What’s On in Kilkenny This August: Festivals, Family Fun & St Canice’s Cathedral
August is one of the most exciting times to visit Kilkenny. From world-renowned arts festivals and literary weekends to traditional agricultural shows and unforgettable evenings of Irish music, there’s something happening around every corner.
Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a family day out or simply looking for inspiration, here’s what’s on in Kilkenny this August.
Experience the Kilkenny Arts Festival
Running from 6th–16th August 2026, the Kilkenny Arts Festival has been one of Ireland’s leading cultural festivals for more than 50 years.
Each August, Kilkenny’s medieval streets, churches, gardens and historic venues come alive with an incredible programme of music, theatre, literature, visual arts and performance. The festival is celebrated for bringing together internationally acclaimed artists alongside exciting new voices, creating unforgettable experiences in some of Ireland’s most beautiful settings.
St Canice’s Cathedral is proud to once again play host to a number of spectacular performances during this year’s festival.
Kilkenny Arts Festival Events at St Canice’s Cathedral
- Land of Winter – Crash Ensemble
7th August | 9pm - James McVinnie – Bach: Organ and Piano
8th August | 7pm - Mary Robinson – The Hubert Butler Annual Lecture
9th August | 5pm - Chamber Choir Ireland – Forgotten Peoples
10th August | 6.30pm - Cate Le Bon
11th August | 8pm - Sun Lines – Irish Chamber Orchestra, Niall Vallely, Liz Knowles & Niwel Tsumbu
12th August | 7pm - Death of Gesualdo – The Gesualdo Six (Irish Premiere)
13th August | 9pm - Irish Chamber Orchestra – The Devil, the Witch and the Warlock
14th August | 7.30pm - Martin Hayes & Friends
15th August | 7pm
With everything from breathtaking choral performances and orchestral concerts to contemporary music and thought-provoking talks, there’s truly something for everyone.
Discover the full Kilkenny Arts Festival programme and book tickets on the official festival website.
Discover Kilkenny’s Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series
There’s even more to enjoy this August as part of the Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series, a programme of evening cultural events taking place across some of Kilkenny’s most iconic heritage venues, including St Canice’s Cathedral, Butler Gallery, Rothe House and the Medieval Mile Museum.
At St Canice’s Cathedral, don’t miss the final performances of Echoes of Ireland, where the acclaimed Ceoltóirí Kilkenny bring traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling to life in the spectacular surroundings of the Cathedral. With over 30 years of sharing Irish culture around the world, these lively performances offer an authentic Irish experience for visitors of all ages.
Echoes of Ireland
- Tuesday 4th August
- Tuesday 18th August
- Tuesday 25th August
8pm | €10 | Tickets available on the door or via Eventbrite.
Elsewhere in the Six after 6 programme, Butler Gallery hosts The Shared Studio: Summer Sessions on 13th, 20th and 27th August at 6pm, while Rothe House welcomes visitors to The Merchants’ Parlour, an intimate evening of local traditional music on 5th August at 6.30pm. Over at the Medieval Mile Museum, Night at the Museum – Craft Workshops take place on 7th and 21st August at 6pm, offering a creative evening for visitors of all ages.
Together, these events showcase the very best of Kilkenny’s culture, creativity and heritage, making August the perfect time to spend an evening discovering the city’s remarkable historic venues.
Celebrate Heritage Week at St Canice’s Cathedral
Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to explore the history and heritage of one of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks.
Windows into Heritage: Family Print Workshop
Friday 21st August | 2pm–4pm
Families are invited to enjoy this free drop-in workshop inspired by the Cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows. Create your own colourful design using simple printmaking techniques while discovering the importance of protecting Ireland’s artistic heritage.
Free event • No booking required.
Stories in Stone: Memorials of St Canice’s Cathedral
Saturday 22nd August | 10.30am
Take a fascinating guided tour exploring a selection of the Cathedral’s historic memorials and discover the people, families and stories behind them.
Inspired by this year’s Heritage Week theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, the tour highlights why preserving these remarkable monuments matters for future generations.
Free event • Booking essential as places are limited.
Visit the Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival
From 21st–23rd August, the picturesque riverside town of Graiguenamanagh transforms into one of Ireland’s most exciting literary destinations.
Browse more than 25 independent booksellers offering everything from rare and antiquarian books to children’s favourites and contemporary fiction. Alongside the book stalls, visitors can enjoy author talks, workshops, live music, crafts, delicious local food and entertainment throughout the weekend.
This year’s festival also features an exciting line-up of authors spanning crime fiction, fantasy, children’s literature and accessible storytelling.
Visit the Town of Books Festival website to explore the full programme of events.
Experience the 200th Iverk Show
On Saturday 22nd August, celebrate an incredible milestone as the Iverk Show marks its 200th edition.
Ireland’s oldest agricultural show attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers a fantastic day out for all ages. Expect livestock competitions, show jumping, vintage machinery, artisan food stalls, local crafts, fashion shows, gardening displays, children’s entertainment and plenty more.
Whether you’re interested in farming, food, shopping or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Iverk Show offers something for everyone.
Visit the official Iverk Show website to see the full schedule, competitions and exhibitors.
See The Tallest Man On Earth Live
Round off the month with an unforgettable evening of music as The Tallest Man On Earth performs at St Canice’s Cathedral on Saturday 29th August.
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson has captivated audiences across the globe with his raw vocals, masterful musicianship and intimate live performances. Frequently compared to Bob Dylan for his distinctive songwriting style, this promises to be a truly special concert in the unique setting of the Cathedral.
Tickets are expected to be in high demand, so booking early is recommended. Purchase tickets here.
Make Time to Explore St Canice’s Cathedral
While you’re enjoying everything Kilkenny has to offer this August, don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of Ireland’s finest medieval cathedrals.
Discover centuries of history, admire magnificent stained glass, browse the Gift Shop, climb the iconic Round Tower for panoramic views across the city, and experience one of Kilkenny’s most treasured landmarks.
Book your visit to St Canice’s Cathedral today and make it part of your Kilkenny adventure this August.
