Parade, music and community spirit, all just beyond the garden gates of Butler House.
St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny is full of atmosphere, colour and community spirit. Each March, the city comes alive with parades, live music, street entertainment and a wonderful sense of togetherness, making it a joyful and memorable time to visit.
At the heart of the celebrations, Butler House offers a unique place to experience it all.
Step through the garden gates of Butler House & Garden and you are directly on The Parade, the very street where the St Patrick’s Day parade passes and festivities are in full swing. From the quiet elegance of our Georgian house to the animated celebrations outside, it is a unique way to enjoy the festivities while still having a peaceful place to retreat to.
St Patrick’s Festival, Kilkenny
The celebrations extend across several days each March as the St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny transforms the city into a vibrant stage for Irish culture, music and community. Running from 14–17 March, the festival features a lively programme of events including live music, traditional performances, family entertainment and walking tours through Kilkenny’s medieval streets.
A highlight of the weekend is the St Patrick’s Day Parade, which winds through Kilkenny’s historic streets from 1.30 pm on March 17th, bringing together performers, dancers, musicians, community groups and colourful floats in a joyful celebration of Irish culture and creativity.
Across the city, you will find street entertainment, festival markets and traditional music sessions creating a festive atmosphere on every corner. Running alongside the celebrations is Kilkenny Tradfest, filling pubs and venues with the sound of traditional Irish music throughout the weekend.
View the full St. Patrick’s Festival programme here.
The Wobbly Circus Show at Butler House Garden
As part of the festival celebrations, Butler House Garden will host the lively Wobbly Circus Show, a high-energy outdoor performance perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
Performed by the talented Paul Staniforth and Claire Keaty, the show brings together comedy, clowning, spectacular juggling, stilt walking, mime and a thrilling tight-wire finale. Audiences can expect a fast-paced, interactive performance with guaranteed surprises, and the crowd often becomes part of the fun.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 14 March & Monday 16 March
Time: 1 pm and 3 pm
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
Tickets: €3pp, family of four €10 (plus booking fee)
This outdoor event is suitable for all ages, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets for the circus here.
Celebrate the Day from Butler House
One of the joys of staying at Butler House during St Patrick’s weekend is the location. The city’s celebrations unfold just beyond the garden wall, yet the house itself remains a calm and elegant retreat.
You might begin the morning with a leisurely breakfast in the Lady Eleanor Room, then step out through the garden gate to join the crowds gathering for the parade along The Parade. After a day of music, colour and celebration, returning to Butler House feels wonderfully relaxing.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Cream Tea or lunch in the Garden View Room offers a gentle pause from the city's excitement. Guests can sit by the window overlooking the walled garden and Kilkenny Castle, enjoying freshly baked scones and tea in the quiet comfort of Georgian surroundings. For those looking for something more substantial, a relaxed lunch featuring fresh, seasonal dishes is served from 12 noon to 3 pm, all enjoyed in elegant surroundings overlooking the gardens.
March Signature Cocktail
To mark the occasion, our bar team has created a special March Signature Cocktail, the Matcha Gin Sour, a refreshing blend we couldn’t resist adding a hint of green to for the celebrations.
This elegant cocktail combines elderflower syrup, local Kilkenny Ballykeeffe Gin, matcha and fresh lemon juice, shaken with egg white and finished with a delicate dusting of matcha.
Enjoy it in the Garden View Bar, the perfect pre-dinner drink or a relaxing treat during your stay.
Stay a Little Longer with our Signature Escapes offer
For those wishing to turn the celebration into a memorable getaway, Butler House offers Signature Escapes, a carefully curated stay designed for relaxation and comfort. Spend the day exploring Kilkenny’s medieval streets, enjoy the energy of the St Patrick’s Festival, then return to the calm of Butler House & Garden, where historic charm meets thoughtful hospitality.
Book your Signature Escape Here!
A Wonderful Time to Visit Kilkenny
St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny is more than a parade. It is a celebration of Irish culture, music and community spirit, set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Ireland’s most historic cities. From lively street performances and traditional music to family events in the garden and the colourful parade passing just beyond the gates of Butler House, it is a time when Kilkenny truly comes alive.
Join us this March, soak up the festive atmosphere, explore the city’s rich heritage, and enjoy the warmth and welcome of Butler House & Garden.
Plan your St Patrick’s escape and discover Kilkenny at its most joyful!
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Call us on +353 56 7722828 or email res@butler.ie
For more information, visit www.butler.ie
Butler House & Garden and the adjacent Kilkenny Castle Yard are owned and managed by the Kilkenny Civic Trust, a not-for-profit organisation with the mission of protecting, enhancing and promoting heritage in Kilkenny. Butler House & Garden Celebrating 240 years. A member of Ireland's Blue Book.