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Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival
Kilkenny, May/June
Background
Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival is an annual event in Co. Kilkenny, where some of the most famous comedians from Ireland and the world take to the stages of pubs, clubs and hotels of the historic ‘Marble City.’ Past performers have included Bill Bailey, Phil Kay, Ed Byrne, Jimmy Carr and Rich Hall. The main sponsor of the festival is Smithwick’s. The festival showcases stand-up acts primarily, but has also hosted improvisation acts and comedy film shorts too. In recent years, a soccer match between Irish and international comedians has become a weekend feature of the event.
The Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival has recently been named as one of top five comedy festivals in the world. Not bad going, considering that the festival has only been running a little over ten years. Since it was founded in 1995, the festival has seen massive expansion, but continues to maintain the charm and intimacy of a boutique event.
The Venues
Performances by participating comedians take place at venues right across the city. This year’s venues include: Watergate Theatre, Cleere’s, Zoo, Bollard’s, Kyteler’s, Xclub51 at Kilford Arms, Dempsey’s, Langtons, Rivercourt, Clubhouse Hotel, VenueBar at KK Ormonde, Kilbride at KK Ormonde, King’sSuite at KK Ormonde, VillageInn and Hotel Kilkenny.The line-up for this year’s festival includes Des Bishop, Ed Byrne, Joe Rooney, Karl Spain, Reuben, Ardal O’ Hanlon, Lee Mack, Paul Merton, PJ Gallagher, Maeve Higgins and Kevin Kildea. This year, the city’s Watergate Theatre is playing host to a series of screenings of silent movies, including black and white classics by the likes of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.
Tickets for performances and events can be booked on line or in person. The festival’s ticket office is situated on Parliament Street, opposite the city’s historic Rothe House.
Getting There
Kilkenny is located 121km (75km) to the south west of Dublin. If travelling from Dublin, follow the N7 as far as Johnstown. After reaching Johnstown, take the N9 to Whitehall and then, the N10 to Kilkenny.5000 LOCATIONS DETAILS
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