshops especially created to let the very small discover the joy of music.

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event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Composer Karen Power helps you to discover the musical potential hidden in all kinds of everyday objects and create your own original music soundscapes for film!

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event details

Mr. H (Ireland)

Mr. H (Ireland)

Sat 17th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Canal Walk

Enjoy the surreal antics of this silent clown as he grapples with everyday objects, attempting to bend them to his will and turn the world inside out and upside down.

Free

event details

New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band

New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band

Mon 10th Jun
Set Theatre

The ever-popular New Music Night returns to the Set this year with another eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent. It’s not every day that a viola da gamba, a ukelin and a marxophone feature among a band’s instruments, but Seti the First is no ordinary band.

Book

event details

Family Workshops:
My surprising festival

Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Reflecting the layered skirts and crinolines in the Behind the Scenes exhibition, sculptor Jean Conroy will construct a woven willow installation in the Castle Yard. All are welcome to drop in and weave part of the skirts.

Free

event details

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK)

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

After last year's sell-out run in the Castle Yard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre return to Kilkenny with an uproarious production of As You Like It.

Book

event details

The Divine Comedy
My surprising festival

The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)

Over the years Neil Hannon has performed in a range of magnificent venues, but there’s nowhere better than St Canice’s to show off the full range of his talents.

Book

event details

Official Festival Opening Party
My first festival

Official Festival Opening Party

Fri 9th Aug
Butler House

Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.

Free

event details

Connections
My first festival

Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler House

MADE is a collective of 28 professional craftsmen and women working in textiles, millinery, ceramics, jewellery, candle-making, leatherwork, basketry, printmaking, glass and stone carving.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Blackstack Studio

Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Friary

A show of existing work and commissioned new work by two Kilkenny-based painters whose practices find synthesis in the pace and character of the local landscape.

Free

event details

Costume: Future Fashion
My inspiring festival

Costume: Future Fashion

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Focusing on innovators of fashion and sculpture for the body, Future Fashion explores the work of fashion, jewellery and shoe designers who are embracing – and transforming – craft skills and techniques through innovative design thinking, sculptural aesthetic, and cutting-edge technology and materials.

Free

event details

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Fri 9th Aug - Wed 16th Oct
National Craft Gallery

Turning the traditional idea of a costume exhibition inside out, Behind the Scenes focuses on the undergarment, demonstrating that these complex, functional pieces are beautiful objects in their own right.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks

Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.

Free

event details

Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
The Parade

Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!

Free

event details

Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
My inspiring festival

Make a Movie in 3 Hours!

Sat 10th Aug

Want to make it to the Oscars? As part of their 21st anniversary celebrations, Young Irish Film-Makers are calling all budding film-makers (aged 13-16) to join them at their studios for a film workshop with a difference.

Free

event details

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle

This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.

Free

event details

James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole:

James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland

Sat 10th Aug
The Parade Tower

In this special event to celebrate the staging of The Taming of the Shrew, leading Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro joins Fintan O’Toole to explore the surprising ways in which Ireland works its way into Shakespeare’s imagination.

Book

event details

The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling

The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature

This year's Hubert Butler Lecture brings one of the UK's leading public intellectuals to Kilkenny to explore the ways in which great literature can enrich all our lives.

Book

event details

Family Workshops:
My first festival

Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Design and craft imaginative costume pieces and bodywear using simple pinning techniques inspired by Úna Burke’s scuptural leather work. This playful workshop explores form and structure through mixed-media experimentation.

Free

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My alternative festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Curated by Kate Ellis, co-artistic director of Crash Ensemble, Soundsworks is a bespoke installation presented as part of Crash's residency.

Free

event details

Architects of Air (UK)
My alternative festival

Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
Kilkenny Castle Park

Architects of Air are bringing one of their most magical creations to the Castle Park. If you’ve never been inside a luminarium, now’s your chance!

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler Gallery

Bob and Roberta Smith shows a number of works that explore the importance of culture and art in society, from a letter to Michael Gove (British Minister for Education), to pieces that pay tribute to women artists.

Free

event details

Phisqa (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Phisqa (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug
Cleere’s Pub

This young quintet's blend of jazz and Peruvian rhythms has made them one of the most exciting new jazz ensembles in Ireland.

Book

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Smith invites you to explore Arendt’s work and life through her own and others’ writings, as well as costumes, wigs and props!

Free

event details

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
My alternative festival

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band. 

Book

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk

Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My surprising festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Rothe House

Smith reinvents Rothe House as a space for meeting and discussion, provoking and encouraging visitors literally to get on his Soap Box and start a debate.

Free

event details

Costume
My inspiring festival

Costume Curator & Artist Talk

Curator Angela O'Kelly explores the world of Costume with Niamh Lunny, head of costume at the Abbey Theatre, and artists Úna Burke, Ana Rajcevic and Andreia Chaves.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My first festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Bateman Quay

Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
County Hall

Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.

Free

event details

Banter on Music
My alternative festival

Banter on Music

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

In the first of our three Banter panels, Jim Carroll's guests explore everything from the Seattle grunge scene to the story of 'My Lovely Horse'.

Book

event details

junk ensemble (Ireland)

junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead

Sat 10th Aug - Mon 12th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

Commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival - World Premiere Dusk Ahead

Multi-award-winning collective junk ensemble celebrate the festival’s 40th birthday with the world premiere of a specially-commissioned piece, co-produced by Kilkenny Arts Festival and Project Arts Centre.

Book

event details

Camerata Ireland

Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)

Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.

Book

event details

Artists Brunch
My inspiring festival

Artists Brunch

Join us in Billy Byrne's for a Sunday morning chat and some insights into the work of Kilkenny-based artists featured in the Connections programme.

Free

event details

Ensemble Marsyas (International)
My inspiring festival

Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court

Sun 11th Aug
The Black Abbey

One of the freshest and most exciting new baroque ensembles in Europe come to Kilkenny with an intriguing programme ranging from John Dowland to Handel.

Book

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley

Bob and Roberta Smith joins tennis correspondent Steve Bierley (who inspired one of Bob's most celebrated works), for a fascinating exchange about art and inspiration.

Free

event details

David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
My surprising festival

David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)

Sun 11th Aug
Set Theatre

Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set. 

Book

event details

Talking Theatre
My surprising festival

Talking Theatre

Sun 11th Aug
The Parade Tower

Join us in the Parade Tower before the show for a Q&A with the cast of The Taming of the Shrew in conversation with our festival director, Rosemary Collier.

Book

Free

event details

The Gregory Walkers (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods

Mon 12th Aug
The Parade Tower

In a show specially created for this year’s festival, some of Ireland’s leading musicians join forces to take you on a magical musical adventure through the stories of the deep, dark woods.

Book

event details

Solas
My inspiring festival

Solas Art Makes Children Powerful

Mon 12th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
Butler Gallery

Get vocal after exploring the work of Bob and Roberta Smith at the Butler Gallery! Artists Jenny and Jean invite you to participate in this creative workshop that will incorporate stencilling, drawing, painting and lots of fun!

Book

event details

40th Festival Commissions:
My inspiring festival

40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien

Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.

Book

Free

event details

National  Campaign for the Arts

National Campaign for the Arts

Mon 12th Aug
Newpark Hotel

An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.

event details

Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Kaleidoscope (Ireland)

Mon 12th Aug
Left Bank

After a sell-out success at the 2011 festival, Kaleidoscope returns for another imaginative programme spanning five hundred years of music from Ireland, Europe and beyond.

Book

event details

Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.

Book

event details

Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

This exciting double bill pairs this year's IMPAC winner, Kevin Barry, with Ron Rash: one of the great contemporary exponents of the American short story.

Book

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Inspired by simple patterns within the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, children will create new designs to ‘up-cycle’ their old T-shirts. Using an embroidery hoop Maeve will show us easy screenprinting techniques.

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Design and create your own clay characters, sculpt costumes of wizards’ cloaks, princesses’ gowns, astronauts’ space helmets or fairy wings! Take your characters home and, once dry, you can paint and decorate them!

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Taking inspiration from the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, this fun workshop explores the endless possibilities of fibre, fabric and felt to create your own unique felt badges and brooches to take home.

Free

event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

Come on an imaginative journey with your child! Drama facilitator Joanna Parkes combines creative play, story and drama to explore fictional worlds that adults and children will enjoy sharing together.

Book

event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

The king has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to know about: he has donkey ears! Enjoy an active theatre workshop full of creative storytelling inspired by this old legend found in Ireland, Croatia and Africa.

Book

event details

Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
My inspiring festival

Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty

Tue 13th Aug
Newpark Hotel

Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.

Book

event details

Ian Wilson (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet

Tue 13th Aug
St. John’s Priory

The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.

Book

event details

Remembering September 1913

Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack

Wed 14th Aug
The Parade Tower

To celebrate the centenary of its publication, Kilkenny Arts Festival brings together two leading Yeats scholars to explore 'September 1913': one of Yeats' most famous poems.

Book

event details

Roger Doyle (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned

The “godfather of Irish electronica” presents an exclusive preview of the opening act of his new (and very first) opera: The Death by Fire of Giordano Bruno.

Book

event details

Macnas (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere

The award-winning Macnas brings a brand new show to the city featuring masked performers, a music box, a bag of curiosities and a 15-foot penny farthing ridden by a dragonfly!

Free

event details

Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.

Book

event details

New Music Night

New Music Night

Wed 14th Aug
Set Theatre

The ever-popular New Music Night returns to the Set with another eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent including Biggles Flys Again, Seti the First and the Thomas Donoghue Band.

Book

event details

Banter on Fashion
My alternative festival

Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?

In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.

Book

event details

Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Wed 14th Aug
St. John’s Priory

A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert. 

Book

event details

Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Malcolm Proud (Ireland)

Thu 15th Aug
St. John’s Priory

Forty years after his first appearance at the festival, the acclaimed international harpsichordist and pianist Malcolm Proud returns with a solo harpsichord recital in St John's.

Book

event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Tiptoe into gentle and interactive music inspired by colours, pictures, lights and nature, in workshops especially created to let the very small discover the joy of music.

Book

event details

Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
My surprising festival

Fight Like Apes (Ireland)

The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".

Book

event details

The Naomhóg and the Begleys
My first festival

The Naomhóg and the Begleys

Thu 15th Aug

A crew of nautical troubadours sails up the River Nore to Kilkenny in a hand-crafted boat for a very special night of dancing, shanties and tales of the high seas.

Book

event details

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Composer Karen Power helps you to discover the musical potential hidden in all kinds of everyday objects and create your own original music soundscapes for film!

Book

event details

TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun

Thu 15th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.

Book

event details

1913-2013
My inspiring festival

1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future

A panel of leading historians and trade unionists examine the labour movement and ask whether trade unions could again become the powerful democratic organisations they once were.

Book

event details

Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.

Book

event details

The Fall (UK)
My surprising festival

The Fall (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
Set Theatre

Mark E Smith - one of the most charismatic frontmen in pop - brings his new line-up to the Set for what might just be the gig of the festival.

Book

event details

Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US)

Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson

Crash Ensemble presents a mouthwatering concert showcasing the work of some of the best contemporary Irish and American composers, including Nico Muhly, Donnacha Dennehy and Michael Gordon.

Book

event details

40th Festival Commissions:
My alternative festival

40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier

Fri 16th Aug
Rothe House

Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.

Free

event details

Mr. H (Ireland)

Mr. H (Ireland)

Sat 17th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Canal Walk

Enjoy the surreal antics of this silent clown as he grapples with everyday objects, attempting to bend them to his will and turn the world inside out and upside down.

Free

event details

Courtney Orlando (US)

Courtney Orlando (US)

The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Book

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My inspiring festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)

Heralded as a violinist  of "tireless energy and bright tone" (The New York Times), American violinist Courtney Orlando performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's events for Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Book

event details

Hot Potatoes
My surprising festival

Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

It’s 1959 and H Williams have just opened 5,000 square feet of self-service retail on Dublin’s Henry Street, ushering in the age of the supermarket in Ireland.

Book

event details

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
My inspiring festival

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)

Sat 17th Aug
Set Theatre

The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.

Book

event details

Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble

Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

To mark the year of The Gathering 2013, the Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir brings together singers from all over the globe to take part in our most ambitious choral event yet.

Book

event details

Banter on the Big Issues
My alternative festival

Banter on the Big Issues

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

Jim Carroll's Banter salon explores some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the work of campaigners for justice to the future of the arts sector in Ireland.

Book

event details

Setting the Scene
My surprising festival

Setting the Scene

Sat 17th Aug
Rothe House

Ahead of the penultimate performance of The Taming of the Shrew, Joe Murphy joins Tom Creed to provide an introduction to one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies.

Book

Free

event details

Poetry, Music & Song

Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion

Sun 18th Aug

2011 festival closers Scullion are back to round off the Literature strand in the company of novelist Colm Tóibín, poet Paula Meehan and traditional singer Niamh Parsons.

Book

event details

R.S.A.G with Replete
My alternative festival

R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)

Sun 18th Aug
Set Theatre

Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.

Book

event details

1913-2013
My inspiring festival

1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future

A panel of leading historians and trade unionists examine the labour movement and ask whether trade unions could again become the powerful democratic organisations they once were.

Book

event details

40th Festival Commissions:
My alternative festival

40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier

Fri 16th Aug
Rothe House

Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.

Free

event details

40th Festival Commissions:
My inspiring festival

40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien

Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.

Book

Free

event details

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
My alternative festival

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band. 

Book

event details

Architects of Air (UK)
My alternative festival

Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
Kilkenny Castle Park

Architects of Air are bringing one of their most magical creations to the Castle Park. If you’ve never been inside a luminarium, now’s your chance!

event details

Artists Brunch
My inspiring festival

Artists Brunch

Join us in Billy Byrne's for a Sunday morning chat and some insights into the work of Kilkenny-based artists featured in the Connections programme.

Free

event details

Banter on Fashion
My alternative festival

Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?

In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.

Book

event details

Banter on Music
My alternative festival

Banter on Music

Sat 10th Aug
Set Theatre

In the first of our three Banter panels, Jim Carroll's guests explore everything from the Seattle grunge scene to the story of 'My Lovely Horse'.

Book

event details

Banter on the Big Issues
My alternative festival

Banter on the Big Issues

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

Jim Carroll's Banter salon explores some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the work of campaigners for justice to the future of the arts sector in Ireland.

Book

event details

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
My inspiring festival

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)

Sat 17th Aug
Set Theatre

The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.

Book

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk

Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley

Bob and Roberta Smith joins tennis correspondent Steve Bierley (who inspired one of Bob's most celebrated works), for a fascinating exchange about art and inspiration.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler Gallery

Bob and Roberta Smith shows a number of works that explore the importance of culture and art in society, from a letter to Michael Gove (British Minister for Education), to pieces that pay tribute to women artists.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Smith invites you to explore Arendt’s work and life through her own and others’ writings, as well as costumes, wigs and props!

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My surprising festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Rothe House

Smith reinvents Rothe House as a space for meeting and discussion, provoking and encouraging visitors literally to get on his Soap Box and start a debate.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My first festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Bateman Quay

Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My alternative festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.

Free

event details

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK)
My inspiring festival

Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
County Hall

Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.

Free

event details

Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli

A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.

Book

event details

Camerata Ireland

Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)

Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.

Book

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Inspired by simple patterns within the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, children will create new designs to ‘up-cycle’ their old T-shirts. Using an embroidery hoop Maeve will show us easy screenprinting techniques.

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Design and create your own clay characters, sculpt costumes of wizards’ cloaks, princesses’ gowns, astronauts’ space helmets or fairy wings! Take your characters home and, once dry, you can paint and decorate them!

Free

event details

Children’s Workshops:
My inspiring festival

Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan

Tue 13th Aug - Thu 15th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Taking inspiration from the Costume: Behind the Scenes exhibition, this fun workshop explores the endless possibilities of fibre, fabric and felt to create your own unique felt badges and brooches to take home.

Free

event details

Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)

Wed 14th Aug
St. John’s Priory

A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert. 

Book

event details

Connections
My first festival

Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Butler House

MADE is a collective of 28 professional craftsmen and women working in textiles, millinery, ceramics, jewellery, candle-making, leatherwork, basketry, printmaking, glass and stone carving.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Blackstack Studio

Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Friary

A show of existing work and commissioned new work by two Kilkenny-based painters whose practices find synthesis in the pace and character of the local landscape.

Free

event details

Connections
My inspiring festival

Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks

Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.

Free

event details

Costume
My inspiring festival

Costume Curator & Artist Talk

Curator Angela O'Kelly explores the world of Costume with Niamh Lunny, head of costume at the Abbey Theatre, and artists Úna Burke, Ana Rajcevic and Andreia Chaves.

Free

event details

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Costume: Behind the Scenes

Fri 9th Aug - Wed 16th Oct
National Craft Gallery

Turning the traditional idea of a costume exhibition inside out, Behind the Scenes focuses on the undergarment, demonstrating that these complex, functional pieces are beautiful objects in their own right.

Free

event details

Costume: Future Fashion
My inspiring festival

Costume: Future Fashion

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Focusing on innovators of fashion and sculpture for the body, Future Fashion explores the work of fashion, jewellery and shoe designers who are embracing – and transforming – craft skills and techniques through innovative design thinking, sculptural aesthetic, and cutting-edge technology and materials.

Free

event details

Courtney Orlando (US)

Courtney Orlando (US)

The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Book

event details

Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US)

Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson

Crash Ensemble presents a mouthwatering concert showcasing the work of some of the best contemporary Irish and American composers, including Nico Muhly, Donnacha Dennehy and Michael Gordon.

Book

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My alternative festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Heritage Council

Curated by Kate Ellis, co-artistic director of Crash Ensemble, Soundsworks is a bespoke installation presented as part of Crash's residency.

Free

event details

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013:
My inspiring festival

Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)

Heralded as a violinist  of "tireless energy and bright tone" (The New York Times), American violinist Courtney Orlando performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's events for Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Book

event details

David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
My surprising festival

David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)

Sun 11th Aug
Set Theatre

Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set. 

Book

event details

Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)

One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.

Book

event details

Ensemble Marsyas (International)
My inspiring festival

Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court

Sun 11th Aug
The Black Abbey

One of the freshest and most exciting new baroque ensembles in Europe come to Kilkenny with an intriguing programme ranging from John Dowland to Handel.

Book

event details

Family Workshops:
My surprising festival

Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

Reflecting the layered skirts and crinolines in the Behind the Scenes exhibition, sculptor Jean Conroy will construct a woven willow installation in the Castle Yard. All are welcome to drop in and weave part of the skirts.

Free

event details

Family Workshops:
My first festival

Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam

Sat 10th Aug - Sat 17th Aug
National Craft Gallery

Design and craft imaginative costume pieces and bodywear using simple pinning techniques inspired by Úna Burke’s scuptural leather work. This playful workshop explores form and structure through mixed-media experimentation.

Free

event details

Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
My surprising festival

Fight Like Apes (Ireland)

The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".

Book

event details

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Hakuna Matata (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle

This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.

Free

event details

Hot Potatoes
My surprising festival

Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?

Sat 17th Aug
The Parade Tower

It’s 1959 and H Williams have just opened 5,000 square feet of self-service retail on Dublin’s Henry Street, ushering in the age of the supermarket in Ireland.

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Ian Wilson (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet

Tue 13th Aug
St. John’s Priory

The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.

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James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole:

James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland

Sat 10th Aug
The Parade Tower

In this special event to celebrate the staging of The Taming of the Shrew, leading Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro joins Fintan O’Toole to explore the surprising ways in which Ireland works its way into Shakespeare’s imagination.

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junk ensemble (Ireland)

junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead

Sat 10th Aug - Mon 12th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

Commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival - World Premiere Dusk Ahead

Multi-award-winning collective junk ensemble celebrate the festival’s 40th birthday with the world premiere of a specially-commissioned piece, co-produced by Kilkenny Arts Festival and Project Arts Centre.

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Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Kaleidoscope (Ireland)

Mon 12th Aug
Left Bank

After a sell-out success at the 2011 festival, Kaleidoscope returns for another imaginative programme spanning five hundred years of music from Ireland, Europe and beyond.

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Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)

This exciting double bill pairs this year's IMPAC winner, Kevin Barry, with Ron Rash: one of the great contemporary exponents of the American short story.

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Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble

Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

To mark the year of The Gathering 2013, the Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir brings together singers from all over the globe to take part in our most ambitious choral event yet.

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Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
My inspiring festival

Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty

Tue 13th Aug
Newpark Hotel

Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.

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Macnas (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere

The award-winning Macnas brings a brand new show to the city featuring masked performers, a music box, a bag of curiosities and a 15-foot penny farthing ridden by a dragonfly!

Free

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Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
My inspiring festival

Make a Movie in 3 Hours!

Sat 10th Aug

Want to make it to the Oscars? As part of their 21st anniversary celebrations, Young Irish Film-Makers are calling all budding film-makers (aged 13-16) to join them at their studios for a film workshop with a difference.

Free

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Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Malcolm Proud (Ireland)

Thu 15th Aug
St. John’s Priory

Forty years after his first appearance at the festival, the acclaimed international harpsichordist and pianist Malcolm Proud returns with a solo harpsichord recital in St John's.

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Mr. H (Ireland)

Mr. H (Ireland)

Sat 17th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Canal Walk

Enjoy the surreal antics of this silent clown as he grapples with everyday objects, attempting to bend them to his will and turn the world inside out and upside down.

Free

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Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

Come on an imaginative journey with your child! Drama facilitator Joanna Parkes combines creative play, story and drama to explore fictional worlds that adults and children will enjoy sharing together.

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Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret

Tue 13th Aug - Wed 14th Aug
Barnstorm Theatre

The king has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to know about: he has donkey ears! Enjoy an active theatre workshop full of creative storytelling inspired by this old legend found in Ireland, Croatia and Africa.

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Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Tiptoe into gentle and interactive music inspired by colours, pictures, lights and nature, in workshops especially created to let the very small discover the joy of music.

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Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark:
My inspiring festival

Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor

Thu 15th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Composer Karen Power helps you to discover the musical potential hidden in all kinds of everyday objects and create your own original music soundscapes for film!

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National  Campaign for the Arts

National Campaign for the Arts

Mon 12th Aug
Newpark Hotel

An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.

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New Music Night

New Music Night

Wed 14th Aug
Set Theatre

The ever-popular New Music Night returns to the Set with another eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent including Biggles Flys Again, Seti the First and the Thomas Donoghue Band.

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New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band

New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band

Mon 10th Jun
Set Theatre

The ever-popular New Music Night returns to the Set this year with another eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent. It’s not every day that a viola da gamba, a ukelin and a marxophone feature among a band’s instruments, but Seti the First is no ordinary band.

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Official Festival Opening Party
My first festival

Official Festival Opening Party

Fri 9th Aug
Butler House

Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.

Free

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Phisqa (Ireland)
My alternative festival

Phisqa (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug
Cleere’s Pub

This young quintet's blend of jazz and Peruvian rhythms has made them one of the most exciting new jazz ensembles in Ireland.

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Poetry, Music & Song

Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion

Sun 18th Aug

2011 festival closers Scullion are back to round off the Literature strand in the company of novelist Colm Tóibín, poet Paula Meehan and traditional singer Niamh Parsons.

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R.S.A.G with Replete
My alternative festival

R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)

Sun 18th Aug
Set Theatre

Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.

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Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
The Parade Tower

Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.

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Remembering September 1913

Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack

Wed 14th Aug
The Parade Tower

To celebrate the centenary of its publication, Kilkenny Arts Festival brings together two leading Yeats scholars to explore 'September 1913': one of Yeats' most famous poems.

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Roger Doyle (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned

The “godfather of Irish electronica” presents an exclusive preview of the opening act of his new (and very first) opera: The Death by Fire of Giordano Bruno.

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Setting the Scene
My surprising festival

Setting the Scene

Sat 17th Aug
Rothe House

Ahead of the penultimate performance of The Taming of the Shrew, Joe Murphy joins Tom Creed to provide an introduction to one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies.

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Free

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Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK)

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare

Fri 9th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
Castle Yard at Kilkenny Design

After last year's sell-out run in the Castle Yard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre return to Kilkenny with an uproarious production of As You Like It.

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Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)

Sat 10th Aug - Sun 11th Aug
The Parade

Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!

Free

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Solas
My inspiring festival

Solas Art Makes Children Powerful

Mon 12th Aug - Fri 16th Aug
Butler Gallery

Get vocal after exploring the work of Bob and Roberta Smith at the Butler Gallery! Artists Jenny and Jean invite you to participate in this creative workshop that will incorporate stencilling, drawing, painting and lots of fun!

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Talking Theatre
My surprising festival

Talking Theatre

Sun 11th Aug
The Parade Tower

Join us in the Parade Tower before the show for a Q&A with the cast of The Taming of the Shrew in conversation with our festival director, Rosemary Collier.

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Free

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The Divine Comedy
My surprising festival

The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)

Over the years Neil Hannon has performed in a range of magnificent venues, but there’s nowhere better than St Canice’s to show off the full range of his talents.

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The Fall (UK)
My surprising festival

The Fall (UK)

Fri 16th Aug
Set Theatre

Mark E Smith - one of the most charismatic frontmen in pop - brings his new line-up to the Set for what might just be the gig of the festival.

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The Gregory Walkers (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods

Mon 12th Aug
The Parade Tower

In a show specially created for this year’s festival, some of Ireland’s leading musicians join forces to take you on a magical musical adventure through the stories of the deep, dark woods.

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The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling

The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature

This year's Hubert Butler Lecture brings one of the UK's leading public intellectuals to Kilkenny to explore the ways in which great literature can enrich all our lives.

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The Naomhóg and the Begleys
My first festival

The Naomhóg and the Begleys

Thu 15th Aug

A crew of nautical troubadours sails up the River Nore to Kilkenny in a hand-crafted boat for a very special night of dancing, shanties and tales of the high seas.

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TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland)
My inspiring festival

TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun

Thu 15th Aug - Sun 18th Aug
The Watergate Theatre

One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.

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