🚢 Titanic and Her Kildare Connections – Maynooth Castle

What:
A fascinating talk exploring the Kildare connections to the story of the RMS Titanic, including the passengers, crew and local figures linked to one of history’s most famous maritime tragedies.

Where:
📍 Maynooth Castle
Parsons Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

When:
📅 Monday 17th August 2026
🕛 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Description:
Over a century after the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic, join the team at Maynooth Castle for an engaging talk uncovering the Kildare connections behind this extraordinary story.

Discover the lives of the men and women connected to Titanic’s maiden voyage in April 1912, including the story of Father Brown, the Jesuit priest and photographer who captured the final image of the ship leaving port.

The talk will also explore the remarkable connection to Kildare’s own Ernest Shackleton, who was called upon to provide his expertise during the British Inquiry following the disaster.

A fascinating event for history lovers and Titanic enthusiasts alike.

More Information / Booking:
Booking recommended:
📧 maynoothcastle@opw.ie
📞 046 942 2270

⛪ 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

🏛️ 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.

🏰 The Wizard Earl of Kildare – Maynooth Castle

What:
Discover the incredible story of Gerald FitzGerald, the young heir who became known as the “Wizard Earl of Kildare”.

Where:
📍 Maynooth Castle Main Reception Desk (inside the Castle)
Maynooth Castle, Parsons Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

When:
📅 Friday 21st August 2026
🕛 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Description:
Join the team at Maynooth Castle as they uncover the fascinating tale of Gerald FitzGerald, younger half-brother of the famous “Silken Thomas” FitzGerald.

Following the execution of Silken Thomas and his five uncles in 1537, the young Gerald became the target of a dramatic manhunt across Ireland and Europe as King Henry VIII attempted to bring the powerful FitzGerald family under control.

Protected by the FitzGerald women and supporters throughout Ireland, Gerald escaped into exile — a journey that would later shape his legendary reputation and earn him the title of the “Wizard Earl of Kildare”.

A fascinating insight into one of Kildare’s most intriguing historical figures, brought to life within the walls of Maynooth Castle.

More Information / Booking:
Booking recommended:
📧 maynoothcastle@opw.ie
📞 046 942 2270

Additional Information:
• Free event
• Accessible by public transport
• No toilet facilities on site
• No on-site parking
• Limited accessibility

For further information, contact the event organiser:
Office of Public Works – Maynooth Castle

Stories From The Sea- Ken O’Sullivan

What: In his new show, Stories From The Sea, Ken brings us on his 25 year journey exploring the North Atlantic ocean and seas around Ireland, with stories, video pieces and personal insights into his experiences.

📍Where: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare

📅When: October 30th 2026

🕢8.00PM -9.25PM

Description: In this unique live show, Ken takes us on a journey into the deep, sharing his breathtaking encounters with ocean giants. Imagine being surrounded by a pod of killer whales, or swimming alongside thousands of dolphins, fin whales, and blue whales—the largest creatures ever to live on Earth. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty of our natural world and the deep emotional connection we share with it.

This evening is also a celebration of home and heritage. Ken pays a heartfelt homage to his family’s 250-year history on Fenit Island in County Kerry, tracing our ancient, unbroken relationship with the sea.

More Information/Booking:

https://riverbank.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873664971

Cost €18