A world of artistic magic in Ireland’s medieval city

For over forty years, Kilkenny Arts Festival has brought some of the world's greatest artists to the beautiful and intimate surroundings of Ireland's medieval city.

The exciting programme ranges from classical music to contemporary dance; visual art to immersive theatre. It celebrates renowned artists from home and abroad, and features collaborations platforming new voices and familiar faces. Alongside a truly international programme, KAF 2023 includes a number of locally based artists and companies. Central to the programme is Kilkenny itself. Once again, the beautiful buildings that adorn the Marble City will be locations for magical artistic encounters.
Explore, experience and enjoy.

Highlights include an audio visual installation projected on the walls of Kilkenny Castle; the return of the Architects of Air - this time with their Timisien luminarium; the premiere of The Local, a new site immersive theatre work from Asylum Productions; an exciting musical programme ranging from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony performed by the ICO & Thomas Zeheteimar, to Grammy Award winning Malian Wassoulou musician Oumou Sangaré; a visual arts exhibition exploring The Art of Sport; the Hubert Butler lecture delivered by acclaimed journalist, Ben Judah; a special performance by Iarla Ó Lionáird and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra of Neil Martin’s Sweeney, with narration by Ciarán Hinds and a discussion series commemorating Seamus Heaney’s appearance at the very first Kilkenny Arts Festival 50 years ago.

Kilkenny Castle Parklands will also be hosting the return of Architects of Air and the highly anticipated Luminarium, Timisien, a giant inflatable structure filled with colour, shape and light, which will delight all ages.