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 - 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 - 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 - 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
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
🚶♂️ 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 - 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