Upcoming events.
Larchill Arcadian Gardens Car Boot & Family Day Out
🌿 Larchill Arcadian Gardens Car Boot & Family Day Out
What:
A relaxed and popular car boot sale set within the beautiful surroundings of Larchill Arcadian Gardens, offering a mix of bargain hunting, fresh air, and a unique heritage garden experience for all ages.
Where:
📍 Larchill Arcadian Gardens
When:
📅 Selected Sundays:
• 12 April 2026
• 3 May 2026
• 7 June 2026
• 5 July 2026
• 2 August 2026
• 6 September 2026
🕒 10:00am – 2:00pm
Description:
Set in the historic landscape of Larchill Arcadian Gardens, this much-loved car boot sale has become a firm favourite for families, bargain hunters, and anyone looking for a relaxed Sunday morning outing. Visitors can browse stalls filled with hidden gems and second-hand treasures, all while enjoying the peaceful setting of one of Kildare’s most distinctive heritage gardens.
Beyond the bargains, the gardens themselves are a real highlight — offering a glimpse into Ireland’s picturesque 18th-century Arcadian landscape design, with ornamental features, walking routes, and open green spaces that make it easy to turn a quick visit into a leisurely morning.
It’s simple, friendly, and full of character — the kind of event where you’re just as likely to leave with a great find as you are a good story.
More Information / Booking:
💶 Entry: €2 (includes garden access)
👧 Children go free
🚗 No booking required – just turn up on the day
📣 Organisers encourage sharing and early arrival for the best selection of stalls
The Mad Otter's Tea Party
The Mad Otter's Tea Party 🫖
What: We're excited to announce our next Future Ancestor event on Sept 12th at Monasterevin Community Centre & Hopkins Gardens!
📍Where: Monasterevin Community Centre, Whelan Street. W34FH24
📅When: 12th September 2026 @🕢 2pm-5pm
Description: Tick-tock... or is it time to stop the clock? Join us in Monasterevin for a Future Ancestor tea party like no other! We’re swapping mad consumerism for circularity & the cycles of River Barrow. Foraging, workshops & radical hope await! 🍵🌿
More Information/Booking
Cost Free
No Booking Required
Crash Ensemble-Everything is Connected by Ed Bennet
🎶Crash Ensemble-Everything is Connected by Ed Bennet
What: Commissioned by Crash, the project brings together members of the ensemble with local musicians and performers from diverse musical backgrounds in a dynamic live performance showcasing the possibilities of collaborative performance.
📍Where: Newbridge Town Hall, Main St, Greatconnell, Newbridge
Presented in association with Riverbank Arts Centre
📅When: September 13th 2026 🕢7.00PM-9.00PM
Description:
We are absolutely delighted to welcome you to a very special evening of music that brings people together. Presented in association with the Riverbank Arts Centre, the renowned Crash Ensemble joins forces with our very own Nás na Rí Singers to perform Everything is Connected—a magnificent new piece by the celebrated Irish composer Ed Bennett.
Commissioned by Crash Ensemble, this ambitious project places community and collaboration right at its heart. It brings professional musicians together with local performers from all kinds of musical backgrounds, creating a joyful, energetic live experience that celebrates the magic of making music as one.
More Information/Booking:
Cost €18
https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873665037
A2Z Sound
👀A2Z Sound🎶
What: A2Z Sound play classical, traditional folk and country music, incorporating violin, banjo, guitar and voice.
📍Where: Metodist Church, Woodstock St, Athy Co.Kildare
📅When: September 18th 2026 @ 4.30pm-6.30pm
Description: We play and sing all the well known and loved original folk and country songs as well as some of our own composed pieces within the group, from over 40 years of our own individual musicianship brought together on one stage for this special night of culture. Whether you like Argo Guthrie, ,Nancy Griffith, Johnny Cash, Ravel or Shostakovich you won’t want to miss this unique blend of music and style to celebrate cultural night given to you by A2Z sounds. The group members are Margaret Brennan, JJ Wright and Noelle Robinson.
More Information/Booking:
Free, No Booking Required
100 Years of Kildare Libraries Yarn Bomb Exhibition
100 Years of Kildare Libraries Yarn Bomb Exhibition🧶🧸
What: Leixlip Library is celebrating 100 years of Kildare libraries; to mark the occasion we are having our very own Yarn Bomb exhibition.
📍Where: Leixlip Library, Captains Hill, Leixlip W23WR96
📅When: September 18th 2026 🕢@ 5.30pm-7.30pm
Description: Enjoy a classic HANDS craft documentary on our big screen and light refreshments while also getting the opportunity to meet the fantastic groups behind the exhibition including The Purls of Wisdom Knitting Group, Crochet Group, and Intergenerational Knitting Group. You may encounter some butterflies, flowers and a very hungry caterpillar! Facepainting will be available from 5.30pm to entertain small children and Celbridge Snappers Ukulele Group will be providing some 60’s music to cap off the evening.
Guardians must attend with children.
No Booking Required.
An Accidental Preview at Cafe Grange
👀An Accidental Preview at Cafe Grange
What: The local community dramatic society is hosting a live Culture Night production featuring local actors and creative performing arts.
📍Where: The Cafe Grange, Church Avenue, Osberstown, Sallins.
📅When: September 18th 2026 🕢6.30-7.00pm
September 18th 2026 @ 8.00pm-9.00pm @ Sallins Community Centre
Description: Sallins Dramatic Society proudly presents a theatrical version of Herb Haslers short one act play ‘The Accident’ at two locations around Sallins.
On the night, we will also be running a short preview of one of our up and coming full plays.
More Information/Booking: Cost Free, Booking is advised
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1996789933443?aff=oddtdtcreator
A Night of Music, Song and Dancing with Athy Comhaltas and Friends
🎶A Night of Music, Song and Dancing with Athy Comhaltas and Friends
What: Come and join Athy Comhaltas and friends for a night of music, song and dancing.
📍Where: Athy Methodist Church, Woodstock St, Athy
📅When: September 18th 2026 🕢@7pm-9.30pm
Description: Early in the evening our younger members will take to the stage to show off the wonderful tunes they have been learning in Seisiún na nÓg.
They will be joined by some dancer friends who will put on a great display of traditional Irish dancing.
Later, our adult group with some invited friends, will play and sing the night away.
More Information/Booking:
Free Event, No Booking Required
Music Network Presents Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Pauline Scanlon, Tom Morrow & John Doyle
👀Music Network Presents Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Pauline Scanlon, Tom Morrow & John Doyle🎶
What: Join us to explore songs and tunes that celebrate the beauty, depth and spirit of Irish music.
📍Where: Newbridge Town Hall.Main Street Newbridge, County Kildare.
📅When: September 18th 2026 🕒@ 8.00pm
Description: This sensational new ensemble unites the phenomenal voices of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Pauline Scanlon, two of Ireland’s most striking interpreters of traditional and contemporary song. Their seamless vocal blend, rich, emotive and deeply rooted in the tradition, promises to create moments of pure magic.
More Information/Booking:
Cost €15-€18
Please note that this event will take place in Newbridge Town Hall
The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh
👀🎶The Illegals: Celebrating 50 Years of The Eagles & Fleetwood Mac
What:
Join us for a wonderful evening of live music as we look back on fifty years of two absolute milestones in rock history. In 1975, the world was treated to The Eagles’ One of These Nights and the definitive self-titled Fleetwood Mac album—the record that introduced us to the brilliant songwriting of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
To mark this special anniversary, the incredibly talented tribute band The Illegals are coming to Kildare with a brand-new show. Fronted by the fantastic Niamh Kavanagh—celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and warm, witty stage presence—this gathering of top-tier musicians promises an unforgettable night out. You will be treated to beautifully woven harmonies, exceptional guitar work, and a setlist packed with timeless classics like Rhiannon, Lyin’ Eyes, Landslide, and Take It to the Limit. It is a brilliant opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the soundtrack of a generation.
Where:
📍 Riverbank Arts Centre
Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12D962
📅When:
September 19th
🕒 8pm -10.30pm
Cost Tickets are priced at €30,
Booking Information:
https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873664792/events/128652310/seats?zone=Auditorium
Marking the Autumn Equinox and International Peace Day
Marking the Autumn Equinox and International Peace Day
What: We are invited to invest in peace just as St. Brigid did in the 5th century.
📍Where: Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages, Tully Rd, kildare Town. R51Y281.
📅When: September 21st 2026
🕙7.30PM- 9.PM
Description: Aligning beautifully with the International Day of Peace, this season invites us to pause, reflect on our growth, and cultivate stillness. It is the perfect moment to shed what no longer serves us and foster harmony within ourselves and our communities. Join us this season as we embrace the quiet beauty of autumn and commit to walking a path of shared peace and mindful transition.
More Information/Booking:
Cost: €15.00 (includes ligh refreshments)
Booking: www.solasbhride.ie or email: info@solasbhride.ie
Champions Table
Champions Table
What: Begin with a refined garden drinks reception on the very lawns where champions once stood, before taking your place at an intimate long-table dinner in the house that shaped generations of racing excellence.
📍Where: The Keadeen Hotel
Ballymany Newbridge County Kildare W12 T925 Ireland
📅When:
26th September 2026
Description:
An Evening of True Racing Heritage
This is far more than just a dinner. It is a warm, community-focused gathering that takes you well beyond the grandstands. Through casual conversation, fond career anecdotes, and expert insights, our hosts will reveal the unique magic that makes the Curragh one of the most revered training grounds on earth.
Come along to share in the stories, the people, and the rich local history that define the very pinnacle of Irish racing.
More Information/Booking
Contact Sharon on sdeegan@keadeenhotel.ie or 045 444158
Cost €130
Kildare Townlands
🗺️ Kildare Townlands
📍 Kildare Education Support Centre (The Old Parochial House), Friary Road, Kildare Town, R51 KN66
📅 Wednesday 7 October 2026
🕒 Cuppa & Chat from 7:15pm | Talk begins at 8:00pm
Place Names Officer Justin Ó Giolláin offers an engaging exploration of Kildare’s townlands, revealing the stories, language and landscape history embedded in their names.
Movicals – The Best of Movie Musicals
👀🎶Movicals
What:
A movie musical extravaganza like no other, the ultimate lights, camera, action experience.
📍Where:
Moat Theatre, Abbey Road, Naas
📅When:
21st September 2026
🕒 Time:
8PM-10PM
Descpription:
Get ready for a breathtaking, whirlwind journey through the musical decades right here at the theatre.
We are delighted to invite you to an enchanting evening where the storytelling magic of the stage perfectly meets the glamour of the big screen. This spectacular show takes us on a nostalgic voyage through some of the most iconic movie musicals of the last fifty years.
Whether you are a lifelong theatregoer or just love a good sing-along, there is something in this production to capture every heart. Our wonderfully talented cast will bring these cinematic treasures to life before your eyes:
Powerful drama: Experience the deeply moving, heart-wrenching emotion of Les Misérables.
High-energy rhythms: Feel the infectious, vibrant beats of Fame that will make you want to dance in your seat.
Pure joy: Soak up the irresistible, feel-good charm and sunny optimism of Mamma Mia!
Booking Information:
Tickets €30 plus booking fee
https://www.moattheatre.com/shows/r8cjjtxv7b7dpvxlwdhfpamz9u1jof?rq=Movicals
Music Network Presents Bill Laurance
Music Network Presents Bill Laurence
What: Experience the electrifying sound of Grammy-winning pianist and composer Bill Laurance.
📍Where: St. David's Church, Naas, County Kildare. W91D7XY
📅When: October 23rd 2026
🕙8.00pm-10.00pm
Description: We are absolutely delighted to welcome one of contemporary jazz’s most brilliant voices to our stage this October, in partnership with Music Network. Perhaps best known as a founding member of the spectacular, five-time Grammy Award-winning collective Snarky Puppy, Bill has spent years captivating music lovers right across the globe with his deeply expressive performances.
More Information/Booking: Cost €20 https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873662351
Halloween Happenings
🎃“Halloween Happenings” at Lullymore👻🌕
What: Lots of ghastly ghouls and terrifying treats in store at Lullymore including Haunted Holograms, Terror Train Trips, Terror Treasure Hunts and freaky fun in the devilish den of play—the Funky Forest.
📍Where: Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co.Kildare
📅When: Saturday October 24th 2026
🕥 Time TBD
Description: Prepare for the Fright of your Life. Come in fancy dress (optional) – Prizes for best Fancy Dress costumes in the Indoor Centre. One Terror Train Trip per family included in admission. Online Booking Only.
More Informatiom/Booking: For information or queries please email – lullymorebookings@gmail.com
Halloween Farm Spooktacular
💀Halloween Farm Spooktacular🕷️
What: Kildare Farm Foods hosts its annual Halloween Farm Spooktacular event
📍Where: Kildare Farm Foods, Rathmuck, Co. kildare
📅When: October 25th-31st 2026 🕥Time to be confirmed
Description: Event Highlights
Halloween Activities: Six spooky games and attractions for families.
Fancy Dress: Costume competition for children and attendees.
Open Farm: Access to animal paddocks, walking trails, and regular farm amenities.
More Information/Booking: Booking opening end of August 2026
Jackula - Kids Halloween Show
👻Jakula- Kids Halloween Show🎃
What: Join Jackula on a spooktacular quest to step out of his older brother's shadow and become the world’s first fun vampire.
📍Where: Moat Thaetre, Abbey Rd, Naas, Co. Kildare
📅When: 28th October 2026 🕒@ 1pm-2pm
Description: Laugh at Jackula's pet ghost. Gasp as Jackula balances a stack of five glasses of water on his face. Smile as children perform spellbinding tricks and join in a big dance number. An inspirational tale of being true to oneself and following your dreams. Put on a costume and enjoy fangtastic magic and juggling tricks. After the show, everyone gets to do a trick and receive a treat.
More Information/Booking
Tickets Available @ Moat Theatre
Show time: 80 minutes
Target Audience: 4 - 12yrs
Samhain Droichead Nua
🧙Newbridge Samhain Festival👻
What: The vibrant town of Droichead Nua is set to come alive with the enchanting spirit of the Samhain Droichead Nua festival, taking place from October 29 to 31, 2026. This annual celebration is a significant cultural event that honors the rich heritage and community spirit of the area.
📍Where: Newbridge Town
📅When: October 29th-31st 2026
🕥TBD
Description: As the autumn leaves tumble and the evenings draw in, locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate our rich heritage.
Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival marking the turning of the year, a mystical time when the harvest ends and winter begins. Tradition tells us that the veil between our world and the next grows thin, allowing us to connect deeply with the past. This year, Newbridge comes alive with a wonderful blend of music, art, and storytelling that honours these age-old customs while embracing modern creativity.
The Zombie Monologues
👀The Zombie Monologues 🧟♂️ 🧟 🧟♀️
What:
Trip Hazard Theatre’sThe Zombie Monologues is a whimsical ensemble horror-comedy, and a feast for the brains and the soul. Written and directed by Rachel Thornton, the show was first performed at The Irish Society Drama Festival 2024, winning six awards including “Best Overall Production” and “Best Original Writing”, and a sold-out performance as a part of LASTA Festival at Dunamaise Arts Centre in 2025.
📍Where:
Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge W12D962
📅When:
29th October 2026 🕢@8.00pm
Description: We welcome Trip Hazard Theatre to our stage Thursday, 29th October at 8:00 PM, for a special Samhain Festival performance of The Zombie Monologues. Set against the strange, locked-down backdrop of 2020, this award-winning Irish comedy follows Colm, a local takeaway driver and budding filmmaker who stumbles upon a house of zombies on the edge of Castlebar. Armed with boundless optimism, Colm sets out to show his undead roommates—and the world—the brighter side of life after death, sparking a wonderfully twisted story filled with classic wit and unexpected warmth. Fresh from scooping six awards at the Irish Society Drama Festival, including Best Overall Production, this heart-filled horror is the perfect community night out for anyone aged 16 and over.
More information/Booking:
Cost €12- €15
https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873666146/events/128660273/seats?zone=Auditorium
Samhain- All Saints, All Souls
🍂Samhain- All Saints, All Souls🕯️
What: Samhain in a Christian context is a merger of Halloween – All Hallows Eve, the day before the feast of All Saints – and the Irish Celtic festival of Samhain that some would say is older than the Celtic tradition.
📍Where: Solas Bhride Centre & Hermitages, Tully Rd, Kildare Town, R51Y281
📅When: October 30th 2026 🕙 @7.00PM-9.00PM
Description: Many of the celebrations of Halloween have their origins in the
ancient festival of Samhain.
Samhain, a threshold moment, is traditionally the beginning of the Celtic year- end of the old and the beginning of a whole new cycle. It is a good time to ask at which threshold am I now standing.
The feast of Samhain is an invitation to deepen our inner journey as we move into the darkest time of the year.
More Information/ Booking:
www.solasbhride.ie or email: info@solasbhride.ie
Cost: €15.00
Kildare Wildlife Rescue Halloween Fancy Dress Ball
🎃Kildare Wildlife Rescue Halloween Fancy Dress Ball👻🕷️
What: Join us for a spooktacular night at the Kildare Wildlife Rescue Halloween Fancy Dress Ball. Prizes for the best dressed, DJ and games.
📍Where: Silken Thomas, Market Square, Kildare Town
📅When: Friday October 30th 2026 @ 🕥7.30pm-11.30pm
Description: Gather your finest costumes and join us for a wonderfully spooky evening at the Kildare Wildlife Rescue Halloween Fancy Dress Ball! Taking place on Friday, 30 October 2026,this special night is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community and support the vital work of Kildare Wildlife Rescue.
More Information/Booking:
Cost €15 plus Booking fee
Tickets Available via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kildare-wildlife-rescue-halloween-fancy-dress-ball-tickets-1997968229759?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*q1iiid*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTg1NDIyMDEuMTc4NzA1ODUyOQ..*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODcwNTg1Mjgkb
Or on the door on the night!
Ken O' Sullivan- Stories from The Sea
Stories From The Sea- Ken O’Sullivan
What: In his new show, Stories From The Sea, Ken brings us on his 25 year journey exploring the North Atlantic ocean and seas around Ireland, with stories, video pieces and personal insights into his experiences.
📍Where: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare
📅When: October 30th 2026
🕢8.00PM -9.25PM
Description: In this unique live show, Ken takes us on a journey into the deep, sharing his breathtaking encounters with ocean giants. Imagine being surrounded by a pod of killer whales, or swimming alongside thousands of dolphins, fin whales, and blue whales—the largest creatures ever to live on Earth. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty of our natural world and the deep emotional connection we share with it.
This evening is also a celebration of home and heritage. Ken pays a heartfelt homage to his family’s 250-year history on Fenit Island in County Kerry, tracing our ancient, unbroken relationship with the sea.
More Information/Booking:
https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873664971
Cost €18
Halloween Fancy Dress Parade
🕷️Halloween Fancy Dress Parade🎃👻
What: Athy's main free annual Halloween celebration takes place on October 31st starting at 6:30 PM, hosted by the Athy Town Promoters.
📍Where: Nelson Street, Town Centre, Athy, Co.Kildare
📅When: October 31st 2026 🕢@ 6.30pm
Description:🧙♀️
🧟♀️ 🧟♂️Fancy dress parade and best-dressed competition.
Pumpkin carving competition.
Laser light show and special drum performances.
Best Window Display competition for local businesses.
Cost: Free family-friendly event.
The Last Witch Bridget Cleary
The Last Witch Bridget Cleary🧙♀️🎃
What: Blending folklore, land politics and history, the performance explores how fear and superstition can take hold within a community. At its centre is Bridget herself – reclaimed from myth and retold with clarity and humanity.
📍Where: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, Co.Kildare.
📅When: Saturday 31st October 2026 @🕥 8.00pm-9.15pm
Description: Step back in time with us for a deeply moving evening of theatre as we welcome actress and playwright Eve O’Mahony to our stage.
The Story: A gripping solo performance based on the tragic, real-life events of 1895 in County Tipperary.
The Legend: Often remembered as Ireland’s last witch burning, the play explores the extraordinary story of Bridget Cleary.
The Context: Discover the powerful mix of ancient folklore, local superstitions, and social tensions that led to this historic event.
The Last Witch Bridget Cleary is an intimate, thought-provoking piece of storytelling that invites us all to look closely at our shared past and see how its echoes still shape our world today. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply love great drama, this performance promises to stay with you long after the curtains close.
More Information/Booking:
Cost: €18 – €20
https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873664246/events/128650415/seats?zone=Auditorium
‘Growing Up with the Slíoga of Kildare’ - Steve Lally
Growing Up with the Slíoga of Kildare
What: The talk explores the deep-rooted cultural belief in the otherworldly. In traditional Irish culture, the sióga were not cute, winged Disney characters, but powerful, complex beings shared through generations of oral history.
📍Where: Education Centre, Old Parochial House, Friary Rd, Co.Kildare R51KN66
📅When: 4thNovember 2026
🕢@ 8.00pm-9.00pm
Description: Hosted by the Cill Dara Historical Society, the evening features renowned Irish storyteller and visual artist Steve Lally. He will delve into the magical world of the sióga (the fairies) and the rich oral folklore traditions specific to County Kildare
The speaker, Steve Lally, moved to the Kildare countryside as a child and spent his life immersed in monster stories, local ghosts, and Lilywhite legends. His talk will weave together historical folklore and personal artistic interpretations of how these fairy traditions shaped rural life, protecting old monuments, raths, and fairy hawthorn trees across the county.
More Information/Booking
If you are planning to attend, it is recommended to arrive by 7:15 PM for the pre-talk "Cuppa & Chat" to meet other local history enthusiasts. Talk Starts at 8PM
Visions of Floyd
👀The Irish Pink Floyd Tribute🎶
What: Visions of Floyd is a powerful, authentic live celebration of the music of Pink Floyd, created by lifelong fans who understand what made those songs timeless in the first place.
📍Where: Moat Theatre, Abbey Road, Naas, Co.Kildare
📅When: 18th December 2026
🕢@ 8.00PM-10.30PM
Description: This isn’t nostalgia or imitation. It’s a shared experience. The music, the mood and the magic, performed live for audiences who still feel that shiver when the lights go down and the first heartbeat begins.
Created by fans, for fans. This is classic Pink Floyd, live on stage.
More Information/Booking:
Tickets €27 plus booking fee
‘Runners and Riders’: The History of National Hunt Racing in Kildare
🌾 ‘Runners and Riders’: The History of National Hunt Racing in Kildare
📍 Kildare Education Support Centre (The Old Parochial House), Friary Road, Kildare Town, R51 KN66
📅 Wednesday 2 September 2026
🕒 Cuppa & Chat from 7:15pm | Talk begins at 8:00pm
Dr Frances Nolan of UCD School of History explores Kildare’s deep connection to National Hunt racing, tracing the people, places and traditions behind this defining part of the county’s identity.
Nomad Éire
Nomad Éire
What: NomadÉire Conference is an international event taking place in Naas, County Kildare, bringing together digital nomads, remote workers, founders, entrepreneurs, and location-independent professionals.
📍Where: Devoy Headquarters, Naas, Co. Kildare
📅When: September 1st- September 3rd 2026
🕙5.00PM-10.00PM
Description: Welcome to the NomadÉire Conference 2026! We are absolutely delighted to invite you to our annual gathering, hosted this year right in the heart of County Kildare. We are bringing together digital nomads, remote workers, and creative founders from all corners of the globe.
Our home for the three days is the MERITS Innovation Thinkspace in Naas, a wonderful modern hub designed for sharing bright ideas. This event is a unique chance for our local business community and curious professionals to swap stories, share skills, and build lasting friendships with international talent.
More Information/Booking: Whether you are a local shop owner looking to digitalise, an experienced remote freelancer, or a tech enthusiast, you will find a warm welcome and plenty of inspiration here. Tickets are available now for €299, and you can book your place directly over on Eventbrite.
A Pilgrimage In The Footsteps Of St Brigid Of Kildare
A Pilgrimage In The Footsteps of St. Brigid of Kildare
What: We invite you to walk in the footsteps of Brigid, Ireland’s remarkable 5th-century saint, on a sacred pilgrimage anchored at the Solas Bhríde Centre.
📍Where: Solas Bhríde Centre and Hermitages, Tully Road, Kildare Town. R51Y281.
📅When: September 1st 2026
🕙 10.30am-2.00pm
Description: Join us for a gentle, reflective pilgrimage through the historic heart of Kildare Town. This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to step back from the rush of daily life, connect with local history, and explore the enduring legacy of St. Brigid.
Together, we will weave our way through Kildare’s most sacred places, bringing her story to life through shared conversation, poetry, and quiet moments of contemplation.
More Information/Booking:
Cost €20 https://solasbhride.ie/
Christy Moore Concert
Christy Moore Concert
What:
Live music concert
📍Where:
Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge
📅When:
Sunday 30th August 2026.
🕢8pm - 11p.m
Description:
An Evening with Christy Moore 🎸
An absolute legend of Irish folk music is coming home. We are thrilled to welcome the incomparable Christy Moore back to his roots for a deeply personal performance. This special event offers a rare chance to experience an Irish icon in a beautifully intimate setting.
Known for his profound connection to the audience, Christy will fill the room with the raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and timeless melodies that have defined his brilliant career. It promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating our rich musical heritage right here in the heart of the community.
Further information:
Tickets:
€67.50 available from Keadeen Hotel (045) 431666
Kildare Choral and Organ Festival
Kildare Choral and Organ Festival 2026
What: Experience the majesty of the organ! Join acclaimed Hungarian-Irish organist Judit Máté for a captivating recital.
📍Where: St Brigid’s Cathedral, Market Square, Kildare Town
📅When: Friday August 28th 2026 🕢@ 8.00pm-9.30pm
Description:
The Kildare Choral and Organ Festival 2026 will take place at St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare, over three Friday evenings from 28 August to 11 September 2026. The programme features internationally acclaimed performers, choral music and organ recitals.
The Festival has its origins in the Kildare and Glendalough Choral Festival, which was established over 135 years ago, in 1890.
More Information/Booking:
Tickets Cost €15 for single concert
Full Festival Ticket €40
Women's Irish Open -The K Club
👀Women’s Irish Open-The K Club
What: The K Club, one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury resorts, will host the 2026 KPMG Women’s Irish Open on their Palmer South Course.
📍Where: The K Club, Straffan House, Straffan, Co.Kildare W23YX53
📅When: August 27th-August 30th. Opening Rounds “Thursday/Friday” Play Starts 7:00am, Tee off between 1pm-3pm
Saturday Rounds Start 8:00am-2pm. Final Tee off Sunday between 1:00pm-2:45pm
Description:
Every year, the KPMG Women’s Irish Open brings the world’s finest female golfers together for a remarkable week of elite sport and unforgettable memories. We are absolutely delighted to welcome fans from all corners of the globe to share in the excitement, community spirit, and sporting excellence that define this special championship.
For 2026, the drama unfolds on the magnificent Palmer South course. Seamlessly weaving into our local landscape, this exceptional inland links course captures the rugged beauty of traditional golfing terrain. Dramatic rock features and rolling, dune-style mounding create a unique backdrop that is both a thrilling challenge for the players and a spectacular view for spectators.
More Information/Booking:
https://kpmgwomensirishopen.ie/tickets/ Cost €25 per Adult, Under 16’s Free with a paying Adult.
Exact individual player tee times are published on the Tuesday before the tournament on the DP World Tour Official Website.
Heritage Week - Lá Teaghlaigh – Irish Language Family Fun Day
👨👩👧 Lá Teaghlaigh – Irish Language Family Fun Day
What:
A family-friendly Irish language event with entertainment, workshops and activities for all ages.
Where:
📍 Maynooth University North Campus, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 23rd August 2026
🕛 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Description:
Join us for a joyful celebration of the Irish language at Lá Teaghlaigh, a family fun day designed for all levels of Irish speakers — from fluent speakers to those with just a cúpla focal.
The event will feature a range of activities including workshops, entertainment and interactive experiences that encourage families to engage with the Irish language in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
This inclusive event welcomes families of all backgrounds and offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with Irish culture and language in a fun and accessible setting.
More Information / Booking:
Gaeilge Nuada
📞 089 250 9439
📧 eolas@gaeilgenuada.ie
Feile Springsteen
FEILE SPRINGSTEEN
What: A cultural tribute to the BOSS.
📍Where: The Village Pump, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
📅When: Saturday August 22nd 8pm to Sunday August 23rd 12.30am.
Description: We are absolutely delighted to welcome you to the inaugural Féile Springsteen—a unique cultural festival celebrating the deep, historic roots connecting "The Boss" to our very own corner of County Kildare.
More information/Booking:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feile-springsteen-tickets-1991463305355?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Heritage Week - In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
✍️ ‘In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
What:
A creative writing workshop exploring journaling and memoir writing, inspired by the life and work of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater.
Where:
📍 Athy Library
Convent Lane, Athy, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕝 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Description:
To mark the 100th anniversary of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater, writer Megan Wynne invites participants to explore the art of journaling and memoir writing.
During this workshop, participants will try creative journaling exercises and learn how to craft a short memoir piece using their five senses.
With inspiration from Mary Leadbeater’s own lifelong journaling practice, this workshop offers adults the opportunity to reflect, write and capture personal stories.
More Information / Booking:
For further information, contact Athy Library:
📞 045 980 555
📧 athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Adult workshop
• Car parking available
• Workshop activity
Heritage Week - How Dublin Zoo Protects Animals at Risk
🦁 How Dublin Zoo Protects Animals at Risk (Ages 8+)
What:
A fun and interactive conservation workshop exploring how animals adapt and survive in the wild, led by a Dublin Zoo conservation educator.
Where:
📍 Leixlip Library
Captains Hill, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕚 11:15am – 12:15pm
Description:
Get ready for a claws-on adventure with Dublin Zoo as young explorers discover the amazing ways animals have adapted to survive around the world.
Through fun activities and exciting experiments, children will explore animal adaptations — from powerful skulls and teeth to incredible camouflage and survival skills — and learn how conservation helps protect wildlife at risk.
A brilliant hands-on Heritage Week event for curious young minds who love animals, nature and the natural world.
More Information / Booking:
Booking available online or by contacting Leixlip Library:
📞 045 980 844
📧 leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
Suitable for ages 8+
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Family friendly
• Accessible by public transport
• Car parking available
• Fully wheelchair accessible
• Workshop activity
Castledermot – exploring the medieval heart of a modern town
Exploring the medieval heart of a modern town
What:
Step back in time with us on a fascinating journey through the hidden history of Castledermot!
📍Where:
St James Church and Graveyard, Church Lane, Castledermot, Co.Kildare
📅When:
August 22nd 2026
🕒10.30am-12.00pm
Description:
Step back in time with us on a fascinating walking tour through the hidden history of Castledermot, hosted by the Castledermot Local History Group. Led by brilliant local archaeologist Dr. Sharon Greene, this friendly community walk explores how our bustling town grew from an ancient monastery into a thriving medieval walled city. You will discover how Castledermot weathered the Black Death and historic raids, eventually becoming a prominent seat for King’s Councils and Parliaments.
More Information / Booking:
Free
Castledermot Local History group
0877990867
castledermothist@gmail.com
The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore
👀🎶The Music of The Lord of the Rings
What:
Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack has captivated millions worldwide, and now, we bring it to Naas!
Where: 📍
The Moat Theatre Abbey RoadNaas, County KildareIreland
When:
📅21st August 2026
🕢9.00PM-10.00PM
Description:
Join us at The Moat Theatre for a truly magical evening as we bring the timeless music of Middle-earth right to the heart of Naas. We are delighted to welcome the exceptionally talented Mystery Ensemble, who will be performing a beautiful tribute to Howard Shore’s legendary soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or simply love breathtaking live music, this concert promises to be a deeply moving experience.
It is a wonderful opportunity for our local community to come together and experience world-class music in a warm, welcoming setting. We would love for you to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable, stirring night out.
More Information / Booking:
Tickets From €25.00
Available From RedEvents
Heritage Week - The Wizard Earl of Kildare – Maynooth Castle
🏰 The Wizard Earl of Kildare – Maynooth Castle
What:
Discover the incredible story of Gerald FitzGerald, the young heir who became known as the “Wizard Earl of Kildare”.
Where:
📍 Maynooth Castle Main Reception Desk (inside the Castle)
Maynooth Castle, Parsons Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Friday 21st August 2026
🕛 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Description:
Join the team at Maynooth Castle as they uncover the fascinating tale of Gerald FitzGerald, younger half-brother of the famous “Silken Thomas” FitzGerald.
Following the execution of Silken Thomas and his five uncles in 1537, the young Gerald became the target of a dramatic manhunt across Ireland and Europe as King Henry VIII attempted to bring the powerful FitzGerald family under control.
Protected by the FitzGerald women and supporters throughout Ireland, Gerald escaped into exile — a journey that would later shape his legendary reputation and earn him the title of the “Wizard Earl of Kildare”.
A fascinating insight into one of Kildare’s most intriguing historical figures, brought to life within the walls of Maynooth Castle.
More Information / Booking:
Booking recommended:
📧 maynoothcastle@opw.ie
📞 046 942 2270
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Accessible by public transport
• No toilet facilities on site
• No on-site parking
• Limited accessibility
For further information, contact the event organiser:
Office of Public Works – Maynooth Castle
Castledermot – Exploring the Medieval Heart of a Modern Town
🚶♂️ Castledermot – Exploring the Medieval Heart of a Modern Town
What:
A guided walking tour exploring the medieval heritage of Castledermot and the visible and hidden traces of its historic past.
Where:
📍 St James’s Church and Graveyard, Church Lane, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
Parking available at Teach Diarmada Community Centre, R14 YF61
When:
📅 Friday 22nd August 2026
🕥 10:30am – 12:00pm
Description:
Join local archaeologist Dr Sharon Greene for a guided walk through Castledermot, exploring its rich medieval history and the layers of heritage still present in the modern town.
Once an important Anglo-Norman borough, Castledermot grew around the early monastic site of Díseart Diarmada and developed into a walled town of significance during the medieval period. Despite events such as the Black Death and historical conflict, it remained a centre of activity and governance, with traces of this past still visible today.
This walk reflects on how the town continues to evolve, highlighting the balance between development and the protection of archaeological and built heritage. It also considers how modern change can sometimes reveal new insights into the past.
Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.
More Information / Booking:
Castledermot Local History Group
📞 087 799 0867
📧 castledermothist@gmail.com
Supported by the Heritage Council Grants Programme.
Heritage Week - MAZURKA In Concert – Gypsy, French Swing & Tango Music (Celbridge)
🎻 MAZURKA In Concert – Gypsy, French Swing & Tango Music (Celbridge)
What:
An intimate live concert featuring Mazurka, performing a unique blend of Gypsy music, French swing and tango in a historic church setting.
Where:
📍 Christ Church, Celbridge, Main Street (inside Castletown Gates), Co. Kildare, W23 TD37
When:
📅 Wednesday 20th August 2026
🕗 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Description:
Enjoy a special Heritage Week evening of music with Mazurka, a group of accomplished musicians who come together annually for select performances.
Set within the beautiful and intimate surroundings of Christ Church Celbridge, this concert brings together influences from Gypsy traditions, French swing and tango, performed by artists who are highly respected in their individual fields.
This event is supported by Kildare County Council and offers a rare opportunity to experience live music in one of Celbridge’s most distinctive historic spaces.
Christ Church is located at the top of Celbridge Main Street inside Castletown Gates and provides a unique acoustic and atmospheric setting for live performance.
Free parking is available on Celbridge Main Street and at nearby Tesco car park on the Maynooth Road. The area is well served by public transport.
More Information / Booking:
TEA LANE Graveyard Restoration Project
📞 087 963 0719
📧 breda.konstantin@iol.ie
I heard their cry
I heard their cry
👀What: Join us for an evening of reflection and inspiration with Author, Shirley Bowers.
📍Where: St Brigids Cathedral, Market Square, Kildare Town
📅When: August 20th 2026 7pm-9pm
Description: In this special talk, Shirley will share the incredible history behind her latest book, I Heard Their Cry. The evening will shed light on the forgotten stories of the thousands of Irish people forcibly deported to Barbados centuries ago, exploring the lives of their descendants today and offering a powerful message of reconciliation.
Booking/More information:
Free
St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare
Your Ancestors and the 1926 Irish Census: A snapshot of Ireland after Independence
Your Ancestors and the 1926 Irish Census
What: This talk will be given by Dr Des Murtagh, a Professional Genealogist and a Member of Accredited Genealogists Ireland.
📍Where: Monasterevin Library, Watermill Place, Monasterevin, Co.Kildare W324F6P6
📅When: August 20th
📅6.30PM-7.30PM
Description: Join us for a fascinating evening as we step back in time to explore our community just a few years after independence. On census night, 18 April 1926, the population of the Irish Free State stood at 2,971,992. This first official census offers us a wonderful, unique snapshot of Irish society during a time of great change.
Each household return from that night tells a personal story. The records preserve the names, ages, relationships, and occupations of ordinary people living across the country. Remarkably, these documents often reveal exactly where people worked and who their employers were, giving us a rare and valuable insight into the daily life of our local neighborhoods a century ago.
More Information/Booking
Space is limited in the library, so please book your spot for this free event.
To book email Mairead at monasterevinlib@kildarecoco.ie, ring 045 529239 or drop into the library during opening hours.
:
"Myths, Yarns, Tall Tales and Local legends- Past and Present.
“Myths, Yarns, Tall Tales and Local Legends- Past and Present”
What: It could be a tall tale passed down through generations or even a recent account of how and why you moved to County Kildare but we want your help in preserving our oral heritage and fostering connections.
📍Where: Kildare Town Library, Claregate Street, R51P403
📅When: 20th august 2026 @🕥 5.30pm-8.00pm
Description: Celebrate 100 Years of Stories with Kildare Library Service 📖
This year marks a truly special milestone—the 100th anniversary of Kildare Library Service. To celebrate a century of keeping our local history alive, we are hosting an evening dedicated to gathering and recording the unique legends, tales, and memories that shape our community.
Every community relies on its storytellers, but too many local pieces of history slip away simply because they aren't written down or spoken aloud. This Heritage Week, we want to change that. We are opening our doors to safeguard these precious fragments of our identity before they are lost to time.
More Information/Booking:
Cost Free
Heritage Week - Ogham Pendant
✍️ ‘In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
What:
A creative writing workshop exploring journaling and memoir writing, inspired by the life and work of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater.
Where:
📍 Athy Library
Convent Lane, Athy, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕝 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Description:
To mark the 100th anniversary of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater, writer Megan Wynne invites participants to explore the art of journaling and memoir writing.
During this workshop, participants will try creative journaling exercises and learn how to craft a short memoir piece using their five senses.
With inspiration from Mary Leadbeater’s own lifelong journaling practice, this workshop offers adults the opportunity to reflect, write and capture personal stories.
More Information / Booking:
For further information, contact Athy Library:
📞 045 980 555
📧 athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Adult workshop
• Car parking available
• Workshop activity
Heritage Week - The Salamanca Archive
📚 The Salamanca Archive: A Story of Irish Exile & Return, 1592–1642
What:
A guided exhibition tour exploring Irish exile, education and return through the Salamanca Archive collection.
Where:
📍 Russell Library, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Monday 18th August 2026 – 10:30am–11:15am
📅 Wednesday 20th August 2026 – 2:30pm–3:15pm
Description:
Join the Special Collections team at Maynooth University Library for a guided tour of this fascinating exhibition, followed by a hands-on activity table for all ages.
The Salamanca Archive is one of the most significant Spanish archival collections in Ireland. It tells the story of Irish people who left during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, seeking education and religious freedom in Spain during a period of major political and religious change.
Many later returned on the “Irish Mission”, a dangerous journey back to Ireland to serve communities where their faith and identity remained under pressure. The exhibition explores this powerful story of exile, resilience and cultural exchange across Europe and beyond.
Please note that access to the Russell Library is via stairs only and there is no lift.
More Information / Booking:
Maynooth University Library – Special Collections & Archives
📞 01 708 3890
📧 library.russell@mu.ie
Heritage Week - The Joe Connelly Lecture 2026 – Murder on Chapel Hill
🏛️ The Joe Connelly Lecture 2026 – Murder on Chapel Hill
What:
A Heritage Week lecture exploring a historic 1904 murder case in Kildare Town, presented by historian Mario Corrigan.
Where:
📍 Kildare Education Support Centre, Friary Road, Kildare Town
When:
📅 Wednesday 19th August 2026
🕗 8:00pm – 9:15pm
Description:
As part of Heritage Week 2026, the Joe Connelly Lecture returns with a compelling talk by historian Mario Corrigan titled Murder on Chapel Hill, Kildare Town, 1904.
The lecture explores a real case from Kildare’s past, reflecting on the events of the time and how the story was remembered — and in some cases overlooked — in local history. It offers an opportunity to better understand the social conditions and everyday realities of life in early 20th-century Kildare.
This annual lecture also honours the memory of Joe Connelly, whose dedication and leadership helped revive the Cill Dara Historical Society and strengthen local interest in Kildare’s heritage over many years. His legacy continues to be reflected in this important Heritage Week event.
The talk encourages reflection on how local history is preserved, interpreted and passed on, ensuring that important stories from the past are not lost.
More Information / Booking:
Cill Dara Historical Society
📧 mariocorrigan@gmail.com
📞 +353 38 689 13274
For more event on during Heritage week visit the site here.
Heritage Week - Kildare Local Placenames Drop-In Workshop
🗺️ Kildare Local Placenames Drop-In Workshop
What:
A community workshop exploring and recording local placenames, field names and landscape features from across Kildare.
Where:
📍 Teach Diarmada, Main Street, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, R14 YF61
When:
📅 Wednesday 19th August 2026
🕑 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Description:
Join this drop-in Heritage Week workshop focusing on the importance of local placenames and the stories they hold about our landscape and communities.
Many minor placenames — from field names to crossroads and natural features — are at risk of being lost if they are not recorded. This session offers a friendly and practical opportunity to help preserve this important part of Kildare’s cultural heritage.
Visitors can learn how to use the Meitheal Logainm platform to record placenames and contribute directly to safeguarding local history. No experience is needed, and participants are welcome to drop in for a chat, guidance, and a cup of tea.
This workshop is part of National Heritage Week 2026, which focuses on the theme “Heritage at Risk”, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable aspects of our shared heritage.
More Information / Booking:
For full Heritage Week listings and related events in Kildare and across Ireland visit:
https://www.heritageweek.ie/
Heritage Week - Pottery Workshop
🏺 Pottery Workshop
What:
A hands-on Heritage Week pottery workshop introducing participants to basic ceramic techniques and the history of pottery in Ireland.
Where:
📍 John Sullivan (IWA) Centre, Ballinagappa Road, Clane, Co. Kildare, W91 YT99
When:
📅 Wednesday 19th August 2026
🕦 11:30am – 1:00pm
Description:
Join this creative workshop exploring the long history of pottery in Ireland, which dates back to ancient times.
Participants will be guided by a ceramic tutor through basic pottery techniques and will have the opportunity to create their own unique piece during the session.
This is a relaxed, hands-on event designed to encourage creativity while connecting with one of Ireland’s oldest craft traditions.
More Information / Booking:
For further details contact the John Sullivan Centre (IWA):
📞 045 989 604
📧 eileen.obrien@iwa.ie
Heritage Week - Intro to Limerick lace and the design process for children
🧵 Introduction to Limerick Lace and the Design Process for Children
What:
A creative introduction to the traditional craft of Limerick lace, where children can learn about lace-making, explore design ideas and try some stitches themselves.
Where:
📍 Celbridge Library
St Patrick’s Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Wednesday 19th August 2026
🕚 11:00am – 12:00pm
Description:
Discover the beautiful tradition of Limerick lace in this hands-on Heritage Week workshop designed especially for children aged 6–9.
Lace teacher Christina Kearney will introduce young participants to the history of Limerick lace and the creative design process behind creating a lace piece. Children will then create their own designs, learn fun facts about Limerick and have the chance to try some lace-making stitches.
A fun and creative way for children to connect with Ireland’s textile heritage.
More Information / Booking:
Booking via the Kildare Libraries event page.
Suitable for ages 6–9.
Parents/Guardians must remain present during the workshop.
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Accessible by public transport
• Children’s event
• Workshop activity
The Curious Case of Kildare's Round Tower
The Curious Case of Kildare’s Round Tower
What: Free Talk
Where: St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town
When: Tuesdat 18 August, at 8.pm
Description:
Come and discover the incredible story of the round tower at St Brigid’s Cathedral, a true icon of Kildare that has stood proud for over a thousand years.
This medieval survivor has seen it all. It has weathered fierce battles, outlasted the artillery of the Cromwellian wars, and survived the loss of its original conical roof back in the 1730s. Yet, after centuries of dramatic history, the tower’s greatest challenge today is a quiet one. The gentle but constant wear of the elements, loose stones, and the simple passage of time mean that protecting this beautiful monument is a never-ending journey.
Heritage Week - Catholic Churches and Chapels Before and After Emancipation
⛪ Catholic Churches and Chapels Before and After Emancipation
What:
A Heritage Week lecture exploring the development of Catholic churches and chapels in Ireland, including examples from the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.
Where:
📍 Carlow College, St Patrick’s, College Street, Carlow, R93 A003
When:
📅 Tuesday 18th August 2026
🕖 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Description:
Join the Delany Archive for a fascinating lecture with Dr Niamh NicGhabhann Coleman exploring the story of Catholic church architecture in Ireland before and after Catholic Emancipation.
The talk will look at how churches and chapels developed during a period of major social and religious change, including examples from the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.
This event offers an insight into the buildings, communities and traditions that shaped Ireland’s religious and architectural heritage.
More Information / Booking:
Delany Archive
📞 059 915 3238
📧 bdeasy@carlowcollege.ie
Behind Every Great Man... The Fitzgerald Women And Their Connections.
🏰Behind Every Great Man… The Fitzgerald Women And Their Connections.
What: Join OPW guide Seamus, as he delves into the fascinating world of the FitzGerald ladies, uncovering the lives of four remarkable women whose influence shaped the course of history.
📍Where: Maynooth Castle, Parsons Street, Maynooth. W23F2D5
📅When: August 18th @ 🕙12.00pm-1.00pm
Description: Behind the shield of Ireland’s most powerful dynasty lay a network of remarkable women. While the history books often focus on the soldiers and statesmen of the FitzGerald family, it was the wives, mothers, and sisters who quietly steered the family's fortunes through centuries of triumph and turmoil.
Join us at Maynooth Castle for an engaging talk that brings these forgotten stories to light. From the Welsh princess Nest ferch Rhys—whose descendants laid the very foundations of the dynasty—to Elizabeth FitzGerald, the "Fair Geraldine," whose clever diplomacy at the Tudor Court saved her family after the disastrous Silken Thomas rebellion.
More Information/Booking
Booking recommended: email maynoothcastle@opw.ie or phone 0469422270.
Heritage Week - Beginners Irish Crochet Lace Workshop for Teens
🧶 Beginners Irish Crochet Lace Workshop for Teens
What:
A creative Heritage Week workshop introducing teenagers to Irish crochet lace, one of Ireland’s most distinctive traditional crafts.
Where:
📍 Celbridge Library, St Patrick’s Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 VA47
When:
📅 Tuesday 18th August 2026
🕚 11:00am – 12:30pm
Description:
Join this hands-on workshop exploring the art of Irish crochet lace, a craft that became world-renowned in the 19th century.
Participants will learn about the history of Irish crochet and its cultural importance before creating the famous 3D Irish rose motif under the guidance of tutor Christina Kearney.
This session offers a fun and creative introduction to traditional craft skills and is designed especially for teenagers with an interest in making, design, and heritage arts.
More Information / Booking:
For further details contact Celbridge Library:
📞 045 980 994
📧 celbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
or visit Kildare Library Service.
Heritage Week - The Salamanca Archive
📚 The Salamanca Archive: A Story of Irish Exile & Return, 1592–1642
What:
A guided exhibition tour exploring Irish exile, education and return through the Salamanca Archive collection.
Where:
📍 Russell Library, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Monday 18th August 2026 – 10:30am–11:15am
📅 Wednesday 20th August 2026 – 2:30pm–3:15pm
Description:
Join the Special Collections team at Maynooth University Library for a guided tour of this fascinating exhibition, followed by a hands-on activity table for all ages.
The Salamanca Archive is one of the most significant Spanish archival collections in Ireland. It tells the story of Irish people who left during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, seeking education and religious freedom in Spain during a period of major political and religious change.
Many later returned on the “Irish Mission”, a dangerous journey back to Ireland to serve communities where their faith and identity remained under pressure. The exhibition explores this powerful story of exile, resilience and cultural exchange across Europe and beyond.
Please note that access to the Russell Library is via stairs only and there is no lift.
More Information / Booking:
Maynooth University Library – Special Collections & Archives
📞 01 708 3890
📧 library.russell@mu.ie
Heritage Week - Kill – Heritage at Risk
🏛️ Kill – Heritage at Risk
What:
A local heritage talk focusing on the theme of “Heritage at Risk” in the Kill area.
Where:
📍 Parish Meeting Room, Kill, Co. Kildare, W91 H6A0
When:
📅 Monday 17th August 2026
🕗 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Description:
This Heritage Week talk, organised by the Kill History Group, will explore the importance of protecting local heritage that may be at risk of being lost or forgotten.
The discussion will focus on the Kill area and the challenges involved in preserving its built, cultural and community heritage for future generations.
Events like this highlight the value of local knowledge and community involvement in safeguarding the stories and places that shape our shared history.
More Information / Booking:
Kill History Group
📞 087 351 3328
📧 brianfrancis.mccabe@gmail.com
For more events during Heritage Week visit the website here.