The line-up for this year’s Cat Laughs comedy festival in Kilkenny has been unveiled .

Now in its 12th year, the event will feature the likes of Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee , Dara O’Briain, Ardal O’Hanlon,Dom Irrera, Rich Hall, Fred MacAulay, Adam Hills and Des Bishop.

The festival has built its reputation in inviting the best circuit acts from the US, as well as British and Irish acts, and this year’s programme includes Doug Stanhope, pictured, Pete Correale, Jeff Caldwell, Andrew Kennedy, Marina Franklin, Todd Lynn and Paula Bel; and from Canada,  Nikki Payne, Tom Stade and Stewart Francis.

Artistic director Eddie Bannon said: ‘It’s no secret that this is the festival every comedian wants to play, so come and see them enjoying what they do best.’

The event – which also includes a short film festival and the traditional Ireland v The Rest of the World comedians’ soccer game  ­t akes place from June 1 to 5.

Maura McGinn from sponsors Smithwick’s said: ‘World-renowned comedy acts will be living up to their reputations in the intimate setting of Kilkenny.  People will enjoy it all - the mix of shows, the comedians’ soccer match, the comedy films and the craic around the streets of Kilkenny.’