Kilkenny City and County Calendar of Festivals & Events 2009

Kilkenny, Ireland's Marble City is well known as a city of culture and is one of Ireland's favourite destinations to visit. If you are planning a holiday in Wallslough Village thatched cottages self-catering accommodation in Kilkenny the following calendar of local festivals and events will help you make the most of your time with us.

THROUGHOUT 2009

Kilkenny 400, Kilkenny City & County

On April 11th 1609 James I, King of England granted Kilkenny a charter conferring on it the status of a city. To mark this special event Kilkenny City is celebrating throughout 2009 with a wide variety of different celebrations including live street entertainment and a busking competition on the marble streets at weekends, art exhibitions, garden tours, theatre, family days and much, much more.

AUGUST

August 7th, Friday to August 16th, Sunday
Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Arts Festival could be said to be the jewel in Kilkenny’s events calendar crown. This will be Kilkenny’s 36th annual Art Festival and it will bring together an exceptional programme of theatre, music, literature, visual arts, children's events and street performances, featuring international, Irish and local artists in wonderful venues all over Kilkenny City and County. Almost impossible to choose, but some of this year's highlights include Poet Laureate, Seamus Heaney, Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, the RTE Concert Orchestra, Colm Toibin rading from his acclaimed novel, Brooklyn, Jazz by Akamoon & Black Machine from Mali and Belgium, a film on the GAA: Blood and Thunder (this is Kilkenny after all!) and free tickets for children at children's events. There really is something for everyone and the fantastic atmosphere that is unique to the Kilkenny Arts Festival is not to be missed.

August 15th, Saturday
Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre Midsummer Events, Ballykeeffe

The cliff face of this old stone quarry provides a dramatic natural amphitheatre and a very impressive backdrop for the wide variety of events staged at Ballykeefe in rural county Kilkenny. On August 15th the amphitheatre will be the setting for “Music by Moonlight”, an evening of beautiful classical, traditional and contemporary music.
+353 (0) 87 6261134

August 16th, Sunday
Tullow Agricultural Show, Tullow, Co Kilkenny

The Tullow show has a history of almost 60 years and is a great showcase for country life in Ireland. A great family day out with something for everyone including crafts, competitions, livestock and displays.

August 22nd, Saturday to August 30th, Saturday
National Heritage Week, Kilkenny City & County

A week packed with events to celebrate Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage, many of which are free of charge. Events include nature walks, music recitals and entry to historical monuments.

SEPTEMBER

September 3rd, Thursday
Iverk Show, Piltown, Co Kilkenny

The Iverk show is almost 200 years old dating back to 1826 and is now one of the largest agricultural shows in the country. This show gives a true flavour of rural Ireland.

September 18th, Friday to September 20th, Sunday
Town of Books Festival, Graiguenamanagh

If you are into books you should get along to this Festival! There are bargain books, out of date and out of print, 1st edition and author signed books. This is a great family day out with live music and entertainments.

September 25th, Friday – October 4th, Sunday
Kilkenny Celtic Festival, Kilkenny City

This festival celebrates all things Celtic including the Irish language, Irish food and traditional singing, music and dancing. Each year the festival focuses on one of the Celtic nations and for 2009 it is the turn of Cornwall.

OCTOBER

25th September, Friday – 4th October, Sunday
Kilkenny Celtic Festival, Kilkenny City

This festival celebrates all things Celtic including the Irish language, Irish food and traditional singing, music and dancing. Each year the festival focuses on one of the Celtic nations and for 2009 it is the turn of Cornwall.

October 2nd, Friday and October 3rd, Saturday
Gowran Park Racing Festival, Gowran, Co Kilkenny

This is the ideal venue for those in search of National Hunt and steeplechases of top calibre. Gowran Park offers four stands, bars, restaurant and Tote facilities.

October 25th, Sunday
National Conker Championships, Freshford, Co Kilkenny

Reaping the rewards of the Freshford Village green’s Horse Chestnut harvest the villagers host the annual National Conker Championships with competitions for all ages. This is a great family day out with a variety of events for all the family as well as hot food and drinks.

NOVEMBER

November 13th, Friday to November 20th, Friday
Duiske Concert Series

Set in the beautiful 13 Century cathedral this series of concerts attracts outstanding classical and traditional musicians from all over Ireland.
Tel: 059 9725893

JANUARY 2010

January 1st, Friday
The Wellie Race and Parade, Castlecomer

Pull on your wellies and join in the fun!

MARCH 2010

March 17th, St Patrick’s Day

Events throughout the South East all week including traditional music and street parades.

MAY 2010

May
Rhythm and Roots International Music Festival, Kilkenny

Kilkenny plays host to many of the best roots-rock, alt-country and Americana acts.

May
Kilkenny Fleadh Ceoil, Mullinavat

Fleadh Ceoil means”festival” or “feast of music” and it includes a range of entertainment activities including concerts, céili/set dancing, traditional sessions, plus competitions in music, song, language and dance. Get ready to tap those feet!

JUNE 2010

June 4th, Friday to June 7th, Sunday
Cat Laughs International Comedy Festival, Kilkenny

International line-up of comedians from around the world. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!