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

“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

📚 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

📚 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

🖼️ Pattern Recognition: Architectures of Seeing

📍 McKenna Gallery, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
📅 Saturday 1st November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
🕒 Mon–Fri: 9:30am–5pm | Sat: 10am–3pm | Official Opening: Sat 1st Nov at 6pm
💸 Admission Free

Celebrate 15 years of Emerging Visual Art in County Kildare with this landmark exhibition, Pattern Recognition: Architectures of Seeing.

Presented by Kildare County Council Arts Service and Riverbank Arts Centre, this special anniversary showcase brings together fifteen talented artists who have each contributed to Kildare’s rich visual arts landscape through their first major solo exhibitions.

Curated by Paula Barrett, the exhibition explores how we perceive and interpret images — weaving together memory, rhythm, and technology in an unfolding conversation between human and machine perception. Expect a fascinating mix of media and ideas that challenge us to see not just more, but more deeply.

✨ Featuring works by: Martina McDonald, Noel Hensey, Brian Cregan, Mary-Jo Gilligan, Isobel Egan, Denis Kelly, Marta Golubowska, Brenda Kearney, Michelle McBride, Caoimhe McGuckin, Shane Hynan, Katie Whyte, Gavin Casey, Kym Tracey, and Fiyin Oluokun.

🎨 Special events:

• Kildare Artists Lightning Talks

• Under the Banner Of workshop with Mary-Jo Gilligan

📷 Image credit: Michelle McBride

🔗 More info: riverbank.ie