23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Cardinals and Gemma Hayes to headline Kinsale Arts Weekend 2025
Kinsale Arts Weekend returns from July 10-13, rolling into town with the mighty momentum of its ninth year and a fitting theme, The Ninth Wave.
This year's programme draws inspiration from Celtic myth and maritime mystery, has over 60 events and blends headline music acts like Gemma Hayes and The Cardinals, with site-specific art, performance, talks, and family-friendly events – all set against the unique backdrop of Kinsale's streets and shoreline.
Kinsale Arts weekend transforms the town into a stage, with spaces from cafes to streets and churches becoming venues.
Cork County Council are providing access to the newly redeveloped town library, the award winning building has become a cultural hub for the town since opening in 2023.
Highlights of this year's festival include, Gemma Hayes, Live at St. Catherine's on Saturday, July 12.
Ms Hayes is one of Ireland's most beloved singer-songwriters and she returns to the stage with her critically acclaimed album Blind Faith.
Her stripped-back, emotionally rich performance promises to be a festival favourite.
Audiences can also expect an exhilarating performance by Cork five-piece Cardinals on Sunday, July 13.
The up and coming Cork indie band are renowned for their electrifying sound fuses 60s pop with gothic shoegaze, Irish folk, punk, and wall-of-sound influences.
Fresh from supporting Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park and a memorable appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show, their critically acclaimed debut EP showcases a bold, genre-blending style that promises an unforgettable live experience.
The programme also celebrates local voices and global perspectives, from talks on climate and wave energy with Professor Tony Lewis and Dr. Tara Shine, to cross-cultural storytelling by Varun Kumar Ganguly and Mike Murphy, and community initiatives like The Play's the Thing, a multilingual theatre project set to unfold in 2026.
Chairperson Anna Mulcahy said the organisers of this year's programme wanted to push past the expectations. 'I'm so proud of what our team and artists have created. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, I can promise there's mystical creativity waiting for you in Kinsale this July. Our programme will see Kinsale transform to a stage for music, dance, visual and powerful discussion.'
Programme curator Lisa O'Brien, a native of Kinsale said she is delighted to be coming home to curate this year's festival. 'Kinsale Arts Weekend has become a beacon for creativity and connection, locally rooted but open to the world. I've always believed that art should surprise, challenge and welcome in equal measure. I hope that that spirit comes through in every corner of the programme.
'I've drawn on my experience with festivals like Kilkenny Arts Festival and my passion for supporting emerging talent to shape a playful, eclectic line-up that reflects the magic of Kinsale,' she added.
Kinsale Arts Weekend remains deeply committed to sustainability, accessibility, and the power of art to bring people together.
From street spectacles to children's workshops, live music to visual art, Kinsale Arts Weekend is a family-friendly celebration with something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are now available via with early booking advised for flagship events.
