Upcoming events.
Heritage Week - Tower of Allen / Aylmer’s Folly
🏰 Tower of Allen / Aylmer’s Folly
What:
A heritage open site offering visitors the opportunity to explore the historic Tower of Allen, also known as Aylmer’s Folly, and its surrounding landscape.
Where:
📍 Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Friday 15th – Saturday 23rd August 2026
🕙 10:00am – 4:00pm
Description:
Visit the striking Tower of Allen, built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer, and set within the dramatic landscape of the Hill of Allen overlooking the Bog of Allen.
Rising to approximately 60ft, this limestone tower offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and remains an important example of 19th-century estate architecture. The internal staircase and inscribed steps reflect the craftsmanship and labour involved in its construction.
The Hill of Allen itself is a distinctive natural feature in the landscape, shaped by volcanic activity and rich in local heritage associations.
Please note that the terrain is steep and forested in places, and visitors are advised to take care while exploring. The car park closes at 4pm and parking is at owners’ risk.
More Information / Booking:
Contact Regina Heavey
📞 087 932 7670
📧 regina.heavey@gmail.com
Heritage Week - Kildrought House
🏛️ Kildrought House
What:
A guided visit to Kildrought House, a Georgian merchant’s residence dating from around 1719, showcasing restoration work and historic craftsmanship.
Where:
📍 Kildrought House, Celbridge Village, Co. Kildare, W23 N9P2
📍 GPS: 53.340169, -6.537493
When:
📅 Friday 15th – Saturday 23rd August 2026
🕥 10:45am – 12:45pm
Description:
Step inside one of Celbridge’s most important historic houses and explore the remarkable story of Kildrought House, a Georgian merchant’s residence dating back to the early 18th century.
Visitors will learn about the detailed restoration work carried out on the building, with a focus on preserving its original character while carefully adapting it for modern use. The tour highlights the craftsmanship, research and conservation techniques involved in maintaining this important piece of built heritage.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the interior of a privately significant historic home and gain insight into ongoing heritage preservation in Kildare.
Please note that there is no parking available and the site is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
More Information / Booking:
Contact June Stuart
📞 087 616 8651
📧 junestuart@gmail.com
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
🚶♂️ 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.