Upcoming events.
The 2026 Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival in Newbridge
Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival
What:
Join us for a wonderful week of culture, creativity and conversation at the 2026 Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival in Newbridge.
📍 Where:
Newbridge College Theatre
Newbridge.
📅 When:
Friday July 24th-Thursday July 30th 2026
🕢 6am-11pm
Description:
Now in its 38th year, this much-loved festival welcomes visitors from Ireland and around the world to celebrate literature, music, art and ideas in the spirit of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Whether you attend a single event, spend a day exploring the programme, or enjoy the full week, there is something for everyone to discover.
The festival features an exciting mix of poetry readings, talks, workshops, exhibitions, musical performances and guided field trips. It is a lively and friendly gathering where
More Information / Booking:
Tickets: €20–€350
The Athy Record Fair
🎶 The Athy Record Fair
What:
A family-friendly vinyl and music fair featuring records, CDs and cassettes from Irish Record Fairs.
Where:
📍 Athy, County Kildare
When:
📅 Summer 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
Description:
Irish Record Fairs visit Athy for the first time, bringing a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes to South Kildare.
Visitors can browse, buy and discover music across all genres, with something for collectors, music lovers and curious browsers alike.
This is a free entry, family-friendly event and a welcome addition to the cultural calendar in Athy.
More Information / Booking:
Updates and event discussion available via Irish Record Fairs event page.
Derby Sunday with The Tumbling Paddies and Lead Style Judge Vogue Williams
The Tumbling Paddies and Lead Style Judge Vogue Williams
What:
Derby Sunday Features the absolute pinnacle of the Irish Flat Racing Calendar – the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Nothing matches the thrill, the history and the spectacle associated with this epic race! A must visit day for the racing purist!
Where:
📍The Curragh Racecourse
When:
June 28th 2026
Description:
Delighted to welcome the wonderful Vogue Williams to the Curragh on Sunday, 28th June, as she leads the judging panel for this year’s highly anticipated Best Dress Competition. The Dublin-born presenter, podcaster, and entrepreneur will be casting an expert eye over the crowd, keeping a special lookout for standout style, bright personality, and a genuine sense of fun. It promises to be a spectacular day of fashion, with racegoers competing for a truly luxurious Dubai holiday prize package on what is always one of the most glamorous dates in our sporting calendar.
To bring this magnificent weekend of world-class racing and culture to a fitting close, the incredible Tumbling Paddies will take to the stage on Sunday evening. Known far and wide for their energy-packed live shows, the band have captured the hearts of music lovers from Ireland to Dubai, Germany, and Spain. They will be performing their standout original tracks, including Pretty Girl, Night on the Town, and their massive chart-topping hit The Way I Am, which held the number one spot for an amazing ten weeks. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience their brilliant live performance right here in the heart of County Kildare, making memories that will last long after the final race is run.
More information/Booking
Cost €30.00
Derby Sunday Live Entertainment
Derby Sunday Live Entertainment 🏇 🎶
What:
Two guys live Entertainment🎶
📍Where:
The Hotel Lounge, The Keadeen Hotel
When:
📅June 28th
🕒Time:
7.00PM-9PM
Description:
🏇 Derby Sunday Live Music at The Keadeen 🎸
Cap off a spectacular day at the races with an evening of live music in the cozy surroundings of our hotel lounge.
After the excitement settles at the Curragh, why not extend your Derby Sunday celebrations with us? We are delighted to welcome back local favorites Two Guys Live, to keep the festive atmosphere going long into the evening.
Whether you are looking to unwind after a thrilling afternoon on the track, dissect the day's racing results with friends, or simply enjoy a wonderful night out with the local community, our lounge offers the perfect setting. Grab a refreshing drink, find a comfortable spot, and let the music round off your festival weekend in style.
Free Event
Kildare Derby Festival - Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day
🏇🎶 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day
What:
The highlight of the Kildare Derby Festival, combining world-class racing, live entertainment and festival celebrations.
Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse & Kildare Town
When:
📅 Sunday 28th June 2026
🏇 Racing throughout the day
🎶 Live music from 5:30pm
Description:
The Kildare Derby Festival reaches its spectacular finale with Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day at The Curragh, one of the biggest events in Ireland’s sporting calendar.
Begin the day with the Pre-Derby Brunch on the Square in Kildare Town before making your way to The Curragh for an unforgettable day of racing, atmosphere and entertainment.
The celebrations continue after racing with live music from The Tumbling Paddies, bringing the festival to a lively close.
Complimentary transport will be available between Kildare Town and The Curragh, making it easy to enjoy the full festival experience.
More Information / Booking:
Tickets and full event details are available here:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307
For full Kildare Derby Festival updates visit:
www.kildarederbyfestival.ie
Kildare Derby Festival - Group 1 Racing & The Final Furlong Sessions
🏇🎶 Group 1 Racing & The Final Furlong Sessions
What:
A full day of racing excitement at The Curragh followed by an evening of live music across Kildare Town venues.
Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse & Kildare Town
When:
📅 Saturday 27th June 2026
🏇 Racing throughout the day
🎶 Live music from 7:30pm
Description:
Saturday of the Kildare Derby Festival brings together the very best of sport, music and community spirit.
Enjoy top-class racing at The Curragh, including the prestigious Group 1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, before heading back to Kildare Town for The Final Furlong Sessions.
From 7:30pm, pubs and venues across the town come alive with live performances from talented Irish artists, creating a brilliant festival atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
More Information / Booking:
Tickets and racing information:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307
Full Final Furlong Sessions line-up and updates:
Visit www.kildarederbyfestival.ie
Evening Racing at The Curragh with Live Music
🏇 Evening Racing at The Curragh with Live Music
What:
An exciting evening of racing, live music and behind-the-scenes experiences at The Curragh Racecourse as part of the Kildare Derby Festival.
Where:
📍 The Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare
When:
📅 Friday 26th June 2026
🕔 Racing from 5:00pm
Description:
Experience the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most famous racecourses with an evening of thrilling racing followed by live music from crowd favourites The Whistlin’ Donkeys.
Visitors can also discover more about the world of racing with the special Beyond the Rails Tour, offering a unique look behind the scenes at The Curragh.
With racing, music and festival entertainment, this is a fantastic way to enjoy the Derby Festival celebrations. Complimentary transport will be available between Kildare Town and The Curragh.
More Information / Booking:
Tickets and full event details are available here:
https://tickets.curragh.ie/festival-tickets/307
Derby Friday with Performance by Whistlin Donkeys
Derby Friday with Performance by Whistlin Donkeys
What:
The Whistlin Donkeys will get the Irish Derby weekend off to a thunderous start with their energetic live performance
Where:
The Curragh Racecourse
R56 RR67
When:
June 26th 2026
Description:
🎵 A Lively Evening in Champions Hall
As the sun begins to set over the plains of Kildare, the excitement moves indoors. We are thrilled to welcome the brilliant Whistlin' Donkeys to Champions Hall for our post-race celebrations. Famous for their infectious energy and brilliant blend of traditional Irish folk melodies and contemporary Celtic rock, they are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and bring the house down.
Something is Coming – Save the Date (Mystery Event)
👀🎶 Something is Coming – Save the Date (Mystery Event)
What:
A new, as-yet-unannounced cultural event from the team behind the hugely successful St. Brigid’s Busking Festival in Kildare Town, led by Bernard Gibney, in collaboration with the Heritage Centre.
Where:
📍 Kildare Town (venue to be revealed)
When:
📅 Friday, 13 June 2026
Description:
Something is quietly taking shape behind the scenes — a new creative idea from the team who recently brought the St. Brigid’s Busking Festival to life with great success across Kildare Town.
While details remain under wraps for now, early signs point to a music-led cultural event with strong ties to storytelling, local heritage, and community participation — continuing the spirit of celebrating place through performance and shared experience.
Those familiar with previous Brigid-inspired events will recognise the visual cues when they appear, but for now, all that’s being said is simple: something is coming, and it’s worth marking in the diary.
Expect music, atmosphere, and a fresh take on how heritage and culture can be shared in public spaces.
More Information / Booking:
Full details to be announced soon.
Keep an eye on Heritage Centre and event social media channels for updates and the official reveal.
🎶 Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir – With Guests
🎶 Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir – With Guests
📅 Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025
⏰ Time: 19:30 – 21:00
📍 Venue: St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Market Square, Kildare Town
🎟️ Cost: See organiser for details
🎤 Description: An unforgettable evening of song in the historic setting of St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Featuring the Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir, Morriston RFC Choir from Wales, and a special performance from St Patrick’s NS school choir.
🔗 More Info: Eventbrite
A feast from Bologna
🎶 A feast from Bologna
The closing night of the Kildare Choral and Organ Festival will feature a feast of music from Bologna in Italy, performed by Thomas Charles Marshall, Norah O’Leary and Francesco Giusti.
📍 Where: St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Market Square, Kildare Town, Co.Kildare, R51HY65
📅 When: 12th of September at 7:30pm(Doors open at 7pm)
📞 Booking essential: Tickets can be purchased by booking on eventbrite using the link below, or purchasing at the door on the night.
📩 More Info: info@stbrigidscathedral.com
Kildare Jazz Festival 2025: Orlando Molina & Alicia Garcia
🎶 Orlando Molina & Alicia Garcia – Latin American Music & Jazz 🎶
📍 What: Chilean-Venezuelan guitarist and composer Orlando Molina joins forces with Mexican singer Alicia Garcia for a captivating journey through traditional Latin American music. Blending authentic melodies with subtle jazz influences, their performance brings to life the rich musical heritage of Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and beyond.
📍 Where: Harrigan’s Bar & Grill, Newbridge
📍 Cost: Free – no booking required!
📍 More Info: Experience the magic of Latin American rhythms in this intimate and soulful performance.
No need to reserve a spot—just drop in and enjoy!
David O’Doherty – Tiny Piano Man
🎤 David O’Doherty – Comedy, Music & Mayhem 🎤
📍 What: The master of €10 eBay keyboards is back! David O’Doherty brings his signature blend of laughter, song, and unexpected moments to the stage in a brand-new show. Expect big laughs, quirky tunes, and maybe even some chair-related surprises!
📍 Where: The Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
📍 Cost: €23
📍 More Info: Star of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), Live At The Apollo (BBC), and Along For the Ride with David O’Doherty (Channel 4), this is a night of comedy you won’t want to miss!
📍 Booking: Visit the Riverbank website for further information and booking.