Dennis O’Driscoll – Poetry and Song

In a novel approach to Dennis O'Driscoll's poetic work, writer John MacKenna presents five poems by Dennis, followed by a song performed by Shane Sullivan, chosen as a response to each poem. The event reflects the themes of Dennis's poems in music, honouring his legacy.

When: Saturday 04.10.2025 | 11:00 AM
Where: The Chamber, Naas Library and Cultural Centre
How to Attend: [Book Online]

🏛️ ‘My Life in Ruins’ – Con Brogan

📍 What: An illustrated talk by Con Brogan, retired National Monuments Service photographer of over 40 years, sharing stories, experiences, and images from documenting Ireland’s heritage sites.
📍 Where: Parish Meeting Room, Kill
📍 When: Monday, 22 September 2025 — 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Cost: Free / check with Kill History Group for details
📍 More Info: Insightful for anyone interested in archaeology, photography, and preserving Ireland’s historical sites. Click here to visit the website.

🚶 Walk and Talk Around Kill Village

📍 What: Join the Kill History Group for a guided walk exploring the village’s history, architecture, and hidden stories.
📍 Where: Parish Meeting Room, Kill (walk starts in the car park; part of Culture Night 2025)
📍 When: Friday, 19 September 2025 — 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 Cost: Free
📍 More Info: Part of Culture Night Kildare; suitable for history enthusiasts and families.

📜 The Harvest of 1946 and the Severe Winter of 1947

📍 What: An illustrated talk by historian [name if known] exploring the desperate fight to save the harvest of 1946 and how communities endured the severe winter of 1947.
📍 Where: Leixlip Community Library, Leixlip
📍 When: Thursday, 18 September 2025 — 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM
📍 Cost: Free / check with Leixlip History Club for booking info
📍 More Info: Hosted by Leixlip History Club; a fascinating insight into local resilience and rural life post-WWII. Click here to visit the website for more information.

🏛️ Step into History – Free Tours of Castletown House
📍 What: Explore the elegance of Castletown House, Ireland’s first and finest Palladian-style country house. Join a free guided tour and uncover stories of its grand rooms, stunning architecture, and the fascinating Connolly family. Nestled in beautiful parklands along the River Liffey, Castletown is also a perfect spot for a family day out — enjoy peaceful woodland walks, riverside picnics, and even a visit to the Courtyard Café.
📍 Where: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3
📍 When: 16–24 August, 11:00am – 3:00pm (tours throughout the day)
📍 More Info: OPW | 01 628 8252 | castletown@opw.ie

🌳 50 Years in The Valley — Walk & Talk
📍 What: Lace up your walking shoes and join Noel Clare for a guided “Walk & Talk” exploring the story behind The Valley Riverside Park and Fairy Trail in Kilcullen. Discover how a once-inaccessible two-acre riverside site was transformed into a beloved public space thanks to the vision and commitment of local community activists. A lovely opportunity to enjoy nature, history, and community spirit—perfect for all ages!
📍 Where: The Valley Riverside Park and Fairy Trail (behind Credit Union), Main St., Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, R56 XO76 (map)
📍 When: Saturday 23 August, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
📍 Cost: Free, no booking required
📍 More Info: Kilcullen Community Action | 087 6497619 | kilcullencommunityaction@gmail.com

🧶 Heritage documentary and invitation to share craft stories

Join us in Kildare Town Library for a screening of the Hands documentary ‘Irish Spinning Wheel Making’, made by David & Sally Shaw Smith.
To celebrate our various cultures, we invite attendees who wish to do so to bring family-made crafts and to share the stories of hand-made heritage.

📍 Where: Kildare Town Community Library, Claregate Street, R51 P403
📅 When: 23 August, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

📩 More Info: lconnolly@kildarecoco.ie

🌱 Derrybeg Farm Organic Tour – Explore a Community Farm in Action
📍 What: Discover what makes Derrybeg Farm in Celbridge a leading model for sustainable, community-supported agriculture. This guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at a vibrant, not-for-profit organic vegetable farm that's carbon neutral, rich in biodiversity, and entirely community-run. Learn about their growing practices, volunteering opportunities, and how they supply over 25 varieties of vegetables to 50+ local families each year. A wonderful event for anyone interested in food, the environment, or community action.
📍 Where: Derrybeg Farm, R405 opposite Salesian Boys School, Celbridge, Co. Kildare (nearest Eircode: W23 P9YX)
📍 When: Friday 23 August, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
📍 Parking: Available opposite Salesian Boys School and CCS Community School (50m from the farm entrance)
📍 More Info: Derrybeg Farm Celbridge | 086 202 8989 | farmer.derrybeg.farm@gmail.com

🌀 Guided Walk of Kildare’s Celtic and Monastic Foundation
Step back in time on this engaging walking tour exploring the origins of one of Ireland’s oldest towns. Discover Kildare’s Celtic roots, the rise of its monastic community, and the powerful legacy of St. Brigid.

📍 Where: Starting at Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Market Square, R51 T189
📅 When: 18, 22 & 23 August, 11:00am – 12:00pm
👟 Free | Suitable for all ages | Please wear comfy shoes

Note: Entry to St. Brigid’s Cathedral is optional – donations welcomed for upkeep. Town centre parking is limited.

📩 More Info & Booking: 045 530 672 | info@kildareheritage.com
🌐 www.kildareheritage.com

📚 Don’t Drop the Books! — 120 Years of Public Libraries in Naas
📍 What: Join Naas Local History Group for an engaging talk marking the 120th anniversary of Naas's first public library, which opened its doors in 1905. Discover how the idea of free access to books took hold in the town, and how generations of readers shaped and were shaped by their local library. The talk will take place in the beautifully restored Naas Library and Cultural Centre, housed in the historic Town Hall—an atmospheric venue with plenty of its own stories to tell.
📍 Where: Naas Library and Cultural Centre, Town Hall, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 E1RT (map)
📍 When: Wednesday 21 August, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
📍 Cost: Free (no booking required)
📍 More Info: Naas Local History Group | 087 2872704 | liamkenny99@gmail.com

🧬 Who Do You Think You Are?
📍 What: Curious about your family roots? Join author and historian James Durney in Leixlip Library for a fascinating talk on how to trace your ancestry. Learn where to begin, which free online tools to use, and discover valuable sources to help you build a living history of your family name. Whether you're a beginner or already digging into the past, this talk will give you practical guidance and inspiration.
📍 Where: Leixlip Community Library, Riverforest, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, W23 WR96 (map)
📍 When: Wednesday 21 August, 6:45pm – 8:00pm
📍 Cost: Free (booking essential, limited to 25 places)
📍 More Info & Booking: Leixlip Community Library | 045 980844 | leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie

Seal le Ré Ó Laighléis
Enjoy an energetic and engaging reading from acclaimed author Ré Ó Laighléis, featuring a selection from his wide-ranging works including Trumptaí Dumptaí agus An Falla Mór, Máchail, Ecstasy, Gafa, and Goimh agus scéalta eile.

📅 Date: 21 August
🕡 Time: 6:30pm – 7:45pm
📍 Location: Kildare Town Community Library, Claregate Street, Kildare Town Centre, Co. Kildare, R51 P403
📞 Contact: (045) 520235 | ✉️ kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie
ℹ️ Further Information: Kildare Town Community Library
💶 Cost: Free

Spinning Yarns Through The Ages – Wool Spinning Demonstration
Discover the fascinating history of wool spinning, from ancient necessity to modern craft. See fleece prepared, cleaned, and carded before being spun on a wheel or spindle. Learn about natural dyes and the traditional skills still kept alive today.

📅 Date: 21 August
🕚 Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Location: Carmelite Hall, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare, R51 X827
📞 Contact: 089 436 4578 | ✉️ rachelewebsdale@gmail.com
ℹ️ Further Information: Kildare Country Market
💶 Cost: Free

🐎 From Bloodlines to National Pride: History of the Irish National Stud
📍 What: Join Dr Declan Monaghan for an engaging evening exploring the remarkable story of the Irish National Stud – one of Ireland’s most iconic institutions. Delving into the political, cultural, and social threads that shaped the thoroughbred breeding industry from 1900 to 2025, this talk offers insights into how a vision for excellence in horse breeding evolved into a world-renowned operation. Held in the heart of where it all happens, this promises to be an evening of rich storytelling and heritage.
☕ Refreshments will be served afterwards.

📍 Where: Osborne Centre, Irish National Stud, Tully East, Kildare, R51 AP20
📍 When: 20 August, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
📍 More Info: County Kildare Archaeological Society | +353 87 687 9221 | secretaryckas@gmail.com

🏛️ Guided Tour of the Ancient Town of Kildare
Uncover the fascinating history of Kildare, once home to one of Ireland’s most influential monastic sites, said to rival even Armagh in its day. This one-hour walking tour offers an engaging overview of the town’s ancient past and the legacy of St. Brigid.

📍 Where: Kildare Town Heritage Centre, R51 T189
📅 When:
• 19, 20, 21 August – 11am–12pm
• 23 August – 12pm–1pm
👟 Free | Comfortable walking shoes recommended

⛪ Donations welcome if visiting St. Brigid’s Cathedral

📩 More Info: 045 530 672 | info@kildareheritage.com
🌐 www.kildareheritage.com

🐎 The Horse Connection – A Guided Tour
Kildare may be known as the Thoroughbred County, but our connection to the horse runs much deeper than racing alone.

Join us on this guided walking tour to explore the town’s ancient relationship with horses, from early traditions to the founding of the Turf Club of Ireland. A must for history lovers and horse enthusiasts alike!

📍 Where: Kildare Town Heritage Centre, R51 T189
📅 When: 19 August, 10:30am – 11:30am
👟 Free | Please wear comfortable walking shoes

📩 More Info: 045 530 672 | info@kildareheritage.com
🌐 www.kildareheritage.com

🧺 Weaving Nature: Introduction to Coiling Workshop
📍 What: Step into the ancient craft of coiling — one of Ireland’s oldest basketry techniques, traditionally used to create functional and beautiful woven items using natural fibres. In this hands-on workshop, local artist Geraldine Smyth will guide you in crafting charming bird nests and feeders using materials gathered from the local area. Perfect for nature lovers, craft beginners, and anyone curious about sustainable heritage skills!
📍 Where: Kildare Town Community Garden, 1223 Campion Crescent, Kildare Town, R51 EH21
📍 When: 18 August, 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 More Info: Kildare Town Community Garden | 085 138 9777 | kildarecommunitygarden@gmail.com

🦇 Mad about Bats - Bat & Science Workshop🧪

This free workshop for children aged 8-12 years old will introduce the youth to our Irish bats species, their anatomy, echolocation, their habitats and threats to bats such as lighting. The two-hour session will use science and hands-on activities for children to learn about bats in a fun and engaging environment.

📍 Where: Irish National Stud & Gardens, Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare, R51AP20
📅 When: 18 August, 10:00am - 12:00pm
📞 Booking essential:

Note that children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum two children per adult).
Places are limited and must be booked online. Tickets to the workshop will not grant access to the Irish National Stud & Gardens. Entry to the visitor attraction must be purchased separately.

📩 More Info: kildarebatgroup@gmail.com

🥾 Brigid’s Way Pilgrimage — Route 7: Donadea to Robertstown
📍 What: Take a mindful step into nature along an ancient pilgrim route with Brigid’s Way. This immersive, day-long walk covers Route 7—stretching from the serene woodlands of Donadea Forest Park to the waterside beauty of Robertstown. Guided by Siobhán from Brigid’s Way, participants will enjoy “nothing nature” wellbeing pauses and moments of reflection, with lunch at the stunning Ballynafagh Lakes. A peaceful journey of wonder and enchantment.
📍 Where: Starts at Donadea Forest Park, Donadea Demesne, Co. Kildare, W91 VK59 (map)
📍 When: Saturday 17 August, 10:00am – 4:30pm
📍 Cost: Admission fee applies (see website for details)
📍 More Info & Booking: brigidsway.ie | Brigid’s Way | 085 736 5831 | shivrose27@gmail.com

Beacon of Light: Inextinguishable
Experience a moving tribute to St. Brigid across two iconic sites. Inextinguishable at St. Brigid’s Cathedral displays original artworks in a sacred setting, while Beacon of Light at the Round Tower presents illuminated replicas filtering natural light through its nine windows. The result is a powerful reflection on Brigid’s enduring role in Irish heritage. (Note: The Round Tower section is not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues due to steep stairs.)

📅 Date: 16 August
🕑 Time: 2:15pm – 5:00pm
📍 Location: St. Brigid’s Cathedral & Round Tower, Market Square, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare, R51 HY65
📞 Contact: 085 150 9314 | ✉️ greghallahan00@gmail.com
ℹ️ Further Information: “Beacon of Light: Inextinguishable” – Greg Hallahan
💶 Cost: Free

🎨 Make Your Own Heritage Masterpiece with Mary Gibson
Get creative this Heritage Week at Kildare Town Library! Join artist Mary Gibson for a fun-filled children’s art workshop, where young participants (ages 6–10) will create their very own canvas masterpiece inspired by local Kildare landmarks. Using a mix of acrylic pens, oil pastels and paint, each child will take home a unique piece of artwork. All materials are provided.

📍 Where: Kildare Town Community Library, Claregate Street, R51 P403
📅 When: 16 August, 11:00am – 12:15pm
📞 Booking essential: 045 520 235 or enquire at the library desk
👦👧 Limited spaces – early booking recommended!

📩 More Info: lconnolly@kildarecoco.ie