Trad for Willie – FREE
Thursday 15th | 9.00pm | Ryan's Bar | FREE

Willie Meighan was a one-man powerhouse of all things music, culture and the arts in Kilkenny for many years. His untimely passing late last year robbed us of a great friend but also a passionate advocate for music in Ireland and Irish music.


Finbar Furey
Friday 16th March | 7.00pm | St. Canice's Cathedral | Unallocated Seating

The Irish folk legend, Finbar Furey is one of the countries most successful and highly regarded artists. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter, storyteller and actor Finbar has left his mark on the music of Ireland for more than four decades as the lead singer and uilleann pipes player for the Fureys. Always at the forefront of musical change, Finbar’s successful career and extensive touring all over the world with his brothers introduced a whole new audience to their music and instruments.

Moxie
Friday 16th March | 7.30pm | Set Theatre

Hailing from Ireland’s untamed West, MOXIE’s music has a solid traditional backbone, inspired and shaped by their coastal surroundings with progressive, world and jazz influences creeping into their music it makes for a truly heady and distinctive sound, putting them at the forefront of new acoustic music from Ireland.

The Bonny Men – FREE
Friday 16th March | 9.30pm | Paris Texas, High Street | FREE

Since forming 2011, The Bonny Men quickly and deservedly became the most talked about and exciting acts to emerge in the Irish trad/folk music scene. Upon releasing their highly acclaimed debut eponymous album that year, the band quickly established themselves as the hottest ticket in Irish Music.

Ye Vagabond
Friday 16th March | 9.30pm | Cleeres Theatre

Buoyed by the success of their debut EP in 2015, and continuing support from respected musicians like Lisa Hannigan and Glen Hansard; brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, released their 1st album in 2017, hailed as a ‘sparkling debut’ by the Irish Times, while the Sunday Times says “there is something charming about this album that makes it entirely their own”.

Jiggy
Saturday 17th March | 7.30pm | Set Theatre

JIGGY’s high-octane fusion of Irish traditional music, world rhythms and cutting-edge dance grooves are a massive hit with festival audiences across the globe. The formation of musicians from backgrounds in, traditional Irish, world music, electronic and funk music has naturally evolved into a unique soundscape that instantly draws listeners to the music.

Caladh Nua
Saturday 17th March | 10.00pm | Kytelers Inn

Caladh Nua is a tightly-knit, vibrant and staggeringly talented band with its origins deeply rooted in the Southern counties of Ireland. Comprised of five versatile musicians and singers playing a wide selection of instruments - from banjo to fiddle, guitar to bodhran and tin whistle to button accordion - the band has captured the essential qualities of traditional Irish music and balanced them finely with an innovative contemporary flair.


Scullion
Sunday 18th March | 10.00pm | Kyteler’s Inn

Scullion grew from a chance meeting in the late seventies, of its two main founders, Philip King and Sonny Condell, the band has been on a musical expedition since its inception having played in locations from back rooms to the great Albert Hall.

Dine with the Henry Girls
Sunday 18th March | 7.00pm | Anocht Restaurant, Castle Yard

A truly unique and enchanting evening of fine food and mesmerizing music awaits in award winning restaurant, Anocht. The Henry Girls from Co. Donegal bring something enchanting to the folk scene.

Brian Kennedy
Sunday 18th March | 7.30pm | Watergate Theatre

Belfast born singer, songwriter and guitarist, Brian Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with onstage! His talents, energy and passion have captivated audiences throughout his career both at home and abroad with his unique vocal and instrumental talents.

Máirtín O Connor, Zoë Conway & Dónal Lunny
Sunday 18th March | 7.30 | Set Theatre

Undoubtedly three of the country’s finest musicians, the consummate button box player, Máirtín O'Connor, fiddle player and singer Zoë Conway and guitar and bouzouki player Dónal Lunny return to Kilkenny TradFest having played to audiences across the globe on tour. The multi-talented trio offer the perfect blend of traditional music with an innovative twist.

The Remedy Club
Sunday 18th March | 9.30pm | Cleeres Theatre

The Remedy Club, the Irish husband-and- wife Americana/Roots duo comprising KJ McEvoy and Aileen Mythen are delighted to be returning to Irish shores for Kilkenny Tradfest. The duo have been described by renowned music journalist Jackie Hayden as ‘a marriage of folk and country with a hint of the blues with delicious harmonies and nimble guitar playing’.

Notify – FREE
Sunday 18th March | 9.30pm | Paris Texas, High St. | FREE

NOTIFY seamlessly fuses a deep knowledge and respect for musical tradition with forward thinking innovation in a tasteful way that connects with audiences worldwide.

Henry Girls
Monday 19th March | 2.30Pm | St. Johns Priory, John St.

Sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin, collectively known as The Henry Girls, make music that will give you goosebumps. The harmonising, lilting, melting voices imbue their music with overwhelming romanticism, although the very classic and traditional folk sound is given an edge with Americana, bluegrass and blues

To book online please visit: www.kilkennytradfest.com