The Final Draft > Autumn Trails and Festivals to Experience in Kilkenny
Autumn Trails and Festivals to Experience in Kilkenny
There’s plenty to do in Kilkenny this autumn. Embrace all the city has to offer by engaging with some of its annual festivals and popular trails offering a unique combination of experiences. Autumn festivals and trails blend the charm of the season with outdoor adventure, making them ideal for both relaxation and exploration! So, take a look at these curated walks and annual festivals to get inspired this season.
Castle Grounds
As an iconic marker of Kilkenny city, Kilkenny Castle offers walkers and explorers a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the city. For an easy route that won’t take too long out of your day, a Castle Grounds walk is an ideal option to embrace the autumn season. Take in the striking medieval fortress in the foreground and lose yourself in the picturesque surroundings for an hour or more at your leisure.
The Canal Walk
Another popular spot in Kilkenny is the Canal Walk running alongside the River Nore. Traversing a mostly flat terrain, this is another trail suitable for all skill levels and accessibility needs. Whether you’re visiting the city for a day and want to take in the locality or on a much-needed break during the working day, a walk along the River Nore provides a rare opportunity to see the beautiful changing colors of the city along the river banks.
Kilkenomics
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be co-sponsoring and taking part in one of the world’s first economics festivals takes place in Kilkenny this year from November 7th - 10th. Bringing together some of the world’s top economists along with comedians at the top of their game in the Marble city, the Kilkenomics festival promises to once again be fertile ground for engagement and enjoyment. This is the perfect place to mix facts and fun. You’ll come away laughing and armed with new insight and opinions - an ideal concoction for a night out!
Savour Kilkenny
Clear your calendar for the October bank holiday weekend when the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival will return for 2024. The 16th annual festival promises to be better than ever with a 100-stall market, cooking demos by top rated chefs, plenty of food-centric events catered to every taste, workshops and entertainment. From pet nutrition to food innovation, there’s something everyone can enjoy during this weekend festival. Notable guests for the 2024 line-up include Rachel Allen, James Kavanagh, Edward Hayden, Rory O’Connell, Anne Neary and many more.
The festival, co-sponsored by Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, will feature award-winning Executive Chef Gary O’Hanlon of The K Club on the Savour Stage at The Parade on Saturday, October 26th, from 1pm. Chef O’Hanlon will showcase dishes incorporating Smithwick’s, including bangers and mash with pickled mustard seed balsamico, a mussel dish, and a surprise third course—possibly a dessert! This marks his debut appearance at the event, so don’t miss it!
What’s more, for the first time the Savour Market will stay open until 9pm on Saturday, October 26th with live music and street entertainment on site!
Yulefest
Another welcome return to Kilkenny’s annual festival tradition is Yulefest taking place this year on November 25th and running until Christmas eve. Spanning the autumn and winter seasons, Yulefest spreads festive cheer throughout the city and is a great day out for family and friends. For those who want a hand in making and choosing some bespoke gifts look no further than the festive wreath making workshop on December 2nd in the stately surroundings of Rothe House or the MADE in Kilkenny pop-up shop.
Along with other highlights including the Christmas Market (running every weekend), the Santa Truck and the festive Santa Run, the festive Friday Final is one not to be missed. It will mark the end of the festival with a dazzling fireworks display, facepainting and more.