Kilkenny Roots Festival

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalKilkenny
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsIts identity as one of Ireland's earliest
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EUR
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Kilkenny Roots Festival in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Roots Festival began at Cleere's pub in the mid-1990s and runs every May bank holiday weekend, booking alt-country, Americana and roots acts across Kilkenny's pubs and small venues, keeping its identity grounded in genre-specific, grassroots music programming. Alt-country, Americana and roots acts play Cleere's pub and other Kilkenny venues each May bank holiday weekend, keeping the festival's identity grounded in the same grassroots scene where it began.

Kilkenny Roots Festival grew out of sessions at Cleere's pub on Parliament Street in the mid-1990s and has run every May bank holiday weekend since, built around alt-country, Americana, roots and rock and roll rather than Ireland's more common traditional or folk music festival format.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Its identity as one of Ireland's earliest dedicated alt-country and Americana festivals, still centred on the same pub, Cleere's on Parliament Street, where it began in the 1990s, gives it a grassroots authenticity distinct from larger, genre-mixed music festivals

02

The mystery stays covered

Touring international Americana acts sometimes treat the festival as an entry point into the Irish market specifically because of its genre focus, giving Kilkenny audiences access to artists who might otherwise skip smaller Irish dates entirely

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Its base at Cleere's pub and its focus on alt-country and Americana genres specifically have remained consistent since the festival's founding

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Plan the trip into Kilkenny around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.

What to wear

Casual, no dress code.

Safety

Kilkenny Roots Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kilkenny.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map52.65 N, 7.25 WOpen in Google Maps

Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland

Nearest airportDUB — Dublin
TransportPlan the trip into Kilkenny around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kilkenny.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kilkenny via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kilkenny, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, no dress code.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ireland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kilkenny Roots Festival?

Kilkenny Roots Festival is listed for May · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kilkenny Roots Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Kilkenny, Ireland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLkilkennyroots.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Calgary Stampede

Past edition: 3–12 July 2026

Calgary, Canada
Photo pending

Mawazine - Rhythms of the World

Past edition: 19–27 June 2026

Rabat/Sale, Morocco
Photo pending

Seville April Fair

Past edition: 21–26 April 2026

Seville, Spain
Photo pending

Minnesota State Fair

August · Summer

Falcon Heights, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →