Kilkenomics – the world’s first economics and comedy festival – brings together some of the world’s leading economists, financial analysts and media commentators with some of the country’s funniest, sharpest standup comedians. The 2023 edition of the festival, which has been described as ‘Davos with jokes’ will take place from November 2 to 5. The aim of Kilkenomics is to take economics out of the conference room and academia and make it accessible to ordinary people’s lives. This year marks the 12th edition of the festival. Award-winning journalist, author and comedy writer, Paul Howard will be one of the high-profile guests in attendance. Paul Howard is very well-known for being the creative mind behind the famous satirical fictional Irish character, Ross O’ Carroll-Kelly. The Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Limerick, Stephen Kinsella and capital markets editor at the Financial Times, Katie Martin will also be speaking at some of the shows throughout the weekend. Many more national and international speakers will be making the journey to Kilkenny City on the first weekend in November to provide intelligent insight and cutting commentary. The planned shows will cover a wide range of topics including the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, the current state of cryptocurrency, the current and past state of the Irish economy and much more. One of the upcoming events that sums up the concept of this festival most aptly is ‘Jargon Busting’, which is set to take place at the Set Theatre on November 4. It’s one of the festival’s fastest selling shows, combining economic jargon with comedic and chaotic moments. The Minister for Public Expenditure and National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe will be sitting down with comedian Colm O’ Regan to offer his insights into modern Irish and European economic policy and what may lie ahead. The festival was originally founded in 2010 and successfully returned last year after a two year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The programme director, Naoise Nunn said that this year’s festival is the fastest selling festival they have ever had. “People should expect really lively and entertaining events about serious subject material,” he said, adding that the comedy element serves to lighten but not cheapen the discussions being had. “People who are keen to attend really need to get in there now,” he added. Purchase tickets and check out the 2023 programme with a full list of the scheduled events on the Kilkenomics website.
Kilkenomics returns for 2023!
