Kildare Heritage Week Events 2015
All Week
The Kildare Monastic Trail
Explore the ancient monasteries of Kildare and discover round towers, high crosses and fascinating
tales from Kildare’s past. Venue: St. James’s Church of Ireland, Castledermot
Telephone: 052 6189468
Download from www.abartaaudioguides.com
The Kildare Town Heritage Trail
Enjoy a free audio guide and app which uncovers the myths and legends of the historic Kildare Town
Telephone: 052 6189468
Download from www.abartaaudioguides.com
Tower of Allen
Access to the Tower steeped in history with commanding views of the surrounding areas, 10km from
Newbridge and Kildare, 15km from Naas
Telephone: 089 4906802
Contact: Regina Heavey
Email: regina.heavey@gmail.com
Admission: Free
Dates: Saturday 22nd – 30th August 10am – 6pm
Church Open Days – St. Mary’s Church of Ireland Leixlip
Explore the oldest public building still in use in Leixlip with fine examples of stained glass and many
interesting monuments.
Venue: St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Leixlip
Admission: Free
Dates: Saturday 22nd – Saturday 29th August (Except Sunday 23rd)
10am – 5pm (closed 1-2pm)
Telephone: 01 6240976
Email: sta@indigo.ie
Foundation for the Furtherance of Primary Education in Clane
Exhibition on primary education in Clane.
Venue: Church of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, Clane
Admission: Free
Dates: Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th August 10am – 6pm
Email: maryfloodweld@gmail.com
Contact: Mary Weld
The Story of our College Farm & Lands, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth
Online activity: Celebrating this year’s theme of ‘Industrial Heritage’ we open up our College Archive to
find out the story behind the College farms and lands.
Venue: http://maynoothcollege.ie/seminary/archives/
Admission: Free
Dates: Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th August
Telephone: 01 7083576
Email: archives@spcm.ie
Models of Invention from the Steam Age-Steam Museum, Straffan
Visit our Stationary Steam Engines and Prototypes, Scenic Model Railway, Ron Jarvis Collection of
Models, Vehicles and his Workshop. We have a collection of Stationary Engines working under steam
during the event in the Power Hall and Scientific Inventors Models will also be on view. The Tea House
will also be open for tea/coffee and homemade cakes.
Venue: The Steam Museum, Straffan
Admission: Adults: €7.50, Children/Concession:€5, Family: €20
Date: Saturday 22nd - Sunday 30th August 2– 6pm
Telephone: 01 6288412
Email: info@steam-museum.ie
Not full week some days as listed
Not full week some days as listed: Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday
30th August
Biodiversity (Macro) Photographic Exhibition
View the wonderful miniature world of wildlife that is living right beneath our feet via the medium of
extreme close-up photography. This will possibly be the closest activity you will find to exploring a new
planet. Photographs by Chris Connolly, award winning photographer from Clane.
This exhibition will be officially on Sunday 23rd of August at 3pm.
Venue: Vintage and Antique Centre, Main Street Clane
Admission: Free (pay parking nearby)
Date: 10am – 5pm on Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.
Telephone: 086 8363534
Email: chris@macrophotographyireland.com
Not full week some days as listed:
Camphill Community, Kilcullen
Located at An Tearmann, the weavery will be open Mon – Thurs 2.30 – 5pm. See the progress of our
new raised herb bed in the shape of St. Brigid’s Cross. Visitors may also be able to follow the nature
trail and can look out for bird boxes, benches and wildlife habitats.
Venue: An Tearmann, Kilcullen
Admission: Free (but donations welcome)
Date: Monday 24th to Thursday 27th August 14.30- 17.00, Also open for Kilcullen River Festival on
Sunday 23rd August 11.00-15.00
Not full week some days as listed:
Silence: Broadstone Shed
Exhibition of photographs and videos taken from an abandoned railway shed in Broadstone, Dublin,
originally the headquarters of the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR), built in 1845, closed in
1937.
Venue: Kildare Town Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd 9.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday 25th 2-5pm, Wednesday 26th 2 – 5pm, Thursday 27th
1-8pm, Friday 28th 9.30 – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm and Saturday 29th August 9.30am – 12.30pm
Maynooth Castle
Date: Saturday 22nd - 30th August (Except Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th)
Admission: Free
Telephone: 01 6286744
Email: maynoothcastle@opw.ie
Pot Luck Tours at Maynooth Castle
Dare to plunge your hand into the Castle Cauldron and pick a Pot Luck Tour! Tours will be available on
request throughout the day. Tours last just 15 minutes and the tour menu is quite extensive ranging
from ‘Gore, Gongs and Garderobes’ to ‘Archers, Arrow-loops and Artillery’, so go on, be brave and see
what the cauldron holds for you
10.30am – 4.30pm
Find your Norman name at Maynooth Castle
Check out if you’re a Norman and if you are of Norman descent, discover the origins of your name!
10.30am – 4.30pm
Maynooth Castle Heritage Quiz
Ask at reception for the Heritage Week Quiz Sheet, fill out the answers while you are in the Castle and
you might win a prize of a Family Heritage Card worth €60!
10.30am – 4.30pm
Silken Thomas Siege Tours
Join us on this special Heritage Week Tour on the 1535 Siege of Maynooth Castle.
Time: 3pm – 3.40pm
Themed Tour at Maynooth Castle
Themed tour on life in 16th and 17th Century Ireland at Maynooth Castle
11am – 11.40am
Not full week some days as listed:
Parkland Walk
A parkland walk through Castletown House showing the beautifully restored 18th century river walks,
stopping at the pond, temple and ice house.
Venue: Visitor Reception, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd and Saturday 29th August 3pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Not full week some days as listed:
History of Beekeeping and Crafts with North Kildare
Beekeepers Association
Display of live bees showing species of pure native Irish honey bee. Tastings of honey and crafts
exhibition.
Venue: The Stables, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 10am – 5pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Not full week some days as listed:
People who knew Celbridge before our Day
Celbridge Lodge, a period house with a selection of paintings
Small groups only, please telephone Henry McDowell on
01 6288347 to book.
Venue: House gates in Church Road, opposite Grotto, Celbridge Lodge
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd, Tuesday 25th, Thursday 27th and Saturday 29th August 10am – 12pm
Cill Dara Historical Society Photographic Exhibition
“Trainspotting” – Display of Photographs from the 1960s and 1970s of the Kildare and Cherryville
railway stations from the James P. O’Dea Collection courtesy of the National Library of Ireland
Venue: Kildare Town Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd 9.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday 25th 2-5pm, Wednesday 26th 2 – 5pm, Thursday 27th
1-8pm, Friday 28th 9.30 – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm and Saturday 29th August 9.30am – 12.30pm
Telephone: 086 01686236
Email: nurkilcep@eircom.net
Saturday 22nd August
Children’s Bird watching Fun
Join Kildare Branch of Birdwatch Ireland for fun and games to introduce children to basic bird
identification techniques with a guided Bird ID Race around the park. Children must be accompanied
by a responsible adult.
Venue: Donadea Forest Park
Admission: Free (Car Park is €5 – coins only)
Date: Saturday 22nd August 10am – 11.30am
Email: birdwatchkildare@gmail.com
Old Woollen Mills, Ballymore Eustace
Ballymore Eustace History Society hosts a walk around the Old Woollen Mills, view followed by
exhibition and light refreshments.
Venue: Meet at Resource Centre, Ballymore Eustace
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August @ 3pm
Telephone: 087 7916993
Contact: Margaret Pearse
Ireland’s First Sporting Hero
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Dan Donnelly (March 1788 – February 1820) was a professional
boxing pioneer and the first Irish-born Heavyweight Champion.
Venue: Newbridge Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August @ 3.30pm
Telephone: 045 448353
Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
The Winter Dress
A new play by Angela Keogh. This is the story of a dressmaker and a scribe. A story of life, love and
laughter in the face of the Black Death. A dressmaker and a scribe meet on their way to Kilkenny in
1348 and share their stories to shorten the journey. One of them is carrying more than a gift to the
city.
Venue: The Old Yard, Garterfarm, Athy Road, Castledermot
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August @ 3.30pm
Telephone: 085 7176423
Email: thewinterdress@gmail.com
Children’s Tour of Castletown House
Dress up or wear our aprons, dresses and waistcoats as you see the stables, museum rooms and the
Berkeley toy and costume collection.
Event for under 12’s, adult supervision required.
Venue: Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 11 – 11.45 am
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Soprano Recital to Castletown
Virginia Kerr, one of Ireland’s most distinguished sopranos, accompanied by Dr. Antonio Cascelli on
piano perform an evening of song in the Entrance Hall at Castletown.
Venue: Entrance Hall, Castletown House
Admission: Tickets €25 plus booking fee: www.eventbrite.ie
Date: Saturday 22nd August 7pm
Contact: www.eventbrite.ie
Bats on the Barrow
Athy Waterways in conjunction with Kildare Bat Group will host a Bat Walk, meet at the Jetty in the
back square beside the River Barrow
Venue: River Barrow
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 8.15pm
Email: info@athywaterways.ie
Our National Heritage
A workshop to explore the natural heritage of the local area and the importance of natural heritage.
Venue: Naas Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 11am
Telephone: 045 879111
Email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
Designing Straffan Church
Have you ever wondered how an organ works, or why a church is shaped like a cross? Discover how
this beautiful Neo-Gothic church was designed and built. Free guided tours and family activities.
Venue: Straffan Church of Ireland
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 2pm – 6pm
Telephone: 086 1955307
Email: davina.moody@hotmail.com
A Visit to Clongowes Wood College
Clane Local History Group host a tour of the College including the historic castle which celebrates it
Bicentenary this year.
Venue: Meet at Aldi car park, Prosperous Road, Clane at 2.30pm
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August (Talk commences at 3pm)
Telephone: 086 8103717
Email: bcullen1234@yahoo.com
Who do you think you are?
Mario Corrigan presents an introductory guide to tracing your family tree.
Venue: Kildare Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 11am
Telephone: 045 520235
Email: kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie
Parkland Walk - Castletown
A guided walk of Castletown featuring gate lodges, bridges, temple, ice house and a lake with an
abundance of wild life in the heart of the Liffey Valley.
Venue: Visitor Reception, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 22nd August 3pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
St Mullin's Church Timolin and St James' Church Castledermot will be open to the public.
Venue: Timolin and Castledermot.
Date:
Saturday 22nd August.
Time:
10:00 to 16:00
Admission:
free.
Contact:
Avril Gillatt
Email: avrilandnoel@gmail.com
Sunday 23rd August
Arclough Bee Happy
Family friendly interactive event on bumblebees. Activities for all ages – from bee artwork and building
bug hotels to planting a bee friendly garden, walk and talk and bumblebee identification with focus on
pollinators, specifically bumblebees.
Venue: Ardclough Village Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Telephone: 086 3651440
Email: meabhboylan@gmail.com
Milltown Tidy Towns Heritage Walk
Heritage Walk with Heritage Centre open for viewing all day showing heritage buildings and places of
interest.
Venue: Milltown Heritage Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 3pm
Telephone: 087 2321143
Contact: Jack Dunne
Kildare Town Medieval Festival
Family fun day bringing to life the rich medieval history of one of Ireland’s oldest towns. There will be
music, street theatre, mini walking tours, food and activities for all age groups.
Venue: St. Brigid’s Cathedral
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 12.30pm – 6pm
Contact: 045 530672
Email: info@kildareheritage.com
Music Recital – The Sundance Trio
Castletown House plays host to the Sundance Trio comprising of Oboe, Bassoon and Piano.
Venue: Hunting Room, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Ancient Straw Craft Traditions of Ireland
Tea Lane Graveyard Committee presents: Exhibition and Workshop by Straw Craft Ireland Exhibits
include straw boy’s masks, cradles, corn dollies, woven in an ancient method of straw plaiting unique
to Ireland. Create your own harvest knot, crosses and much more.
Venue: Celbridge Mill Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2pm – 5pm
Telephone: 078 9630719
Email: breda.konstantin@iol.ie
Tour of Lodge Bog Restoration Project
A guided tour of the restoration project on Lodge Bog. Visitors will see and discuss moss restoration on
areas of the bog that has been trampled on by visitors over the years. There will be activities for
children and refreshments at the centre.
Venue: Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2pm – 5pm
Telephone: 045 860133
Email: bogs@ipcc.ie
Introduction to Shackleton
Come and see the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to the Antartic Explorer Ernest
Shackleton. Visitors will be introduced to items from the Athy Shackleton Collection.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre - Museum
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2.30 – 3.30pm
Telephone: 059 8633075
Email: athyheritage@eircom.net
Talk on Franciscan Friary at the Abbey Cemetery
Archaeological, architectural and historical talk on the ruined Franciscan Friary at the Abbey Cemetery,
Sallins Road, Clane. David Creighton, Senior Architect, Kildare County Council and Fr. Pat Conlon,
Franciscan Community are among the speakers who will discuss the history of the site and repairs to
the ruined walls.
Venue: Abbey Cemetery/Westgrove Hotel, Clane
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 5.30 – 6.30pm
Telephone: 086 8658262
Email: padraigmcevoy@gmail.com
National Science Museum, Maynooth
View the largest display of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland. The museum is centred
around the Rev. Prof. Nicholas Canon, inventor of the induction coil. The display also features a large
collection of ecclesiastical items and the death mask of Daniel O’Connell.
Venue: National Science Museum, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 2pm – 6pm
Telephone: 01 6286550
Email: niall.mckeith@spcm.ie
Walk & Talk around Johnstown
Take a step back in time and learn about the people of years gone by that made Johnstown the village
it is today. Walk and talk with local historian and enjoy plenty of interesting sites to be seen.
Venue: Johnstown car park, Johnstown village
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 23rd August 1 – 2pm
Telephone: 087 2522986
Contact: Frank Moore
Monday 24th August
Our National Heritage
A workshop to explore the natural heritage of the local area and the importance of natural heritage.
Venue: Athy Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 11am – 12.30pm
Telephone: 059 8631144
Email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Storming the Dardanelles
Talk on “Storming the Dardanelles: Kildare men in the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915-1916” by Kildare’s
Historian-in-Residence, Mr. James Durney. Hosted by Kill History Group.
Venue: Parish Meeting Room, Kill
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 8.30pm
Telephone: 087 3513328
Email@ brianfrancis.mccabe@gmail.com
Children’s Museum Trail
Fun activity inside the Heritage Centre & Museum. Last entry for Museum’s Treasure Trail 3pm. Note
that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre – Museum, Emily Square
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 2.30 – 3.00pm
Telephone: 053 8633075
Email: athyheritage@eircom.net
Talk & Walk around lake area of Dara Park, Highfield and Lakeside
Take a guided walk and talk around the banks of the lake by ecologist Mary O’Connor. This event will
include a special event for children. Please wear sensible footwear.
Venue: Newbridge Family Resource Centre, Dara Park
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 10.30am
Telephone: 045 438173
Email: admin@newbridgefrc.ie
Cookie Book Club at Castletown
Make, bake and taste cookies in the original 18th century Kitchen Wing.
Venue: The Courtyard Cafe, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 11am – 12pm
Telephone: 01 6279498
Email: castletown@thecaterers.ie
‘Tall Oaks from Little Acorns’ The Solas Bhride Story
Experience the Solas Bhride Story in word, song and landscape.
Venue: Solas Bhride, Tully Road, Kildare Town
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 2pm – 4pm
Email: info@solasbhride.ie
Small Finds, Bigger Stories
Illustrated talk – the stories behind three selected artefacts from archaeological excavations on the
M9 Motorway in County Kildare. Talk delivered by Noel Dunne, NRA Archaeologist. As part of NRA
Archaeology – Heritage Week events in association with Kildare County Council and Kilcullen Heritage
Group.
Venue: Kilcullen Heritage Centre, Kilcullen
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 8pm – 9.30pm
Telephone: 045 898199
Email: ndunne@kildarenrdo.com
History of McAuley Place, Naas
Paddy Behan from Naas Local History Group
Venue: McAuley Place
Admission: Free
Date: Monday 24th August 8pm
Email: manager@mcauleyplace.ie
Go Batty in Rathangan
Rathangan Tidy Towns are hosting a bat walk and talk along the Canal in Rathangan guided by Anna
Collins and experts from Kildare Bat Group. Bats don’t like rain any more than we do so this evening’s
event can be “rained off”.
Venue: Rathangan meet at Secondary School
Date: Monday 24th August
Time: 20:00 to 22.00
Admission: Free
Tuesday 25th August
Storming the Dardanelles
Talk on “Storming the Dardanelles: Kildare men in the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915-1916” by Kildare’s
Historian-in-Residence, Mr. James Durney. Hosted by Kill History Group.
Venue: Naas Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7pm
Telephone: 045 879111
Email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
Walking Tour of Main Street Kilcullen
Our experienced guides will lead you on a guided tour of Main Street where you will discover the
history of buildings and learn about those who lived and worked there. View a display of
memorabilia, a short film and cuppa & chat after the walk.
Venue: Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7 – 8pm
Telephone: 045 481613
Email: kilcullenheritage@gmail.com
‘Sentinel’ Heritage Plaque Unveiling and History Talk
Join us for the unveiling of the ‘Sentinel’ Plaque and a history talk. The ‘Sentinel’ monument was
commissioned to commemorate the bicentary of Newbridge.
Venue: ‘Sentinel’ Monument (Northern approach to Newbridge, beside Pfizer rounabout)
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Telephone: 045 438296
Email: office@newbridgechamber.ie
Writing a Local History Book Workshop
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on how to research, write and present your own local history book.
Venue: Maynooth Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7pm
Telephone: 01 6285530
Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie
Ardclough – Celbridge- Leixlip 1916 Commemoration Committee
Talk by Michael Kenny (formally of the National Museum)
Venue: Leixlip Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7.15 – 9pm
Email: jamesmoran1974@gmail.com
History Talk on ‘The Quakers’
Christopher Moriarty from the Irish Quaker Historical Library will share his knowledge on the Quakers.
Join us to hear about interesting local historical facts.
Venue: Rathangan Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7.30 - 9pm
Telephone: 087 9258226
Email: rathangan.tidy.towns@gmail.com
History of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri in Clane
Ceol agus craic and the history of traditional music in Clane.
Venue: Clane Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 8 – 9.30pm
Telephone: 045 892716
Email: clanelib@kildarecoco.ie
Green Pastures to Designed Landscape
Jeanne Meldon presents a talk ‘From green pastures to designed landscape’, the evolution of
Castletown Demesne
Venue: Hunting Room, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Adult: €5, Child: free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 8 – 9pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Walk in Kildoon Wood
Meet in Kildoon Wood for guided nature walk with a guest speaker followed by an organised
discussion and light refreshments in local function room.
Venue: Kildoon Wood
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 7.30 – 9.15pm
Telephone: 086 0869627
Contact: John Miller
Military Memorabilia Display
Military Memorabilia Display to include photographs and military pieces dating back as far as the
beginning of the 20th Century.
Venue: Monasterevin Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 2pm – 5pm
History Talk and Harp Recital
Historical Talk by Chris Corlett and recital by Harpists Harry Carpendale and Mary Nolan.
Venue: St. John’s Church, Ballymore Eustace
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 8pm
Telephone: 086 8967415
Email: pandncook@eircom.net
Swallow Ringing Event
Each year between mid July and September thousands of swallows that are preparing for winter
migration to Southern Africa use Pollardstown Fen as an overnight roosting site. A small number of
swallows will be caught and ringed by experienced, licensed bird ringers during this event so that the
ecology of the birds may be understood.
This event is weather dependent and will not run if it is raining. Please do not bring dogs to this
event.
Venue: Pollardstown Fen
Admission: Free
Date: Tuesday 25th August 8 – 10pm
Wednesday 26th August
Storming the Dardanelles
Talk on “Storming the Dardanelles: Kildare men in the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915-1916” by Kildare’s
Historian-in-Residence, Mr. James Durney.
Venue: Athy Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 7pm
Telephone: 059 8631144
Email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Our National Heritage
A workshop to explore the natural heritage of the local area and the importance of natural
heritage.
Venue: Newbridge Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 10.30am – 12pm
Telephone: 045 448353
Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
‘The Museum that comes to you’ – Leixlip Library
An interactive, hands-on history workshop suitable for children 7 years and over with parents.
Michael Moylan will talk on how industry in Ireland has changed and will bring along props and
memorabilia. Join Michael for this fun workshop and see our history and heritage come to life!
Booking required.
Venue: Leixlip Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 3 – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6060050
Email: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
National Science Museum, Maynooth
View the largest display of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland. The museum is
centred around the Rev. Prof. Nicholas Canon, inventor of the induction coil. The display also
features a large collection of ecclesiastical items and the death mask of Daniel O’Connell.
Venue: National Science Museum, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 2pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6286550
Email: niall.mckeith@spcm.ie
Castletown House – Guided Walk of Parklands
A guided walk of Castletown featuring gate lodges, bridges, temple, ice house and a lake with an
abundance of wild life in the heart of the Liffey Valley.
Venue: Steps of Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 10am – 1pm
Telephone: 087 6930719
Email: breda.konstantin@iol.ie
Walking Tour of Main Street Kilcullen
Our experienced guides will lead you on a guided tour of Main Street where you will discover the
history of buildings and learn about those who lived and worked there. View a display of
memorabilia, a short film and cuppa & chat after the walk.
Venue: Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 7- 8pm
Telephone: 045 481613
Email: kilcullenheritage@gmail.com
Letterpress Demonstration
Come join us for a letterpress demonstration at Maynooth University Library! Learn how to set a
line of type and print using and Adana table top press. Booking required. Not suitable for children
Venue: John Paul II Library, South Campus, NUI Maynooth
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 1.30 – 14.10pm and 3pm – 3.40pm
Contact: John Paul II Library
Ireland’s First Sporting Hero
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Dan Donnelly (March 1788 – February 1820) was a professional
boxing pioneer and the first Irish-born Heavyweight Champion.
Venue: Naas Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 11am
Launch of Booklet on Morristown Biller Graveyard
Newbridge Local History Group are launching their booklet which gives a brief history of the
graveyard with photographs of grave stones and the text one each one. This land locked graveyard
will be open to the public and the booklet will be on sale €5.
Venue: Blackberry Lane, Newbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 7pm
Contact: raphaelryan@yahoo.co.uk
Stained Glass Display
Photographic display of our beautiful stained glass windows explaining the detail of each window
depicting various religious themes.
Venue: Our Lady’s Parish Centre, Leixlip
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 8 – 9pm
Email: tomneville1@gmail.com
Have you seen a dormouse?
Talk on the Kildare Dormouse Project 2015
Venue: Townhouse, Naas
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 8pm
Contact: kildaredormicegroup.com
The Wonderful Barn of Leixlip
Local Historian, John Colgan, will lead a ‘Walk & Talk’ of the Wonderful Barn, built in 1743 as a
famine relief scheme by the Connolly Family of Castletown House.
Venue: The Wonderful Barn
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 7.30pm
Email: gerrykeane228@gmail.com
Know your Town
Naas Local History Group – join us for a leisurely stroll around the town led by Paddy Behan and
Stan Hickey
Venue: Our Lady and St. David’s Church, Sallins Road, Naas
Admission: Free
Date: Wednesday 26th August 7.30pm
Telephone: 087 2853792
Thursday 27th August
Crochet Demonstration
The demonstration includes basic stitches and the simple requirements to become proficient in this
form of craft which can be used in fashion, household and practical items.
Venue: Carmelite Friary Hall, Kildare Town
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 11am – 12pm
Telephone: 045 521091
Email: rubyjohnston@eircom.net
Lusitania Survivor – Thomas McCormack
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Thomas McCormack – Lusitania Survivor.
Venue: Athy Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 11am
Telephone: 045 825022
Email: kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie
Lusitania Survivor – Thomas McCormack
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Thomas McCormack – Lusitania Survivor.
Venue: Kildare Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7pm
Email: kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie
Domhnall Ua Buachalla – ‘Rebellious Nationalist Reluctant Governor’
Presentation by Adhamhan O’Suileabhain on Domhnall Ua Buachalla – Rebellious Nationalist Reluctant
Governor
Venue: Maynooth Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 11am
Telephone: 01 6285530
Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie
Piano Recital
Piano Recital by Sean Rooney
Venue: Entrance Hall, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 6 – 7pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Reeling in the Years: Narraghmore
Open evening for residents of Narraghmore, particularly for those with a rich historical and cultural
knowledge and for those who have memories of the village and how it has developed and changed over
time.
Venue: Molly O’Looneys Pub, Narraghmore
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7pm
Email: estermagera@gmail.com
Storming the Dardanelles
Talk on “Storming the Dardanelles: Kildare men in the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915-1916” by Kildare’s
Historian-in-Residence, Mr. James Durney.
Venue: Ballitore Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7pm
Email: balitorelib@kildarecoco.ie
‘I hear the train a-coming’ – Railways in Kildare
Illustrated presentation by Liam Kenny and Eamon Sinnott - with music from Brian McCabe - on the
fascinating story of railways in Co Kildare.
Venue: Naas Town Hall
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7.30 – 9pm
Email: liamkenny99@gmail.com
The Grand Canal
Presentation by Mary Hoare on the Grand Canal in County Kildare.
Venue: Leixlip Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7.30pm
Email: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
Monasterevin Involvement in Easter Rising 1916
Presentation by Barry Walsh on Monasterevin involvement in the Easter Rising 1916
Venue: Monasterevin Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7.30pm
Email: monasterevinlib@kildarecoco.ie
Maynooth 1916 Walking Tour
Walking tour of Maynooth detailing the events in Maynooth before, during and after the 1916 Rising.
The tour will continue by train where the participation of the Maynooth 15 in some of the major events
of the rising in and around the GPO will be guided through.
Venue: Main Square Maynooth
Admission: Free / Train ticket not included
Further details: at Maynooth Centenary Facebook Page)
Date: Thursday 27th August 5.30pm
Information and Awareness – Piers and Belan House
Moone Tidy Towns hosts an event around the history of the Piers of Moone and Belan House.
Venue: Moone Parish Hall
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 8pm
Telephone: 086 8213214
Carbury Discovering her Past
A talk by Ger McCarthy and Sam Holt will include a short slide presentation, visit to Carbury Church and
old Graveyard on Carbury Hill
Venue: Old Schoolhouse, Carbury
Admission: Free
Date: Thursday 27th August 7pm
Telephone: 087 2120494
Friday 28th August
Who do you think you are?
Mario Corrigan presents an introductory guide to tracing your family tree.
Venue: Castledermot Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Friday 28th August 7pm
Email: castledermotlib@kildarecoco.ie
Ireland’s First Sporting Hero – Dan Donnelly
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Dan Donnelly (March 1788 – February 1820) was a professional
boxing pioneer and the first Irish-born Heavyweight Champion.
Venue: Maynooth Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Friday 28th August 11am
Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie
Ladies Who Lunch – Castletown House
A light-hearted and fun show using lots of Stephen Sondheim songs and funny monologues, featuring
Glynis Casson and Irene Gaffney as performers and Maeve McSweeney as accompanist.
Venue: Hunting Room, Stable Wing, Castletown
Admission: Adults €15
Date: Friday 28th August 8 – 9pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Teresa Brayton – Her Life & Times
A presentation on the life of local poet and Literary Nationalist, Teresa Brayton. All are welcome to
come along and enjoy the night. Singers and musicians welcome to participate.
Venue: Newtown Community Hall, Newtown, Enfield
Admission: Free
Date: Friday 28th August 8 – 10pm
Telephone: 087 7603346
Bats about Newbridge at Sunset
Enjoy a bat walk and talk along the Liffey Linear Park guided by Anna Collins and experts from Kildare
Bat Group. We can expect to hear (with a heterodyne Bat Detector) different kinds of bats. Bats don’t
like rain any more than we do so this evening’s event can be “rained off”.
Venue: Liffey Linear Park Newbridge (Meet at Bridge 8pm)
Admission: Free
Date: Friday 28th August 8 – 10pm
Telephone: 086 8393293
Ballymore Eustace Brass and Reed Band
Unveiling of Ballymore Eustace Brass and Reed Band marching banner which embroidered by the Hynes
sisters in 1920 and restored by the Ballymore Eustace Brass and Reed Band.
Venue: Ballymore Eustace Bandhall
Date:
Friday 28th August
Time:
20.00-21.00
Admission:
Free
Silence: Broadstone Shed- talk by the artist, Pamela de Brí
Pamela de Brí will give a presentation on her Exhibition of photographs and videos taken
from an abandoned railway shed in Broadstone, Dublin, originally the headquarters of the
Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR), built in 1845, closed in 1937.
Venue: Kildare Town Community Library
Date: Friday 28th August
Time: 18.30, Admission: Free
Saturday 29th August
The night before the Battle of Ovidstown 1798
Newtown Community Group presents an evening of stories, songs, poems, dance and life in 1798 to
commemorate the night before the Battle of Ovidstown.
Venue: Newtown Village, Newtown, Enfield
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 6pm
Telephone: 087 2331790
Who do you think you are?
Mario Corrigan presents an introductory guide to tracing your family tree.
Venue: Celbridge Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am
Email: celbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
Storming the Dardanelles
Talk on “Storming the Dardanelles: Kildare men in the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915-1916” by Kildare’s
Historian-in-Residence, Mr. James Durney.
Venue: Newbridge Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am
Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
Christ Church, Celbridge: Architects, Builders, Designers
A pop-up exhibition on the work of Sir Thomas Drew and S.H. Bolton, architect and builder of Christ
Church, as well as the Shaw family, mill owners and major contributors to the building. Drew was a
leading architect who specialised in church architecture and in the design of church fittings and
furniture. Bolton was a leading Dublin builder also with interests in design and production. Free guided
tours or browse at your leisure. Children welcome, refreshments served.
Venue: Church of Ireland, Celbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11.30am – 5.30pm
Telephone: 087 1196161
Email: johnwhlougheed@gmail.com
Childrens Tour of Castletown House
Dress up or wear our aprons, dresses and waistcoats as you see the stables, museum rooms and the
Berkeley toy and costume collection. Event for under 12’s, adult supervision required. Booking
Required.
Venue: Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11 – 11.45 am
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Parkland Walk - Castletown
A guided walk of Castletown featuring gate lodges, bridges, temple, ice house and a lake with an
abundance of wild life in the heart of the Liffey Valley.
Venue: Visitor Reception, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 3pm – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Ireland’s First Sporting Hero – Dan Donnelly
Presentation by Mario Corrigan on Dan Donnelly (March 1788 – February 1820) was a professional
boxing pioneer and the first Irish-born Heavyweight Champion.
Venue: Naas Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am
Email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
National Irish Draught Show
Showcasing Ireland’s native breed of horse. An opportunity to see some of the best examples of the
Irish Draught compete both in hand and under saddle.
Venue: Punchestown Racecourse, Naas
Admission: Adult: €5, Child: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 10am – 6pm
Telephone: 044 9661199
Email: idhba@eircom.net
Curragh Local History Group Open Day & Lecture
Curragh Local History Group Open Day is a unique opportunity to visit the museum free of charge.
Discover fascinating artefacts relating to the history of the Curragh Camp and many unique items. This
year also marks the 200th anniversary of the great fight that took place in Donnellys Hollow between
Dan Donnelly and George Cooper and an illustrated talk will be given by local historians Marty Kinsella
and Matt Duffy on the day.
Venue: Old Band Hall, The Curragh Camp
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am – 3pm
Web: www.curragh.info
National Autumn Poultry Sale
Bring and Buy Sale of poultry, poultry equipment and other feathered birds. Beautiful walk in an 18th
Century parkland garden and walled garden with follies and a lake set in 60 acres.
Venue: Larchill Gardens
Admission: Adults: €6
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6287354
Email: delascas@indigo.ie
Our National Heritage
A workshop to explore the natural heritage of the local area and the importance of natural heritage.
Venue: Naas Community Library
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 11am
Email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
Petty’s Down Survey – Ballymore Eustace
Talk on Petty’s Down Survey 1655-1656 as it relates to an older Ballymore Eustace Bridge, which will
take place at the site of the ‘Petty’s Bridge Abutment’ to the present Ballymore Eustace Liffey Bridge.
Venue: Liffey Bridge, Ballymore Eustace
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday 29th August 4pm
Email: thosdeegan@gmail.com
Sunday 30th August
Christ Church, Celbridge: Architects, Builders, Designers
A pop-up exhibition on the work of Sir Thomas Drew and S.H. Bolton, architect and builder of Christ
Church, as well as the Shaw family, mill owners and major contributors to the building. Drew was
a leading architect who specialised in church architecture and in the design of church fittings and
furniture. Bolton was a leading Dublin builder also with interests in design and production. Free
guided tours or browse at your leisure. Children welcome, refreshments served.
Venue: Church of Ireland, Celbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 2 – 5.30pm
Telephone: 087 1196161
Email: johnwhlougheed@gmail.com
CANCELLED
South Kildare Medieval Festival
The Medieval Festival will be an immersive experience in history and archaeology where sights and
sounds and unpleasant smells of the past will transport people back in time! Exhibitions
showcasing medieval and cultural heritage through programme of living history displays, walking
tours, workshops, pop-up museum, find that skeleton, massive medieval games, demonstrations
and much more mayhem. A fun day for all!!!
Venue: Emily Square, Athy
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 10.30am – 4.30pm
Medieval Castledermot
Dr. Sharon Greene will lead the group on a walk and talk to the key site in medieval Castledermot,
where its remarkable history will be explained.
Venue: St. James’s Church of Ireland, Castledermot
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 3pm – 5pm
Telephone: 087 7990867
Email@ sgreendouglas@gmail.com
The Gatehouse Open Day, Celbridge
An opportunity to view the conservation work of the Irish Landmark Trust. Enjoy a self-guided tour
of this restored 18th Century gate lodge which is now available as holiday accommodation.
Venue: The Gatehouse, Celbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 10am – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6704733
Email: caroline@irishlandmark.com
The Batty Langley Lodge Open Day, Celbridge
An opportunity to view the conservation work of the Irish Landmark Trust. Enjoy a self-guided tour
of this restored romantic18th Century gate lodge which is now available as holiday accommodation.
Venue: The Batty Langley Lodge, Celbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 10am – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6704733
Email: caroline@irishlandmark.com
The Round House Open Day, Celbridge
An opportunity to view the conservation work of the Irish Landmark Trust. Enjoy a self-guided tour
of this restored 18th Century gate lodge which is now available as holiday accommodation.
Venue: The Round House, Celbridge
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 10am – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6704733
Email: caroline@irishlandmark.com
Country Market and Craft Fair, Castletown House
Country Market and Craft Fair
Venue: Courtyard, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 10am – 5pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Music at the Market with the Ballymore Eustace Brass and Reed Band
The Ballymore Eustace Brass and Reed Band entertain outside Castletown’s Country Market and
Craft Fair
Venue: Courtyard, Stable Wing, Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 2 – 4pm
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Brigid’s Way Along the Canal
A 16-20km walk of enchantment and beauty in Kildare from Robertstown, along the canal to
Donadea Forest Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Brigid’s Way and learn about the canal.
Cars will be left in Donadea Forest Park (€5 per car) at 2.30sharpe. A bus will leave at 14.30 take us
to Robertstown to start the walk at 15.00. Booking is essential to secure place on the bus – cost of
bus (€5 per adult and €3 per child).
Venue: Donadea Forest Park Car Park
Admission: Adults: €5, Children: €3
Date: Sunday 30th August 2.30– 7pm
Email: info@brigidsway.ie
Tel: 087 4677632
Hill of Allen Guided Tour
Paddy Behan from Naas Local History Group will lead a guided tour of the Aylmer Tower at the Hill
of Allen.
Venue: Hill of Allen car park
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 3pm
Telephone: 089 4906802
20 Years of Allenwood Community Development Association
Join us in a pictorial journey spanning back 20 years of ACDAL, visit the site of the former ESB
Power Station and enjoy a nature walk out in the nature reserve at the rear of the Enterprise
Centre.
Venue: Michael Fitzpatrick Enterprise Centre
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 3.30 – 4.30pm
Telephone: 045 870804
Childrens Tour of Castletown House
Dress up or wear our aprons, dresses and waistcoats as you see the stables, museum rooms and
the Berkeley toy and costume collection. Event for under 12’s, adult supervision required. Booking
Required.
Venue: Castletown House
Admission: Free
Date: Sunday 30th August 11 – 11.45 am
Telephone: 01 6288252
Email: castletown@opw.ie
Additional Events not in guide
Leixlip Tidy Town Association is putting on a talk on the Wonderful Barn at the Barn off the Leixlip to
Celbridge Road on Wednesday, 26th August, coming at 7.30pm. The talk will be given by John
Colgan, himself a tidy-towner, and committee member of Leixlip History Club. The Wonderful Barn
was built in 1743 by John Glin or Glynn of Leixlip and Dublin. It is 73 feet tall and includes five
storeys.