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Kilkenny

We believe that our towns have so much to offer, from their rich, buried histories to the shops that line their streets.

A large crowd gathered for the official reopening the Lacken Boardwalk following an €800,000 upgrade of the popular riverside walkway. 

Kilkenny city’s first composite construction of its kind was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, alongside Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness.  

Originally installed in 2012, the boardwalk has long been a key link in the Lacken Walk and the Nore Valley Walk, drawing both locals and visitors. 

However, with its timber structure aging and its narrow design struggling to accommodate growing foot traffic, a major upgrade was needed. 

The new boardwalk stretches 450 metres and is now three times wider than before at 3.6 metres, making it more accessible for wheelchair users, parents with prams, dog walkers, and those with reduced mobility. It also features quiet seating areas where visitors can take in the scenic riverside views.  

With its wider, more durable design and strong focus on sustainability, the new Lacken Boardwalk is set to remain a much-loved part of Kilkenny’s outdoor landscape for years to come.  

Speaking at the reopening, Cllr. McCarthy described the boardwalk as “a significant asset to the recreational offering of Kilkenny City.” He praised the project’s design and construction, crediting Kilkenny County Council, consultants Kilgallen and Partners, and contractors Triur Construction Ltd.  

A standout feature of the new boardwalk is its environmentally friendly design, built primarily from recycled plastic. With over 163 tonnes of recycled plastic used in its construction—equivalent to more than 7.5 million plastic bottles—the project prevented an estimated 400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions that would have resulted from incineration. Had traditional timber been used, around 250 mature trees would have been felled.  

Mayor McGuinness, reflecting on childhood memories of playing along the riverbank, called the boardwalk “a jewel in the crown of the Lacken area.” He noted how its improved design is already attracting a diverse mix of users, making it a more inclusive public space.  

The €800,000 project was funded through the Department for Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with additional support from Kilkenny County Council.  

Frank Stafford, Senior Engineer with the Council, commended the management team and elected members for their vision and ongoing support of projects that enhance Kilkenny’s outdoor amenities.  

<p>A large crowd gathered for the official reopening the Lacken Boardwalk following an €800,000 upgrade of the popular riverside walkway.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kilkenny city’s first composite construction of its kind was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, alongside Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Originally installed in 2012, the boardwalk has long been a key link in the Lacken Walk and the Nore Valley Walk, drawing both locals and visitors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, with its timber structure aging and its narrow design struggling to accommodate growing foot traffic, a major upgrade was needed.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/fba7de41-8353-4e20-9d23-73d35a4cafff.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p></p>
<h4>Accessibility:</h4>
<p>The new boardwalk stretches 450 metres and is now three times wider than before at 3.6 metres, making it more accessible for wheelchair users, parents with prams, dog walkers, and those with reduced mobility. It also features quiet seating areas where visitors can take in the scenic riverside views.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>With its wider, more durable design and strong focus on sustainability, the new Lacken Boardwalk is set to remain a much-loved part of Kilkenny’s outdoor landscape for years to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Speaking at the reopening, Cllr. McCarthy described the boardwalk as “a significant asset to the recreational offering of Kilkenny City.” He praised the project’s design and construction, crediting Kilkenny County Council, consultants Kilgallen and Partners, and contractors Triur Construction Ltd.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/92c00079-5174-4f6f-874b-e329eef8006f.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p></p>
<h4>Environmentally Friendly Design:</h4>
<p>A standout feature of the new boardwalk is its environmentally friendly design, built primarily from recycled plastic. With over 163 tonnes of recycled plastic used in its construction—equivalent to more than 7.5 million plastic bottles—the project prevented an estimated 400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions that would have resulted from incineration. Had traditional timber been used, around 250 mature trees would have been felled.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mayor McGuinness, reflecting on childhood memories of playing along the riverbank, called the boardwalk “a jewel in the crown of the Lacken area.” He noted how its improved design is already attracting a diverse mix of users, making it a more inclusive public space.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The €800,000 project was funded through the Department for Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with additional support from Kilkenny County Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Frank Stafford, Senior Engineer with the Council, commended the management team and elected members for their vision and ongoing support of projects that enhance Kilkenny’s outdoor amenities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Crowds Gather for Reopening of Lacken Boardwalk Along River Nore 

Investment in Kilkenny's road infrastructure has increased 9.5% on last year as the latest figures from the Department of Transport are announced. 

Kilkenny will receive €19.5m, which will be invested in restoration and maintenance works this year. This funding includes surfacing of regional and local roads, safety improvement works, drainage, and climate adaptation measures submitted by Kilkenny County Councils Roads Department. 

An increased allocation of 100k has been made in respect of Community Involvement Schemes which will greatly assist in works to small local roads around the county.

Also included in the 2025 allocation is an amount of €200,000 to progress the Kilkenny City North Transport Project, being the next phase of the City ring road, from the Castlecomer road to the Freshford road. 

An allocation has also been secured for the analysis of Kilkenny City Traffic (Butts Green Junctions) to improve connectivity and traffic movements in the Loughmacask neighbourhood.

<p>Investment in Kilkenny's road infrastructure has increased 9.5% on last year as the latest figures from the Department of Transport are announced.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kilkenny will receive €19.5m, which will be invested in restoration and maintenance works this year. This funding includes surfacing of regional and local roads, safety improvement works, drainage, and climate adaptation measures submitted by Kilkenny County Councils Roads Department.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/0f1af1d9-bc05-4a81-a9f3-9247eb84fa68.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p></p>
<h4>Further Increases:</h4>
<p>An increased allocation of 100k has been made in respect of Community Involvement Schemes which will greatly assist in works to small local roads around the county.</p>
<p>Also included in the 2025 allocation is an amount of €200,000 to progress the Kilkenny City North Transport Project, being the next phase of the City ring road, from the Castlecomer road to the Freshford road.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An allocation has also been secured for the analysis of Kilkenny City Traffic (Butts Green Junctions) to improve connectivity and traffic movements in the Loughmacask neighbourhood.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>


Over €19m Investment in Roads Announced for Kilkenny in 2025

Grand Marshal and New Junior Grand Marshal Announced

Rás na mBan winner and Kilkenny woman Mia Griffin, will be the Grand Marshal and lead the Parade on St. Patrick's Day 2025. Mia Griffin is an Irish road and track cyclist with the Irish national team, and was part of the Irish cycling team at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The Glenmore-born local hero is the first Irish winner of Rás na mBan in over a decade.

"It is a great honour to be Grand Marshal in my home county, and it comes with great pride. I am looking forward to being in Kilkenny at the Parade and will enjoy every minute of the experience." 

For the first time, St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny has announced a Junior Grand Marshal for the cultural celebration. Enya Cox Dempsey, hailing from Castlecomer, has already won the Junior Eurovision Éire 2024, aired on TG4 in 2024, at just 14 years of age, and represented her country at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid with her Irish-language song Le Chéile!

Enya shared her thoughts on being named the first Junior Grand Marshal in Kilkenny:

"It's truly an honour and a privilege to be the Junior Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the first time this year. It's so lovely to be doing something locally in my home County. I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's Day, and I hope to see you there!"

Festival Chairperson and Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness commented;

"We are delighted to have two accomplished Kilkenny women leading our Grand Parade this year. They have done their County proud on a national stage, and we couldn't think of better representatives to lead this year's celebration." 

The 2025 St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny is a four-day spectacular with 120 events throughout the city from March 14th to March 17th. Festival organisers expect 100,000 people to attend the events in Kilkenny. It will see the return of festival favourites: the market, street theatre and fireworks, and exciting new offerings. The weekend culminates in the big spectacle, the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th, and two days of free live music and performances on the festival stage.

Fáilte Ireland identified six locations outside the capital as part of an initiative to position Ireland as the only place for overseas tourists to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. 

Kilkenny, along with Cork, Killarney, Waterford, Sligo, and Limerick were selected, all uniquely showcasing Irish culture through their individual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The joint launch with Kilkenny Tradfest took place on Thursday, February 20th, in Paris Texas, in the city centre.

Speaking at the launch of St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025, Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Event Fáilte Ireland said,

"Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny again this year and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to celebrate our national holiday. Kilkenny's rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and outstanding festival programming make it a key destination for visitors seeking an authentic and unforgettable Irish experience.

"Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs, and revenue generation. We are proud to work alongside Kilkenny County Council to bring this celebration to life and ensure that visitors from near and far can experience the magic of St. Patrick's festivities in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East."

Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness commented:

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Fáilte Ireland, whose backing allows us to elevate St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny, and attract new visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Building on last year's success, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Kilkenny in 2025."

For the full line-up and more information, visit St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny. 

<h4>Grand Marshal and New Junior Grand Marshal Announced</h4>
<p>Rás na mBan winner and Kilkenny woman Mia Griffin, will be the Grand Marshal and lead the Parade on St. Patrick's Day 2025. Mia Griffin is an Irish road and track cyclist with the Irish national team, and was part of the Irish cycling team at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The Glenmore-born local hero is the first Irish winner of Rás na mBan in over a decade.</p>
<h4>Ms. Griffin commented,&nbsp;</h4>
<p>"It is a great honour to be Grand Marshal in my home county, and it comes with great pride. I am looking forward to being in Kilkenny at the Parade and will enjoy every minute of the experience."&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the first time, St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny has announced a Junior Grand Marshal for the cultural celebration. Enya Cox Dempsey, hailing from Castlecomer, has already won the Junior Eurovision Éire 2024, aired on TG4 in 2024, at just 14 years of age, and represented her country at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid with her Irish-language song Le Chéile!</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/c09b978c-166d-402f-9107-9afc56bac950.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p></p>
<h4>Enya shared her thoughts on being named the first Junior Grand Marshal in Kilkenny:</h4>
<p>"It's truly an honour and a privilege to be the Junior Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the first time this year. It's so lovely to be doing something locally in my home County. I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's Day, and I hope to see you there!"</p>
<h4>Festival Chairperson and Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness commented;</h4>
<p>"We are delighted to have two accomplished Kilkenny women leading our Grand Parade this year. They have done their County proud on a national stage, and we couldn't think of better representatives to lead this year's celebration."&nbsp;</p>
<h4>St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny</h4>
<p>The 2025 St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny is a four-day spectacular with 120 events throughout the city from March 14th to March 17th. Festival organisers expect 100,000 people to attend the events in Kilkenny. It will see the return of festival favourites: the market, street theatre and fireworks, and exciting new offerings. The weekend culminates in the big spectacle, the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th, and two days of free live music and performances on the festival stage.</p>
<p>Fáilte Ireland identified six locations outside the capital as part of an initiative to position Ireland as the only place for overseas tourists to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kilkenny, along with Cork, Killarney, Waterford, Sligo, and Limerick were selected, all uniquely showcasing Irish culture through their individual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.</p>
<p>The joint launch with Kilkenny Tradfest took place on Thursday, February 20th, in Paris Texas, in the city centre.</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/33514168-cd38-4960-b4fe-289994afeb08.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Speaking at the launch of St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025, Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Event Fáilte Ireland said,</h4>
<p>"Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny again this year and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to celebrate our national holiday. Kilkenny's rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and outstanding festival programming make it a key destination for visitors seeking an authentic and unforgettable Irish experience.</p>
<p>"Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs, and revenue generation. We are proud to work alongside Kilkenny County Council to bring this celebration to life and ensure that visitors from near and far can experience the magic of St. Patrick's festivities in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East."</p>
<h4>Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness commented:</h4>
<p>"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Fáilte Ireland, whose backing allows us to elevate St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny, and attract new visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Building on last year's success, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Kilkenny in 2025."</p>
<p>For the full line-up and more information, visit <a href="https://stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com/" target="_blank">St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>


Grand Marshal and New Junior Grand Marshal For Kilkenny St Patricks Parade

Irish culture, history, and heritage will be at the centre of the upcoming St. Patrick's Festival 2025, with a series of events dedicated to significant historical figures in Kilkenny. Kilkenny recently marked 700 years since the witch trial of Alice Kyteler, the first of its kind in Ireland. The historic event saw the noblewoman escape from peril whilst her associate Petronella de Meath was executed in her place. 

On St. Patrick's Day, in a dramatic display, the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group will take visitors back to Medieval Kilkenny to relive that fateful day of November 3rd in the year 1324. The re-enactment will see the infamous Bishop Ledrede lay seven charges against the wealthy woman and her employee, and parade them through the streets of Kilkenny.

Following the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the group will depict the trial and subsequent execution of Petronella de Meath in a short performance at Rothe House and Garden. Regular performers at the St. Patrick's Festival, the Historical Kilkenny Re-enactment Group, share history through visual displays for further generations to learn about the past.

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. St. Patrick's Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture, featuring parades, food, music, dancing, and more. March 17th is believed to be the date of his death, and we commemorate him each year at home and around the world. 

Among the historic highlights at St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 is a chance to dive into Ireland's rich military heritage with a guided tour of the James Stephens Military Barracks Museum, led by retired Commandant Larry Scallan. Comdt Scallan will also deliver a fascinating look at Tom Treacy, Kilkenny's forgotten Commander (1919 – 1923) at Parade Tower. The talk will detail Tom Treacy's early life and explain his important role in Irish independence from 1914 to 1922.

Visitors can learn about Kilkenny’s medieval history and explore the City’s streetscapes on two walking tours, the (self-guided) Medieval Mile Street Tour and the Medieval Moments Walking Tour, with experienced guide Nevin Cody stopping at key locations to recount historical events and stories of local legends.

Festival Director Marian Flannery commented, 

"We hope people will join us in celebrating Kilkenny's vibrant history. As we explore our city's rich past, we invite you to discover the stories, legends, and traditions that have shaped our community."

A diverse programme of 120 events will take place in Kilkenny City during St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025, from March 14th to 17th, celebrating Irish culture, music, and heritage. 

Events culminate with two days of free live performances on the festival stage and the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th, which brings the best of Kilkenny together, both past and present.

<h4>The Witch Trial of Alice Kyteler</h4>
<p>Irish culture, history, and heritage will be at the centre of the upcoming St. Patrick's Festival 2025, with a series of events dedicated to significant historical figures in Kilkenny. Kilkenny recently marked 700 years since the witch trial of Alice Kyteler, the first of its kind in Ireland. The historic event saw the noblewoman escape from peril whilst her associate Petronella de Meath was executed in her place.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On St. Patrick's Day, in a dramatic display, the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group will take visitors back to Medieval Kilkenny to relive that fateful day of November 3rd in the year 1324. The re-enactment will see the infamous Bishop Ledrede lay seven charges against the wealthy woman and her employee, and parade them through the streets of Kilkenny.</p>
<p>Following the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the group will depict the trial and subsequent execution of Petronella de Meath in a short performance at Rothe House and Garden. Regular performers at the St. Patrick's Festival, the Historical Kilkenny Re-enactment Group, share history through visual displays for further generations to learn about the past.</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/1ed4381e-adb0-4257-9cba-476e673360a8.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>Historic Highlights</h4>
<p>St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. St. Patrick's Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture, featuring parades, food, music, dancing, and more. March 17th is believed to be the date of his death, and we commemorate him each year at home and around the world.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Kilkenny's Forgotten Commander</h4>
<p>Among the historic highlights at St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025 is a chance to dive into Ireland's rich military heritage with a guided tour of the James Stephens Military Barracks Museum, led by retired Commandant Larry Scallan. Comdt Scallan will also deliver a fascinating look at Tom Treacy, Kilkenny's forgotten Commander (1919 – 1923) at Parade Tower. The talk will detail Tom Treacy's early life and explain his important role in Irish independence from 1914 to 1922.</p>
<p></p>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/db1a3838-4673-4d56-a58a-2ed667bc2b5a.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<p></p>
<h4>Historic Walking Tours&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Visitors can learn about Kilkenny’s medieval history and explore the City’s streetscapes on two walking tours, the (self-guided) Medieval Mile Street Tour and the Medieval Moments Walking Tour, with experienced guide Nevin Cody stopping at key locations to recount historical events and stories of local legends.</p>
<h4>Festival Director Marian Flannery commented,&nbsp;</h4>
<p>"We hope people will join us in celebrating Kilkenny's vibrant history. As we explore our city's rich past, we invite you to discover the stories, legends, and traditions that have shaped our community."</p>
<p>A diverse programme of 120 events will take place in Kilkenny City during St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny 2025, from March 14th to 17th, celebrating Irish culture, music, and heritage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Events culminate with two days of free live performances on the festival stage and the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th, which brings the best of Kilkenny together, both past and present.</p>
<p>For the full line-up and more information, visit <a href="https://stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com/" target="_blank">St Patrick's Festival Kilkenny.</a>&nbsp;</p>


Welcome to Kilkenny

Fáilte Kilkenny

We believe that our towns have so much to offer, from their rich, buried histories to the shops that line their streets.

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