The 13th-17th of March 2026 sees Kilkenny once again go green for TradFest!
Now in it’s 14th year, the festival celebrates Irish music and culture.
Rothe House & Garden is delighted to be a part of the festivities with loads happening here over the long weekend.
Scattered Sessions Presents Brian Leach
Sun 15th March
Tickets: €20 + Booking Fee
Time: Doors @ 2.30pm / Start @ 3pm | Seated
An intimate afternoon with hammered dulcimer-player, Brian Leach, featuring live Irish traditional music and a pre-concert conversation with musicologist, Oisín Quigley, on the evolving roots of Ireland’s musical tradition.
Audience Q&A to follow.
Click here to book your tickets.
Sean-nós Dancing for Kids
Ages: 5-12
Date: Sat 14th March
Tickets: €15 + Booking Fee
Times: Doors @ 11.55am / Class @ 12pm
Sibéal Davitt is a dance artist, performer and teacher from Dublin. Her style of dance is influenced by contemporary, classical and Irish traditional sean-nós dance, having trained in all styles from an early age.
Step out this Tradfest weekend and join Sibéal Davitt for a masterclass of dance at Rothe House!
Click here to book your tickets.
Sean-nós Dancing for Teens & Adults
Date: Sat 14th March
Tickets: €15 + Booking Fee
Times: Doors @ 12.55pm / Class @ 1pm
Sibéal Davitt is a dance artist, performer and teacher from Dublin. Her style of dance is influenced by contemporary, classical and Irish traditional sean-nós dance, having trained in all styles from an early age.
Step out this Tradfest weekend and join Sibéal Davitt for a masterclass of dance at Rothe House!
Click here to book your tickets.
Bodhrán Workshop with Tommy Lanigan
Date: Sat 14th March
Tickets: €15 + Booking Fee
Times: Doors @ 4.20pm / Class @ 4.30pm
Join one of the country’s finest bodhrán players for a crash course on the ins and outs of this ancient, Irish drum. Tommy Lanigan is a sought-after accompanist and bodhrán maestro for trad sessions and will share his rhythmic secrets in the beautiful, historic setting of Rothe House.
Click here to book your tickets.
Little Folklore Friends
Date: Sat 14th March
Ages: 4-7
Time: 2.15pm
Tickets: €7 + Booking Fee
Join local children’s author Niamh Donnellan for storytelling and crafts based on her book, Little Irish Folklore Friends. about six creatures from Irish folklore, all using their powers in unexpected ways. Join Liam the Leprechaun, Betty the Banshee and Pádraig the Púca; Willow the Wisp, Fiadh the Fairy and Seán the Selkie for lots of magic, mischief and giggles. Then make your own magical creature to take home!
This event is suitable for children aged 4-7 years. Only children require tickets. All children must be accompanied by an adult who must stay in the vicinity throughout the event.
Click here to book your tickets.
Little Irish History Heroes
Date: Sat 14th March
Ages: 4-7
Time: 3.15pm
Tickets: €7 + Booking Fee
Join local children’s author Niamh Donnellan for storytelling and crafts based on her new book, Little Irish History Heroes. This a gentle and fun introduction to the heroes of Irish legend. Join the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill, pirate queen Grace O’Malley, high king Brian Boru, bold Queen Maeve, kind St Brigid and young hurler Cú Chulainn for a new twist on ancient tales of bravery. Then make your own hero’s crown to take home!
This event is suitable for children aged 4-7 years. Only children require tickets. All children must be accompanied by an adult who must stay in the vicinity throughout the event. The session will last approximately 45 minutes.
Click here to book your tickets.
