Mostly taking place at weekends – though some events run through the week – Yulefest combines food and craft events, special Christmas concerts and entertainment and a generally festive athmosphere that’ll get both visitors and Kilkenny locals in the Christmas mood.
There is real Christmas magic in the mystical winter garden in Butler House – visit at dusk for best effect as the lights come one – and on trips on Santa’s train to the twinkling lights in the enchanted Elf Village at the Castlecomer Discovery Park. You can create Christmas crafts with twice-Oscar nominated design studio Cartoon Saloon, or if that doesn’t work out buy local crafts at Rothe House.
Local Kilkenny food producers will be in Grace’s Old Castle, where you can sample their wares and stock up on some seasonal goodies.