Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare
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.
junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead
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.
TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun
The Watergate Theatre
One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.
Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)
St Canice’s Cathedral
Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.
Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court
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.
Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
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.
Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet
St. John’s Priory
The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.
Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)
St Canice’s Cathedral
One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.
Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
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.
Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Phisqa (Ireland)
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.
Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
Set Theatre
The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band.
Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli
St Canice’s Cathedral
A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.
Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)
St. John’s Priory
A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert.
The Naomhóg and the Begleys
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.
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
Set Theatre
The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.
The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
Set Theatre
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set.
New Music Night
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.
Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".
The Fall (UK)
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.
R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)
Set Theatre
Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.
Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned
The Watergate Theatre
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.
James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland
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.
The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)
The Watergate Theatre
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.
Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack
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.
Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)
The Parade Tower
Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.
Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion
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.
Official Festival Opening Party
Butler House
Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks
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.
Banter on Music
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'.
Talking Theatre
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.
40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien
The Watergate Theatre
Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.
National Campaign for the Arts
Newpark Hotel
An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.
Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
Newpark Hotel
Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.
Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?
National Craft Gallery
In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.
1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier
Rothe House
Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
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.
Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?
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.
Banter on the Big Issues
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.
Setting the Scene
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.
Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE
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.
Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link
Blackstack Studio
Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.
Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land
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.
Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks
The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)
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!
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk
The Heritage Council
Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?
Bateman Quay
Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School
The Heritage Council
Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire
County Hall
Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.
Artists Brunch
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley
The Hole in the Wall
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.
Costume: Future Fashion
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.
Costume: Behind the Scenes
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.
Costume Curator & Artist Talk
National Craft Gallery
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.
Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco
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!
Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere
Kilkenny Castle Park
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!
Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy
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.
Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)
The Parade
Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!
Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
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.
Hakuna Matata (Ireland)
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle
This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.
Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam
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.
Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco
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!
The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods
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.
Solas Art Makes Children Powerful
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!
Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter
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.
Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood
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!
Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor
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!
Mr. H (Ireland)
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.
New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band
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.
Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy
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.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare
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.
The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Official Festival Opening Party
Butler House
Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.
Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE
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.
Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link
Blackstack Studio
Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.
Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land
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.
Costume: Future Fashion
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.
Costume: Behind the Scenes
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.
Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks
The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.
Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)
The Parade
Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!
Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
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.
Hakuna Matata (Ireland)
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle
This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.
James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland
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.
The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam
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.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks
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.
Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco
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!
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery
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.
Phisqa (Ireland)
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)
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!
Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
Set Theatre
The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk
The Heritage Council
Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument
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.
Costume Curator & Artist Talk
National Craft Gallery
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?
Bateman Quay
Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School
The Heritage Council
Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire
County Hall
Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.
Banter on Music
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'.
junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead
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.
Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)
St Canice’s Cathedral
Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.
Artists Brunch
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
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.
Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley
The Hole in the Wall
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.
David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
Set Theatre
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set.
Talking Theatre
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.
The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods
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.
Solas Art Makes Children Powerful
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!
40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien
The Watergate Theatre
Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.
National Campaign for the Arts
Newpark Hotel
An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.
Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
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.
Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli
St Canice’s Cathedral
A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.
Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)
The Watergate Theatre
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.
Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter
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.
Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood
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!
Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret
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.
Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
Newpark Hotel
Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.
Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet
St. John’s Priory
The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.
Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack
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.
Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned
The Watergate Theatre
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.
Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere
Kilkenny Castle Park
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!
Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)
St Canice’s Cathedral
One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.
New Music Night
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.
Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?
National Craft Gallery
In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.
Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)
St. John’s Priory
A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert.
Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops
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.
Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".
The Naomhóg and the Begleys
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor
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!
TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun
The Watergate Theatre
One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.
1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)
The Parade Tower
Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.
The Fall (UK)
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.
Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier
Rothe House
Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.
Mr. H (Ireland)
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.
Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
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.
Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?
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.
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
Set Theatre
The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.
Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Banter on the Big Issues
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.
Setting the Scene
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.
Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion
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.
R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)
Set Theatre
Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.
1913-2013 The Irish Trade Union Movement: Birth, Development, Vision For The Future
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
40th Festival Commissions: Michael Gordon in conversation with Rosemary Collier
Rothe House
Michael Gordon discussed his new work (specially commissioned for Crash Ensemble and the 40th festival) with our festival director Rosemary Collier.
40th Festival Commissions: Megan & Jessica Kennedy in conversation with Cian O' Brien
The Watergate Theatre
Join Megan & Jessica Kennedy, co-artistic directors of junk ensemble, to hear how they set about creating Dusk Ahead for this year's festival.
Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band (UK)
Set Theatre
The multi-talented poet, novelist and musician brings his wildly infectious grooves to the Set in the company of the Spasm Band.
Architects of Air (UK) Miracoco
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!
Artists Brunch
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
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.
Banter on Fashion What the Hell is Irish Style?
National Craft Gallery
In the second of our Banter talks, Jim Carroll and guests ask whether there really is such a thing as Irish fashion.
Banter on Music
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'.
Banter on the Big Issues
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.
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali)
Set Theatre
The Malian superstar-in-the-making brings his raucous blues riffs and exuberant funk to the Set.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Walk and Talk
The Heritage Council
Join Bob and Roberta Smith and curator Josephine Kelliher for a Kilkenny walkabout, taking in some of the artistic sights of the city.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) In conversation with Steve Bierley
The Hole in the Wall
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Butler Gallery
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Be Hannah Arendt (why is public space so important?)
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!
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Centre for Argument
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: What's What?
Bateman Quay
Vivid banners displayed in the heart of the city pose a series of thought-provoking questions.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: The Bob and Roberta Smith Art School
The Heritage Council
Bob sets up a temporary art school, complete with easels, drawing boards, desks and art materials.
Bob and Roberta Smith (UK) Bob Centre: Bonfire
County Hall
Bonfire is a collection of precious artworks, stacked in a seemingly haphazard manner, celebrating creation and destruction in one towering, fiery pyre.
Bobo Stenson Trio/Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli
St Canice’s Cathedral
A Scandinavian double bill featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.
Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas (piano) and Alison Balsom (trumpet)
St Canice’s Cathedral
Acclaimed English trumpeter Alison Balsom joins Camerata Ireland for a special programme celebrating the centenary of one of the great twentieth-century composers.
Children’s Workshops: Pattern Print T-Shirts with Maeve Hunter
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.
Children’s Workshops: Clay Costumes & Creatures with Shona Flood
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!
Children’s Workshops: Funky Fibre Badges with Sheila Jordan
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.
Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden & Kevin Doherty (Ireland)
St. John’s Priory
A trio of outstanding traditional musicians converge on St John’s for this very special lunchtime concert.
Connections MADE IN KILKENNY: Connections MADE
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.
Connections BLACKSTACK STUDIO: Link
Blackstack Studio
Seven Blackstack Studio artists explore the idea of the 'link'.
Connections BERNADETTE KIELY & ANDRÉ VAN SCHAIJK: The Lie of the Land
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.
Connections GYPSY RAY: Earthworks
The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Earthworks presents a series of drawings based on the observation and interpretation of the rural landscape.
Costume Curator & Artist Talk
National Craft Gallery
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.
Costume: Behind the Scenes
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.
Costume: Future Fashion
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.
Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
The acclaimed American violinist performs a solo concert as part of Crash Ensemble's residency at Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Crash Ensemble (Ireland) and Dawn Upshaw (US) with conductor Alan Pierson
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Soundworks
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.
Crash Ensemble Kilkenny Arts Festival Residency 2013: Courtney Orlando (US)
The Hole in the Wall
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.
David Kitt and Seamus Fogarty (Ireland)
Set Theatre
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters bring their warm, intimate vocals and gentle melodies to the Set.
Dawn Upshaw with Gilbert Kalish (US)
St Canice’s Cathedral
One of classical music's most magnetic and groundbreaking stars comes to Kilkenny for her first ever solo recital in Ireland.
Ensemble Marsyas (International) Handel and the Dresden Court
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.
Family Workshops: Willow Woven Skirts with Jean Conroy
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.
Family Workshops: Playful Pin Sculptures with Carrie Lynam
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.
Fight Like Apes (Ireland)
Billy Byrnes’s Bar
The anarchic Dubliners descend on Kilkenny with their unique brand of "karate rock".
Hakuna Matata (Ireland)
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle
This acrobatic duo performs mind-boggling manoeuvers and unbelievable acrobatics with huge infectious smiles.
Hot Potatoes Are You Getting the Messages?
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.
Ian Wilson (Ireland) The Hours featuring Ronan Guilfoyle, Cathal Roche, Matthew Jacobson, Contempo Quartet
St. John’s Priory
The prolific Irish composer Ian Wilson presents his most ambitious project yet.
James Shapiro & Fintan O’Toole: Shakespeare and Ireland
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.
junk ensemble (Ireland) Dusk Ahead
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.
Kaleidoscope (Ireland)
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.
Kevin Barry (Ireland) & Ron Rash (US)
The Watergate Theatre
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.
Kilkenny Arts Festival Choir & Ensemble Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
Kilkenny Gates: A Hidden Beauty
Newpark Hotel
Kilkenny archaeologist Shem Caulfield tells the story of the beautiful wrought iron gates that grace buildings all over Ireland.
Macnas (Ireland) Chaosmos - Irish Premiere
Kilkenny Castle Park
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!
Make a Movie in 3 Hours!
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.
Malcolm Proud (Ireland)
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.
Mr. H (Ireland)
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Early Years Theatre
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: The King's Big Secret
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Small Sounds Early Years Workshops
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.
Music & Theatre Workshops in association with The Ark: Surprising Sounds in Technicolor
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!
National Campaign for the Arts
Newpark Hotel
An invitation-only discussion with Professor John O'Hagan and Dr Dave O'Brien.
New Music Night
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.
New Music Night Featuring Biggles Flys Again, Seti First, Thomas Donoghue Band
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.
Official Festival Opening Party
Butler House
Join us as we celebrate the fortieth Kilkenny Arts Festival with a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Butler House.
Phisqa (Ireland)
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.
Poetry, Music & Song with Colm Tóibín, Paula Meehan, Niamh Parsons & Scullion
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.
R.S.A.G with Replete followed by Donal Dineen (DJ Set)
Set Theatre
Local hero R.S.A.G. rounds off the festival in style with a little help from Replete and Donal Dineen.
Rachel Kushner (US) & Elizabeth Day (UK)
The Parade Tower
Declan Burke introduces two exciting young novelists whose new novels build on their award-winning debuts.
Remembering September 1913 Denis Donoghue & WJ McCormack
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.
Roger Doyle (Ireland) # Burned
The Watergate Theatre
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.
Setting the Scene
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.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company (UK) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare
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.
Sir Edwin Longbottom (Ireland)
The Parade
Sir Edwin Longbottom would be delighted to present to you his world-renowned football juggling act!
Solas Art Makes Children Powerful
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!
Talking Theatre
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.
The Divine Comedy Neil Hannon Solo (Northern Ireland) and Margie Lewis (Australia)
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
The Fall (UK)
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.
The Gregory Walkers (Ireland) A Walk Through the Deep Dark Woods
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.
The Hubert Butler Lecture: AC Grayling The Philosophy in Literature
St Canice’s Cathedral
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.
The Naomhóg and the Begleys
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.
TheEmergencyRoom (Ireland) riverrun
The Watergate Theatre
One of Ireland leading theatre makers takes a unique approach to Joyce’s extraordinary ‘sound-dance’ in this unmissable performance.
