Kildare Jazz Festival 2026 – Emerging Act Performance

Description:
A highlight of the Kildare Jazz Festival weekend, showcasing a performance by an emerging jazz artist or group selected through an open call. The festival features a mix of Irish and international jazz talent, workshops and family-friendly events.

Where:
Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

When:
Friday, 27 March 2026 | 7:00 pm (approx)

Cost:
From €15 (tickets available via Riverbank Arts Centre)

More Info:
Part of a weekend celebration of jazz music, workshops, dance and creative arts

☘️ Celbridge St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
Church Road, Main Street & Maynooth Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ 4.00pm (approx. finish 5.30pm)

✨ Description
One of Celbridge’s best-loved events returns for St Patrick’s Day 2026. This year’s parade features a special international guest, with the Ohio State University Band travelling from the USA to take part.

The theme, “Gulliver’s Travels,” marks the 300th anniversary of Jonathan Swift’s famous novel, closely linked to Celbridge.

ℹ️ More Information
Organised by Celbridge Community Council
For updates and more information, click the link: https://celbridge-st-patricks-day-parade-2026.eventbrite.ie or visit them on Instagram , click here.

☘️ Monasterevin St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
Monasterevin, Co. Kildare (start location TBC)

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ 2.00pm

✨ Description
Monasterevin’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade invites community groups, schools, clubs, performance groups and local businesses to take part in this festive town celebration. Float registration is currently open.

ℹ️ More Information
Float registration required for participants
– €50 fee for businesses (€25 per additional vehicle)
– Local clubs exempt
– Closing date: 5th March at 5.00pm
Monasterevin St Patrick’s Day Committee

☘️ Kilcock St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
St Joseph’s Graveyard, Boycetown, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ 1.30pm

✨ Description
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Kilcock with this vibrant community parade. The 2026 theme is “On Our Screens – from Soaps to Superheroes,” inviting colourful costumes, creativity and fun for all ages.

ℹ️ More Information
📘 Facebook page for updates
📧 Email: kilcockpaddysday@gmail.com

☘️ Clane St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
Clane, Co. Kildare

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ Time TBC

✨ Description
First held in 2005, the Clane St Patrick’s Day Parade has grown into a popular annual festival for locals and visitors alike.

The 2026 theme is “Forty Shades of Green,” and the parade also celebrates its 21st anniversary, marking a major milestone for the Clane Festival Committee.

ℹ️ More Information
📧 Email: clanefestival@gmail.com
🌐 Website: clanefestival.ie

☘️ Maynooth St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
Maynooth, Co. Kildare

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ Time TBC

✨ Description
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Maynooth as the town hosts its annual parade as part of Maynooth’s 850th anniversary celebrations. The 2026 theme is “Medieval Maynooth,” inviting creativity inspired by the town’s rich heritage.

ℹ️ More Information
Parade applications now open
📧 Email: maynoothparade@gmail.com
📞 Phone: (086) 332 9050

☘️ Newbridge St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

📍 What
St Patrick’s Day Parade

🏛️ Where
Newbridge, Co. Kildare (route TBC)

🗓️ When
Tuesday 17th March 2026
⏰ 11.45am

✨ Description
One of the longest-running St Patrick’s Day parades in Co. Kildare, Newbridge’s annual celebration brings together voluntary groups, sports clubs, local businesses and families.

The 2026 theme, “Volunteers and Business – the Heart of a Community,” celebrates partnership, participation and civic pride.

ℹ️ More Information
Funded by Kildare County Council
📧 Email: newbridgestpatricksdayparade@gmail.com

Moonglow by Kim Carney – Presented by Tinahely Variety Group

Part of Kildare 67th Drama Festival
Date: 13 March | Time: 8pm | Venue: CMWS Hall

Tinahely Variety Group presents Moonglow, a moving and heartfelt play by Kim Carney that explores the impact of Alzheimer’s through the unexpected bond between two residents of a care facility. Following its February 2026 run at Tinahely Community Hall, the production is now touring drama festivals across Ireland.

The story follows Maxine, a feisty and slightly bitter woman reluctant to enter a nursing facility, and Joe, a widower who shares her love of dance. As past and present intertwine on stage, their connection blossoms into a tender affair, navigating memory, love and family expectations. Moonglow delicately balances humour and poignancy, celebrating both the fragility and the resilience of the human spirit.

Tickets: Pop in to Kildare Town Heritage Centre to pick up your tickets or visit Eventbrite to book online: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/kildare-drama-festival-78603055613 🎭

Greta Garbo Came to Donegal by Frank McGuinness – Presented by Clann Machua

Part of the Kildare 67th Drama Festival
Date: 12 March | Time: 8pm | Venue: CMWS Hall

Clann Machua brings Frank McGuinness’s witty and engaging play Greta Garbo Came to Donegal to the stage as part of the Kildare Drama Festival. Set in 1967, the story unfolds when the legendary screen icon Greta Garbo unexpectedly arrives in Donegal, sending ripples through the lives of those around her.

As a family and two couples find themselves on the brink of major changes, Garbo’s presence sparks moments of humour, reflection and revelation. Full of charm and lively dialogue, this entertaining production promises an enjoyable evening of theatre.

Tickets: Pop in to Kildare Town Heritage Centre to pick up your tickets or visit Eventbrite to book online: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/kildare-drama-festival-78603055613 🎭

Eden by Eugene O’Brien – Presented by Carlow Little Theatre Society

Part of the Kildare 67th Drama Festival
Date: 11 March | Time: 8pm | Venue: CMWS Hall

Carlow Little Theatre Society brings their acclaimed production of Eden by Eugene O’Brien to the Kildare Drama Festival. Directed by Jo O’Donovan, the production recently enjoyed a successful run at the George Bernard Shaw Theatre in VISUAL Carlow before joining the 2026 All-Ireland Full-Length Drama Festival Circuit.

Winner of Best New Play at the 2001 Irish Times Theatre Awards, Eden follows married couple Billy and Breda over the course of an extraordinary weekend as they approach their tenth wedding anniversary. Told through powerful monologues, this gripping play explores themes of love, loneliness and the search for connection. Please note: this production is recommended for audiences aged 16+ due to strong language and adult themes.

Tickets: Pop in to Kildare Town Heritage Centre to pick up your tickets or visit Eventbrite to book online: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/kildare-drama-festival-78603055613 🎭

Heaven by Eugene O’Brien – Presented by Balally Players Theatre Company

Part of the 67th Kildare Drama Festival

Date: 6 March | Time: 8pm | Venue: CMWS Hall

Balally Players Theatre Company presents Heaven, the acclaimed play by Eugene O’Brien. This compelling two-hander follows Mal and Mairead, a middle-aged couple returning to Mairead’s hometown for a family wedding weekend, as their separate monologues gradually reveal the inner thoughts they keep hidden from each other.

Moving between humour, honesty and quiet reflection, Heaven explores the complexities of marriage, belief, lingering desires and the truths we sometimes leave unspoken. Join us at CMWS Hall for an intimate and thought-provoking evening of theatre as part of this year’s Drama Festival. 🎭

Tickets: Pop in to Kildare Town Heritage Centre to pick up your tickets or visit Eventbrite to book online.

The Burned Man – Presented by Formoire Productions

Part of the 67th Kildare Drama Festival.

Date: 5 March | Time: 8pm | Venue: CMWS Hall

Formoire Productions brings The Burned Man to the stage as part of this year’s Drama Festival. This compelling production draws audiences into a powerful story filled with tension, emotion, and thought-provoking moments.

The Burned Man" is a new, haunting play by Patrick Fogarty, presented by Tullamore-based Fomóire Productions (founded by Fogarty and Daniel Murray). Inspired by Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, this dark drama exploring love, obsession, and memory is appearing at the 2026 Mountmellick Drama Festival and the Mick Lally Theatre

Join us in the CMWS Hall for an evening of live theatre as talented performers bring this striking play to life. A must-see for drama lovers, The Burned Man promises an engaging and memorable night at the festival. 🎭

Pick up your tickets in Kildare Town Heritage Centre or click here to visit the Eventbrite website to book your tickets now.

⛪ Mass at St. Brigid’s Well

📍 What
A celebratory Mass at St. Brigid’s Well, honouring St. Brigid and her enduring legacy.

🏛️ Where
St. Brigid’s Well
Brallistown Little, Kildare Town
(Parking available at Solas Bhríde Centre)

🗓️ When
Sunday 8th February 2026
⏰ 10.30am

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

✨ Description
Join the Solas Bhríde Team for a special Mass at St. Brigid’s Well as part of Féile Bríde. This gathering celebrates the life and legacy of St Brigid, reflecting on her teachings of compassion, hospitality, and spiritual renewal.

The Mass provides a peaceful and inspiring start to the day, offering participants a chance to pray, reflect, and connect with the sacred landscape of Kildare, rooted in centuries of devotion to St Brigid.

ℹ️ More Information
📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie

✨ Afri Justice and Peace Conference

📍 What
A full-day Justice and Peace Conference exploring global and local issues of social justice, hosted by Afri – Action from Ireland.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Saturday 7th February 2026
⏰ 10.00am – 4.00pm

💶 How much does it cost?
€35 (Concession €20)

✨ Description
Join Afri – Action from Ireland for this annual Justice and Peace Conference, a thought-provoking gathering focused on promoting peace, human rights and social justice. Through workshops, talks, and discussion, participants explore ways to engage with and act upon pressing global and local issues, inspired by the values of compassion and solidarity championed by St Brigid.

ℹ️ More Information / Booking
🌐 Full details: www.afri.ie
📧 Email: admin@afri.ie
📞 Phone: +353 (0)1 838420

🌿 Evening Dedicated to St Brigid and Her Legacy

📍 What

An evening of readings celebrating St Brigid and her enduring legacy, featuring original works by members of the Kildare Town Writers Group.

🏛️ Where

Kildare Town Library
Claregate Street, Kildare Town

🗓️ When

Thursday 5th February 2026
⏰ 6.30pm – 8.00pm

💶 How much does it cost?

FREE (booking required)

✨ Description

To mark Féile Bríde, Kildare Town Library invites you to a special evening dedicated to Ireland’s beloved saint. Members of the newly formed Kildare Town Writers Group will share original readings inspired by St Brigid, her legacy, and what she continues to mean today.

A warm and reflective gathering celebrating creativity, heritage, and community.
☕ Refreshments will be served.

ℹ️ More Information / Booking

📞 Kildare Town Library: 045 520235 / 045 520255

🌷 Déardaoin – Floral Art Workshop: Spring is on the Way

📍 What
A hands-on floral art workshop celebrating the arrival of spring, guided by an experienced floral artist.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Thursday 5th February 2026
⏰ 2.30pm – 4.30pm

💶 How much does it cost?
€10 (includes tea/coffee)

✨ Description
Join Elizabeth Murray AOIFA, an experienced floral art teacher, demonstrator and judge, for this creative springtime workshop. Learn tips and techniques while crafting beautiful floral arrangements, celebrating the colours and life of the season. Suitable for all levels, this session combines creativity, fun, and the joy of spring.

ℹ️ More Information / Booking
🌐 Website: www.solasbhride.ie
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie
📞 Phone: +353 (0)45 522890

🌸 Springtime Stillness: Morning Meditation

📍 What
A gentle morning meditation to welcome spring and cultivate hope and stillness.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Thursday 5th February 2026
⏰ 10.00am – 10.30am

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

✨ Description
Begin your day with a moment of quiet reflection during Féile Bríde, inspired by the awakening of spring. This short meditation invites participants to pause, breathe, and connect with the hope and renewal that the season brings.

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created Spring.” – Bernard Williams

ℹ️ More Information
📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie

Féile Bríde Annual Celtic Lecture
St Brigid and her Feast Day in Irish Popular Tradition: From Medieval Saint to Modern Icon

📅 Part of Féile Bríde 2026
📍 In-person & online options available

When : 19:30 - 20:30

Cost: Free registration here

Where: Kildare Educational Centre

This year’s Féile Bríde Annual Celtic Lecture explores the enduring figure of St Brigid, tracing how her feast day and traditions have evolved from medieval devotion to modern cultural icon. Drawing on Irish folklore and ethnology, the lecture offers fresh insights into Brigid’s place in popular tradition past and present.

Attendance is available in person or online. For more inforamtion and booking links please click here.

🚶‍♀️ Mindful Steps: A Meditative Walk

📍 What
A guided meditative walk inviting deep listening, awareness and connection with the natural world.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Wednesday 4th February 2026
⏰ 10.30am – 11.15am

💶 How much does it cost?
€10

✨ Description
Inspired by St Brigid’s deep connection to the land, this contemplative walk invites participants to step outside, slow down and listen. Guided by the Solas Bhríde Team, the walk encourages awareness of the Divine shimmering through wind, water, light and new life, as the earth awakens in early spring.

As buds begin to emerge, you are invited to walk mindfully, breathe deeply and draw spiritual nourishment from nature’s gentle renewal — fostering a sense of peace, clarity and inner growth.

ℹ️ More Information / Booking
🌐 Website: www.solasbhride.ie
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie
📞 Phone: +353 (0)45 522890

🌅 Emerging Into Light: Morning Meditation

📍 What
A short morning meditation offering stillness and reflection as we continue to journey through Féile Bríde.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Wednesday 4th February 2026
⏰ 10.00am – 10.30am

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

✨ Description
This gentle morning meditation invites participants to pause and reflect on the theme of emerging into light — a time of awakening, hope and renewal. Rooted in the spirit of St Brigid and the unfolding of spring, it offers a quiet space to breathe, be present and welcome the light within and around us.

A peaceful moment to begin the day during Féile Bríde.

ℹ️ More Information
📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie

❤️ Open Heart: An Exploration of Hospitality

📍 What
A reflective gathering exploring the theme of hospitality, inspired by the generosity and compassion of St Brigid.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages, Tully Road, Kildare Town
🌐 Also available online

🗓️ When
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
⏰ 7.30pm – 8.15pm

💶 How much does it cost?
€5 (in person or online)

✨ Description
Hospitality lies at the heart of St Brigid’s legacy — a spirit of welcome, openness and care for the stranger. In this gentle Féile Bríde evening, the Solas Bhríde Team invite participants to reflect on what it means to live with an open heart in today’s world.

Through shared reflection and quiet conversation, this gathering offers space to consider how hospitality — to others, to creation, and to ourselves — remains a powerful and transformative practice.

This event takes place in person and online, allowing people near and far to join in this moment of reflection.

ℹ️ More Information / Booking
🌐 Website: www.solasbhride.ie
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie
📞 Phone: +353 (0)45 522890

Online participants will receive a link on the morning of the event.

🌱 Stepping into Spring: Morning Meditation

📍 What
A short, gentle morning meditation inviting stillness, reflection and openness as we step into spring.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre
Tully Road, Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
⏰ 10.00am – 10.30am

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

✨ Description
Begin your day with a quiet moment of prayer and reflection during Féile Bríde. This morning meditation draws inspiration from Let God Love You by Edwina Gately, offering space for silence, stillness and presence.

A peaceful opportunity to pause, breathe and gently welcome the promise of spring and renewal.

ℹ️ More Information
📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie

🎶 Altan – Live in Concert

📍 What
A live concert by legendary Irish traditional music group Altan.

🏛️ Where
Cruinniú Chill Dara
McAuley Place, Naas

🗓️ When
Monday 2nd February 2026
⏰ A8.00pm

💶 How much does it cost?
Ticketed - €17.50

✨ Description
Celebrate St Brigid’s Day with one of Ireland’s most beloved traditional music bands. Altan bring their rich repertoire of Donegal music to Naas for a vibrant evening of tradition, musicianship, and storytelling.

ℹ️ More Information
🌐 Spirit of Brigid Festival

St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Busking Festival

📍 What : Live Music & Street Performances

Family-friendly – suitable for all ages

🏛️ Where: Market Square & Surrounding Areas

🗓️ When : Monday 2nd February

⏰ 12 noon – 5pm

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

 Details:

Looking for a great day out this Bank Holiday? Join us in Kildare Town for Brigid’s Busking Festival, a vibrant celebration of live music, street performance, and community spirit.

Building on the success of last year, the festival returns bigger and better, featuring a lively mix of talented buskers and performers bringing the streets to life. Stroll through the town, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment.

Make a day of it — pop into Kildare, enjoy the performances, and experience the buzz of this unique Bank Holiday event.

Keep an eye out for more updates as the festival approaches.

🌼 Under Brigid’s Mantle

📍 What
A relaxed morning gathering of storytelling, music and poetry celebrating St Brigid and the renewal of spring.

🏛️ Where
Solas Bhríde Centre
Kildare Town

🗓️ When
⏰ 11.00 am – 12.00 noon

💶 How much does it cost?
€5

✨ Description
Join the Solas Bhríde Team for a gentle morning of reflection shaped by stories, readings, poetry and music, as we honour St Brigid’s legacy of creativity, compassion and renewal.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, this gathering invites us to pause, reflect and embrace new possibilities inspired by Brigid’s enduring wisdom.

👤 Guest Speaker
Nancy Fitzgerald, award-winning journalist and author of Brigid’s Mantle, will share readings from her latest book, offering rich insights into Brigid through pilgrimage, folklore and contemporary spiritual reflection.

ℹ️ More Information
📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie

🎶 Ceoilchoirm – Concert with Inni-K

📍 What

A live concert with Inni-K, one of Ireland’s most distinctive indie-folk voices, with special support from Philip Scott.

🏛️ Where

Solas Bhríde Centre
Kildare Town

🗓️ When

Sunday 1st February 2026
⏰ Evening concert

💶 How much does it cost?

€20

✨ Description

Celebrate Féile Bríde with an uplifting evening of music in the beautiful surroundings of Solas Bhríde. Kildare-born Inni-K is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose sound blends indie-folk roots with piano, fiddle, ukulele and subtle electronic loops, creating an atmosphere that is both uplifting and spine-tingling.

Described by The Irish Times as a “smart and tuneful indie-folk singer-songwriter”, Inni-K is joined on the night by Philip Scott, promising a warm and memorable musical experience.

ℹ️ More Information / Tickets

🎟️ Tickets (€20) available via Eventbrite
📍 Organised by: Solas Bhríde Centre

🔥 Carrying Her Flame – St Brigid’s Night Procession

📍 What
A powerful night-time procession celebrating the fire, light, and legacy of St Brigid.

🏛️ Where
Kildare Town
(Procession route through the town – meeting at 6.00pm )

🗓️ When
Sunday 1st February 2026
⏰ 18:00

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE

✨ Description
Carrying Her Flame is a signature Spirit of Brigid event, bringing together community, ritual, and spectacle on St Brigid’s Eve. Participants are invited to walk together through Kildare Town, carrying light as a symbol of renewal, hope, and continuity.

Rooted in ancient traditions and reimagined for today, the procession honours Brigid as a figure of creativity, protection, and transformation, marking the threshold between winter and spring.

ℹ️ More Information
🌐 Spirit of Brigid Festival

🕊️ Planting a Symbol of Peace Together

📍 What

A special ceremony to mark the planting and unveiling of a Peace Pole, a global symbol carrying the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

🏛️ Where

Solas Bhríde Centre
Kildare Town

🗓️ When

Sunday 1st February 2026
⏰ 12.15pm

💶 How much does it cost?

FREE

✨ Description

Join the Solas Bhríde community for a meaningful Peace Pole Planting Ceremony during Féile Bríde. Inspired by St Brigid, renowned as a peacemaker and described as a “woman who turns back the streams of war”, this gathering affirms a shared commitment to peace, unity, and hope.

Peace Poles are international symbols of harmony, first planted in Japan in 1955, and now found in communities across the world. By planting this Peace Pole at Solas Bhríde, we are reminded that peace begins with each of us, and that despite our differences, we can stand together in solidarity and prayer for peace.

ℹ️ More Information

📞 Solas Bhríde Centre: +353 (0)45 522890
📧 Email: info@solasbhride.ie
🌐 Website: solasbhride.ie

✨🎤 Taylor Swift Party

📍 What
A high-energy music and dance party celebrating the songs and eras of Taylor Swift.

🏛️ Where
Cruinniú Chill Dara
Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park
Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F

🗓️ When
Sunday 1st February 2026
⏰ 11.00am

💶 How much does it cost?
FREE
(Booking required)

✨ Description
Join Lisa Murray, one of Ireland’s best-known Swifties, for an energetic and joyful Taylor Swift Party as part of the Spirit of Brigid Festival 2026. Packed with hits from across Taylor’s Eras, this interactive event invites fans to sing along, dance, and celebrate together.

Dancers will lead Taylor-inspired routines, while one of the fandom’s most-loved traditions — friendship bracelet making — offers a chance to craft, swap, and connect with fellow fans. Expect sparkle, movement, and full-on Swiftie energy.

ℹ️ More Information
🎟️ Booking via Spirit of Brigid Festival
📌 Places limited

🎶 Celine Byrne – Live in Concert

📍 What
An evening concert with internationally acclaimed soprano Celine Byrne.

🏛️ Where
St Brigid’s Cathedral
Kildare Town

🗓️ When
Saturday 31st January 2026
⏰ 9.00pm

💶 How much does it cost?
Ticketed
(Tickets on sale)

✨ Description
Kildare native and internationally acclaimed soprano Celine Byrne performs a special concert in the historic surroundings of St Brigid’s Cathedral as part of the Spirit of Brigid Festival 2026.

Celebrated for her powerful and expressive voice, Celine has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages. This rare and intimate concert offers audiences the opportunity to experience world-class artistry in a unique and meaningful local setting.

ℹ️ More Information
🎟️ Tickets available via Spirit of Brigid Festival
🌐 www.spiritofbrigid.ie