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
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 - Intro to Limerick lace and the design process for children
🧵 Introduction to Limerick Lace and the Design Process for Children
What:
A creative introduction to the traditional craft of Limerick lace, where children can learn about lace-making, explore design ideas and try some stitches themselves.
Where:
📍 Celbridge Library
St Patrick’s Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Wednesday 19th August 2026
🕚 11:00am – 12:00pm
Description:
Discover the beautiful tradition of Limerick lace in this hands-on Heritage Week workshop designed especially for children aged 6–9.
Lace teacher Christina Kearney will introduce young participants to the history of Limerick lace and the creative design process behind creating a lace piece. Children will then create their own designs, learn fun facts about Limerick and have the chance to try some lace-making stitches.
A fun and creative way for children to connect with Ireland’s textile heritage.
More Information / Booking:
Booking via the Kildare Libraries event page.
Suitable for ages 6–9.
Parents/Guardians must remain present during the workshop.
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Accessible by public transport
• Children’s event
• Workshop activity
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 - Ogham Pendant
✍️ ‘In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
What:
A creative writing workshop exploring journaling and memoir writing, inspired by the life and work of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater.
Where:
📍 Athy Library
Convent Lane, Athy, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕝 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Description:
To mark the 100th anniversary of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater, writer Megan Wynne invites participants to explore the art of journaling and memoir writing.
During this workshop, participants will try creative journaling exercises and learn how to craft a short memoir piece using their five senses.
With inspiration from Mary Leadbeater’s own lifelong journaling practice, this workshop offers adults the opportunity to reflect, write and capture personal stories.
More Information / Booking:
For further information, contact Athy Library:
📞 045 980 555
📧 athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Adult workshop
• Car parking available
• Workshop activity
Heritage Week - How Dublin Zoo Protects Animals at Risk
🦁 How Dublin Zoo Protects Animals at Risk (Ages 8+)
What:
A fun and interactive conservation workshop exploring how animals adapt and survive in the wild, led by a Dublin Zoo conservation educator.
Where:
📍 Leixlip Library
Captains Hill, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕚 11:15am – 12:15pm
Description:
Get ready for a claws-on adventure with Dublin Zoo as young explorers discover the amazing ways animals have adapted to survive around the world.
Through fun activities and exciting experiments, children will explore animal adaptations — from powerful skulls and teeth to incredible camouflage and survival skills — and learn how conservation helps protect wildlife at risk.
A brilliant hands-on Heritage Week event for curious young minds who love animals, nature and the natural world.
More Information / Booking:
Booking available online or by contacting Leixlip Library:
📞 045 980 844
📧 leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
Suitable for ages 8+
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Family friendly
• Accessible by public transport
• Car parking available
• Fully wheelchair accessible
• Workshop activity
Heritage Week - In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
✍️ ‘In Her Words’ – Memoir Writing Workshop
What:
A creative writing workshop exploring journaling and memoir writing, inspired by the life and work of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater.
Where:
📍 Athy Library
Convent Lane, Athy, Co. Kildare
When:
📅 Saturday 22nd August 2026
🕝 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Description:
To mark the 100th anniversary of Quaker author and diarist Mary Leadbeater, writer Megan Wynne invites participants to explore the art of journaling and memoir writing.
During this workshop, participants will try creative journaling exercises and learn how to craft a short memoir piece using their five senses.
With inspiration from Mary Leadbeater’s own lifelong journaling practice, this workshop offers adults the opportunity to reflect, write and capture personal stories.
More Information / Booking:
For further information, contact Athy Library:
📞 045 980 555
📧 athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Additional Information:
• Free event
• Adult workshop
• Car parking available
• Workshop activity
Beginer Marble Papaer Making Workshop
Beginner Paper Marbling Workshop
What
A hands-on beginner workshop introducing the beautiful art of paper marbling using traditional “painting on water” techniques.
Where
📍 Blueway Art Studio
When
🕒 Duration: 2 hours
🎨 Level: Beginners
Description
Discover the magical art of marbling with Angelina from Blueway Art Studio and learn how to “paint on water” using centuries-old sustainable techniques. Marbling is a fascinating printmaking process that creates stunning patterns resembling natural marble stone.
Using high-quality watercolours and Japanese washi papers, participants will create their own unique works of art while learning about the history of marbling, traditional patterns, and creative techniques.
This mindful and relaxing workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore their creativity in a fun and welcoming environment. No previous art experience is required, making it ideal for beginners.
During the workshop you will:
Learn how to prepare paper for marbling
Create a variety of beautiful marbled patterns
Experiment with colour and design
Produce 6–8 A3 sheets of original marbled artwork
Bring home your creations for use in bookbinding, wall art, crafts, and more
Please note: marbling can get messy, so wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting paint on.
Suitable for adults, seniors, teenagers, birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, Halloween and Christmas events.
More Information / Booking
🎟️ All materials provided
🔗 Contact Blueway Art Studio for booking details and availability. Click here to visit their website.
Vegan Potluck – Maynooth Community Meet-Up
Vegan Potluck – Maynooth Community Meet-Up
📍 Maynooth Community Space
📅 Monday, 12th May
🕡 6:30pm
Looking to try something new or connect with like-minded people? Join Aoife for the monthly Vegan Potluck in Maynooth — a relaxed and welcoming community gathering centred around plant-based food.
New to potlucks? It’s easy — just bring along a plant-based dish (homemade or shop-bought), share it with the group, and enjoy sampling a variety of flavours. It’s a great way to discover new recipes, meet others interested in sustainable living, and explore the world of plant-based food. Local restaurants, food shops, and producers may also attend, offering a chance to support local businesses while helping to reduce food waste.
Scribblers writing Club
Scribblers Writing Club – Kildare Library
Description:
Calling all young writers aged 10–13! Join the Scribblers Writing Club for a fun, creative afternoon where you can share your stories, comics, and ideas. Enjoy writing and drawing activities designed to spark your imagination and help you sharpen your storytelling skills.
Where:
Kildare Library, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
When:
Wednesday, 11 March 2026 | 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost:
Free – registration required
More Info:
Monthly club for young writers. Bring your ideas, pencils, and creativity!
Creative Writing Workshops with Pauline Clooney, John MacKenna & Margaret Kane Rowe
Creative Writing Workshops with Pauline Clooney, John MacKenna & Margaret Kane Rowe
Workshop Details:
From Page to Screen – Screenwriting with Margaret Kane Rowe, for new and emerging writers.
And Then I Woke Up… – The art of the essay with John MacKenna, suitable for intermediate/advanced writers.
The Well-Made Story – Short story craft with Pauline Clooney, suitable for all levels.
When: Saturday 04.10.2025 | 2:30 PM
Where: The Chamber, Naas Library and Cultural Centre [Directions]
How to Attend: Click here to visit the Readers’s Festival events page for links and more information.
Féile Liam O Flynn - Instrument Workshops
🎶 Instrument Workshops - part of the Féile Liam O Flynn
📍 Where: Naas CBS / Meánscoil Iognáid Rís
📍 When: Saturday, 4 October, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Description: Expert tutors, including Jenny Dillon present hands-on workshops for all ages and abilities. Instruments include harp, uilleann pipes, concertina, accordion, flute, whistle, and banjo.
📍 Cost: €20 per workshop + booking fee
📍 More Info / Tickets: Moat Theatre – Workshops