Kilkenny
Cat
Laughs

Kilkenny City

To get all the relevant information, visit the ‘The Cat Laughs’ website, and/or join us in Kilkenny in the summer!

Visit Website
– Reviews
"The best little comedy festival in the world"
– The Guardian
"Everything and anything should be expected with all those comedians intent on tickling your ribs. I can’t think of a better way to start the summer"
– The​ ​Irish​ ​Independent

In from 2017 – 2019, our own Matt Smyth and Dan Colley took over the reins as Artistic Directors of the Kilkenny Cat Laughs, bringing some of their own comedy influences onboard, combining the best in comedy standup with new names in the world of improv, sketch, podcasts and more.

Kilkenny Cat Laughs is Ireland’s annual craic pilgrimage, and has been heralding the start of the summer season since 1995. Approaching its 26th edition, the festival has played host over the years to international and domestic world class comedy and is renowned for treating both talent and audience to a warm, welcoming and convivial atmosphere in Kilkenny, at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Cat Laughs has a reputation for being the comedians’ comedy festival, and for creating an atmosphere where anything can happen. Over the years the festival has nurtured the fledgling careers of Irish acts like Dara Ó Briain, Aisling Bea, Graham Norton, Dylan Moran, Maeve Higgins, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joanne McNally, Deirdre O’Kane, David O’Doherty, Des Bishop and many, many more.

We have also welcomed international luminaries like Bill Murray, Zach Galifianakis, Laura Kightlinger, Bill Burr, George Wendt, Ross Noble, Peter Kay, Bill Bailey, Tig Notaro, Emo Philips and Sarah Millican among others.

– Reviews
"The best little comedy festival in the world"
– The Guardian
"Everything and anything should be expected with all those comedians intent on tickling your ribs. I can’t think of a better way to start the summer"
– The​ ​Irish​ ​Independent
– Gallery
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