Experience the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival and the June Bank Holiday in Timeless Comfort
As the city of Kilkenny prepares to host Ireland’s most iconic comedy weekend, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival returns from 30 May to 2 June 2025, promising four days of wit, warmth, and spontaneous joy. With the June Bank Holiday perfectly timed, there’s no better occasion to immerse yourself in laughter by day—and retreat to the luxury of Mount Juliet Estate by night.
Among the most distinguished hotels in Kilkenny, Mount Juliet offers more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to exhale. A place to enjoy the festival with intention, comfort, and style.
Friday: A Warm Welcome and Evening Laughter
Check in early and settle into the graceful surroundings of Mount Juliet Estate—a Kilkenny hotel where Georgian elegance meets modern ease. Then make your way into the city to catch Friday’s stellar lineup of comedians (view schedule). As the evening draws to a close, return to the estate for a glass of wine, a light supper, or a quiet walk under the stars.
Saturday: Explore, Indulge, and Laugh Out Loud
Begin with a generous breakfast in the Hunter’s Yard before wandering into the heart of Kilkenny. Discover the charm of the Medieval Mile, tour Kilkenny Castle, or browse local boutiques before an afternoon and evening of laughter (Saturday’s shows). With a packed lineup, there’s something to delight every sense of humour—though we recommend keeping an eye out for Irish comedians offering their own unique twist on the world.
Sunday: Slow Mornings, Lively Afternoons
Ease into Sunday with a leisurely estate brunch before heading back into the city for a day of informal pub sets and laid-back laugh sessions (see what’s on). The atmosphere is warm, spontaneous, and full of personality—an experience best savoured at your own pace. Let Kilkenny’s creative energy guide your day.
Monday: One Last Day to Luxuriate
The Bank Holiday Monday is your bonus moment—make the most of it. Back at the estate, enjoy a relaxed round of golf, a tranquil fishing session by the river, or a serene spa treatment. Try your hand at laser clay shooting or enjoy a final wander through the woodlands. After a farewell lunch, depart refreshed, restored, and smiling from the inside out.
Where Luxury and Laughter Meet
During Cat Laughs, the city buzzes with energy—but just 20 minutes away, Mount Juliet offers a sanctuary of stillness. As one of the most prestigious Blue Book hotels and part of the Marriott Kilkenny family, Mount Juliet blends old-world charm with modern sophistication.
Whether you’re searching for places to stay in Kilkenny, hotel deals that don’t compromise on luxury, or simply a memorable Bank Holiday escape, the estate offers a rare kind of hospitality—quiet, intuitive, and deeply welcoming.
Reserve your stay now and experience a festival weekend that’s as entertaining as it is enriching.
