Welcome to Kilkenny
Welcome to Kilkenny City. Help us to celebrate our 400th year as a city. We have a varied calendar of events througout the year with something to interest everyone.
Check out our calendar or browse through our categories for more information.
April 11th was the date in 1609 when Kilkenny was granted its Charter from James I which made Kilkenny a city.
Now 400 years later, April 11th is “Kilkenny fever” day, with all entrance fees to the below free to all for the day:
Kilkenny Castle
Butler Gallery
Kilkenny Design Castleyard
Butler House and Gardens
Kilkenny City Hall
Rothe House and Gardens
St. Canices Cathedral and Tower
Heritage Council Headquarters
Please check back at the site often as it will be updated regularly throughout the year as new events are added to our programme..
Great website and programme. We are all looking forward to it.
Why not include history of event 400 years ago, Who granted the charter , Who accepted it , what it meant for Kilkenny at the time??
just found the history Well done great site
Hi Amrie, we will also be updating the site shortly with a lot of audio and visual material around the history of Kilkenny. Thanks for your feedback..
I seem to recall mention in Irish Times of Fireworks and no mention here. Am I missing something or do I need medical attention??
Hi Pat,
there are no fireworks planned for 11th April at the moment, however there will be celebrations on the day and some street entertainers , fire jugglers etc.
A fireworks display had been under consideration, but in the end it was decided not to proceed with it.
So, what exactly is the city doing to celebrate its 400th anniversary? I mean besides the events which usually take place anyway, like theatre in the Watergate and paintings in the Butler Gallery?
Hi Mary, there are events scheduled from 11 am until late on the 11th April to celebrate the anniversary of the granting of the Charter. http://kilkenny400.ie/site/?p=405
There are many more events organised and planned throughout the year and we will continue updating this site with information on upcoming events as their dates draw nearer..
The March- May Guide is available for download here: http://kilkenny400.ie/site/?page_id=277
Hi, just wondering about the jousting. Where will this take place and what time?
Hi Lee,
the jousting is a roaming show- they will be performing the show five or six times (between 1pm and 6pm) at different locations throughout the city..
Nice site.
As a Cat living in the big smoke its great to see the Medeivel Capital celebrating the big 400.
Greetings and well done to all…
Thanks Mikey..
Congrats to Kilkenny! Many sovereigns of Kilkenny and Mayors of the City of Kilkenny were Shees and later some O’Sheas.
great day out in kilkenny on sat. greag events all over city.kids had a great time & all free.kids loved getting faces painted by 2 very nice girls & it was free also, well done to all in kilkenny.happy 400
What a great City. Pity about the Weather. Enjoyed the tour of the Castle. Oh! My Mother was from Kilkenny.
Thanks, good article.