Kilkenny Tradfest has grown into one of Ireland’s premier traditional music festival, picking up awards along the way. This year’s festival is crammed with some really wonderful music played by the best International, National and local artists in Irish music.

As with previous years, we are keen to explore the living tradition, the stories behind the making of the music and to give you an opportunity to experience the pulse of the music through our various workshops and talks.

7th Kilkenny Tradfest is set to bring its standards up to a whole new level with some of the country’s world-famous acts taking to the stage while also showcasing the best of local talent in the city’s theatres, pubs and public spaces. The highlights include the first Tradfest appearance by Donegal’s finest and one of Ireland’s true supergroups, Altan, in St. Canice’s Cathedral and the first concert performance by the Banner county’s national and world champion Kilfenora Céilí Band in the Watergate Theatre.

Others returning include Inistioge resident and Gloaming lead singer Iarla Ó Lionáird with his long-time collaborator Steve Cooney and Téada with West Kerry’s finest Séamus Begley leading the young and energetic band who appeared at the very first Trafdest. The KGB are also coming to town, made up of trad legends, Paddy Keenan, Frankie Gavin and Dermot Byrne in a unique fundraiser for the new Kilkenny CBS school.

The support of Bulmer’s for the wonderful Tradtrail throughout the city which features local and leading national musicians in laid-back and casual settings in some of Ireland’s best local pubs has been a feature of our festival from the start and is made possible by the continuing support of our local vintners.

Tickets and information on www.kilkennytradfest.com

A rich programme of workshops will be available with some of Ireland’s finest musicians and this year, instrument makers including local manufacturer Paddy Cleere means that our visitors can go away with new skills to improve their own playing, dancing and singing.