INTRODUCTION
It’s hard to believe it, but, here we are for the 11th year with Kilkenny Kids! Over the years the directory has
expanded from being a list of activities for under 12s to its current content. This year we have again worked with
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee to produce the Childcare Services part of Kilkenny Kids! and this is
contained in the pullout section in the middle.
The pages of Kilkenny Kids! are packed with information for young people aged 0 to 18. As some children or
young people will have needs that are particular to them, please check with providers to see whether all can
participate in activities listed. Some activities included are free but others will have a charge, so please check
before you make your plans. We have included costs for some of the entries, but in most cases this hasn’t been
detailed.
Thanks to all concerned with the publication of Kilkenny Kids! this year – to our sponsors for their generosity
which makes the publication possible, and to Kendall Butler who volunteered to undertake the research and who
completed it meticulously in record time.
We hope you will enjoy this year’s edition of Kilkenny Kids! and that you find it useful. We’d be delighted to
hear from you if you have any suggestions, which might improve next year’s edition, or if you know of some
information that we haven’t included.
The aim of the booklet is to help all young people get the most out of life in Kilkenny City and County and there is
something in here for everyone so please “ENJOY!”
Kilkenny Kids! is now available online on www.kilkennycoco.ie
Kilkenny Citizens Information Centre
4 The Parade
Kilkenny
056 7762755
e-mail: kilkenny@citinfo.ie
Information correct at time of going to print
(May, 2010)
Disclaimer
Kilkenny Citizens Information Centre accepts no responsibility for the
quality of service provided by any activity listed in this booklet.
Don’t forget to check with providers to see whether children with disabilities can participate in
activities listed.
ANGLING
Angling permits and government licences
 Kilkenny
 Thomastown
Sports Shop on the Butterslip.
Simon Treacy, Hardware Shop, Market St.
Telephone: 056 7721517
Telephone: 056 7724291
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Two stocked rainbow trout fishing lakes, one for fly fishing and one for bait fishing. Fishing by
daily permit. Fishing lessons available – pre-booking required. Equipment hire and tackle
available. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fun for all the family!
Contact:
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Telephone: 056 4440707
Location:
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Website: www.discoverypark.ie
ART
Art-i-Fact Board Games for Schools
Art-i-Fact is a set of trading and gaming cards for primary school students that foster and
develop students’ interest in the contemporary visual arts.
Students aged 7 to 11 and teachers from two Kilkenny primary schools worked with the Butler
Gallery Collection and artist, Andrew Snyder, over a four month period in 2008 to create images
for art cards. Art-i-Fact art cards are now available for use by all primary schools.
Contact:
Location:
Jean Tormey, Education Curator
Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle
Telephone: 056 7761106
e-mail: jean@butlergallery.com
Art with DiDi – Young Artists’ Studio
Fun art on Saturdays for children aged 5 to 12.
Paint! Draw! Learn Perspective! Get dirty with clay and papier maché! Collage! Glass paint!
Print! and Design your own t-shirt!
Oil painting during the week for children aged 10 to 18.
Learn to draw in perspective, train the eye to see more, learn different painting techniques,
ranging from pure realism to abstract.
Contact:
Location:
DiDi
172 The Sycamores, Freshford Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 056 7770534
Website: www.didisart.com
Artist in Residence in Primary Schools
The Butler Artist in Residence in Primary Schools programme aims to introduce teachers and
their students to creative ideas and methods of exploration, communication and
experimentation in the contemporary arts that can be applied to the relevant art strands in the
primary school curriculum.
The programme allows for 20 hours contact time with students over a period of weeks, as
agreed by artists and participating schools. It is co-funded and co-ordinated by the Butler
Gallery and takes place in April and May each year.
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Contact:
Location:
Jean Tormey, Education Curator
Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle
Telephone: 056 7761106
e-mail: jean@butlergallery.com
Blackbird Gallery
Children
For children aged 5 to 7. This class will cover colour mixing, painting, printing, 3D construction
works, collage and art appreciation.
For children aged 8 to 12. This stress buster class is designed to develop the child's self esteem
regardless of their artistic abilities. The class is designed to run in six-week blocks and covers
the following, painting, print, photography, montage, animation and art appreciation.
Teenagers
This course covers drawing, painting, printing, animation including comic and Manga. It is
designed to produce work good enough to include in portfolios. Our aim is to provide a creative
space where teenagers can develop their self-esteem and confidence.
Classes run continuously so you can join at any time and pay by the month or for however
many classes are left in the month you join.
Telephone: 056 7762050
Location:
18 William Street, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7843015
e-mail: info@theblackbirdgallery.com
See also Summer Camps.
Website: www.theblackbirdgallery.com
Butler Gallery Talks and Tours
The Butler Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle. It holds
exhibitions by Irish and International artists throughout the year. The Gallery also runs an
extensive education and outreach programme, including free tailored gallery talks for all age
groups. Call the Gallery to discuss the needs of your group and book a tour. All welcome.
Opening hours: 10am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm.
Contact:
Location:
Pauline Swaine, Gallery Facilitator
Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle
Telephone: 056 7761106
e-mail: pauline@butlergallery.com
Castlerín Studios and Workshops
Practical mosaic workshops by professional mosaic artists.
Contact:
Contact:
Location:
Jen Castle
Katarina Matejcikova
The Studio, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 9836342
Telephone: 086 0536932
heART
Creative art classes for children aged 8 to 12.
Contact:
Location:
Alice Bennett
21 Richview, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 086 1961012
Kathy’s Krafts
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Activities include papermaking and paper craft, face painting, card-making, magic tricks, fun
with clay and much, much more. Birthday parties, activities and packs available. After school
classes in knitting, art and crafts, as well as classes for adults. Workshops in sewing,
patchwork, jewellery making, art and craft, seasonal themes for everyone. Meet me and see
my work at MacDonagh Junction Craft Fair, the first Sunday of every month.
Contact:
Location:
Kathy
Kilkenny City
Telephone: 086 8300985
e-mail: kathyd61168@gmail.com
Website: www.kathyskraftskilkenny.weebly.com
Loughboy Library
Newly revamped Loughboy Library provides a bright airy exhibition space free of charge for
group and solo shows as part of its outreach activities. It also hosts a programme of childrens’
author visits throughout the year and runs a hugely successful Summer Reading Challenge
annually. For opening times, see Libraries in this book.
Location:
Loughboy Shopping Centre, Waterford Rd
Telephone: 056 7794176
e-mail: loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie
Website: www.kilkennylibrary.ie
Solas Family Workshops
Solas, the Butler Gallery’s long running family activity provides access to and engagement with
exhibitions at the gallery for young people. Led by artists Jean Conroy and Jenny Dunne, it is
aimed at children aged 5 to 12. Artists discuss the work on display with participating children,
while encouraging a response to the work using a variety of materials. No experience
necessary. Booking essential. Selected Sundays throughout the year, 11am-12.30pm. Call to
add your name to our database and receive notification of Solas Workshops.
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Pauline Swaine
Telephone: 056 7761106
Location:
Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle
e-mail: pauline@butlergallery.com
ATHLETICS
Kilkenny City Harriers Juvenile and Senior Athletics Club
The Club offers training and competition in track and field events and cross-country. Suitable
for children aged 7 upwards. Training Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm-8.30pm, and Saturday
11am-1pm.
Contact:
Location:
Sean Lynch
Scanlon Park, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7765737
St Senan’s Athletic Club
The Juvenile Club caters for children aged 7 to 17. It offers training and competition in track
and field events and cross-country. Facilities include 400m-floodlit running track. Training
Monday and Wednesday 7pm-8pm.
Telephone: 086 8100299
Contact:
Pam
Telephone: 051 885684
Bill
e-mail: info@stsenansac.com
Location:
Kilmacow Sports Complex
Website: www.stsenansac.com
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The Watershed
400 metre outdoor running track, Astroturf pitches, full size soccer pitch, 13,000 sq ft multi
sports arena.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
Scanlon Park
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
BADMINTON
Kilkenny Junior Badminton Association
There are ten junior clubs in Kilkenny County. The season runs from September to Easter.
Suitable for children from age 8.
Telephone: 051 647185
Contact:
Martin Madden
Telephone: 087 2843106
Schools Badminton
Secondary Schools only.
Contact:
Heather Sharman
Telephone: 086 3568315
Mooncoin Badminton Club
Suitable for children.
Contact:
Patricia Kelly
Telephone: 087 7693525
Location:
Parish Hall, Mooncoin
BASKETBALL
Club Kilkenny
A club for boys and girls aged 7 to 16. Coaching clinics on Wednesday 8pm-9pm for girls only
and Friday 6pm-7pm for boys only. Season runs from September to April.
Contact:
Location:
Joan Knaggs
Telephone: 056 7761062
Joan Slattery
Telephone: 056 7762726
St Canice’s Community Hall, Grange’s Rd, Kilkenny
For details of basketball clubs with junior teams:
Contact:
Teresa Walshe
(Kilkenny County Basketball Board Secretary)
Telephone: 056 7728480
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS (BBBS)
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)
This is an internationally renowned youth mentoring programme that forms friendships
between a young person and an adult volunteer.
Contact:
Michelle Power
Location:
The DRUM, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny
BOUNCY CASTLES
Bouncy Castle Man
Contact:
Location:
Tom Delaney
Radestown, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 7805202
Website: www.bbbsireland.ie
Telephone: 056 7722656
Telephone: 086 8560029
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Mooncoin Bouncy Castles
Bouncy castles for hire.
Contact:
Location:
Stephen Croke
Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3719356
BOXING
Callan Boxing Club
Suitable from age 7. Training Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-9pm. Won twelve county titles and
three Leinster titles 2009, competing for Irish titles.
Contact:
Location:
Jimmy Walsh
Old Technical School, Clonmel Rd, Callan
Telephone: 056 7725528
Marble City Boxing Club
Suitable from age 9. Training Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7pm-9pm.
Contact:
Location:
Ross Kehoe
Good Shepherd Centre, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2757372
Paulstown Boxing Club
Suitable from age 9. Training Tuesday and Thursday 7pm. September to May.
Contact:
Location:
Ollie O'Neill
Paulstown Community Centre
Telephone: 087 6153081
CAMOGIE
Camogie
Available throughout the County. Check with your local GAA Club.
See also Hurling.
CANOEING
Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club
Canoe club with something to suit everyone from beginners to experts. Courses for beginners
and improvers. Members must be able to swim. Activities include canoe polo, wild water, rodeo,
surfing and marathon racing. Suitable from age 10 yrs. Most activities run from May to
September. Check activities on the website.
Contact:
Location:
Roger McClure
Green’s Bridge Slipway, accessed from
Telephone: 086 3809900
City side of Bridge, Kilkenny City.
e-mail: roger@bluewall.ie
Website: www.kilkennyaquacanoeclub.wordpress.com
Thomastown Paddlers
Thomastown Paddlers are a competitive club and training and racing play a major part in the
club’s activities. They enter most of the races organised by the Irish Canoe Union. The Club
operates all year round. Members must be able to swim. Beginners are welcome Tuesday
nights from April to September. Those under 16 should have parental support.
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This club is a non-profit making organisation with all charges kept to a minimum.
Contact: Donnacha Brennan
Telephone: 056 7754721
Email: thomastownpaddlers@gmail.com
Website: www.thomastownpaddlers.com
CASTLES
Kilkenny Castle
A 12th century castle, remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parkland. Was the
principal seat of the Butler family. Two wings of the Castle have been restored to their 19th
century splendour and include a library, drawing room and the magnificent long gallery. The
final phase of restoration is complete and includes a state of the art conference centre which is
situated in one of the castle’s 12th century towers. The River wing also houses the Butler
Gallery of contemporary art.
Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and gardens only. Please note that this is a
very busy site and visitors may experience delay during the summer months. Groups with more
than 10 people need to pre-book. Photography/filming not permitted.
Opening hours:
October to February 9.30am-4.30pm
March 9.30am-5pm
April and May 9.30am-5.30pm
June to August 9.00am-5.30pm
September 9.30am-5.30pm
Closed Good Friday. Check with site for opening arrangements over Christmas and
New Year.
Cost:
Contact:
Child/Student €2.50, Adults €6.00, Senior Citizens/Group (20+ persons) €4.00,
Family rate €14.00
Telephone: 056 7704106
John Burke, Booking Officer
e-mail: izabel.pennec@opw.ie
Website: kilkennycastle@opw.ie
CAVES
Dunmore Cave
Fascinating limestone cave. Viewing by guided tour only. Visitor centre and tea room.
Opening hours:
March to mid-June 9.30am-5pm
mid-June to mid-September 9.30am-6.30pm
mid-September to October 9.30am-5pm
November to March Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-5pm.
Last admission one hour before closing.
Cost:
Location:
Child/Student €1, Adults €3, Senior Citizens and Groups €2, Family rate €8.
10km north of Kilkenny, just off the Castlecomer Road (N78).
Telephone: 056 7767726
CHESS
Chess School Polimac Kilkenny
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Chess School Polimac Kilkenny is the most successful chess school in Ireland. Over 2,500
children aged 6 to 12 learned how to play chess under coaching of Kilkenny based Chess
Master Darko Polimac from Croatia. We offer chess lessons in primary schools, private chess
lessons, individual chess lessons and chess programme for children with special needs. We
help to make your children smarter.
Contact:
Darko Polimac
Telephone: 087 2173906
Website: www.chessschoolpolimac.com
CHURCHES
All churches in Kilkenny City and County welcome children. The following list is just a sample of
what is available in the City.
Kilkenny Methodist Church
Sunday Service 11.30am (June, July and August 11am). Crèche for children aged 0 to 2.
Sunday school for children aged 3 to 12 during service.
Contact:
Location:
Bryan Harper
William St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7769165
Telephone: 087 2785675
Kilkenny Presbyterian Church
Crèche available for children aged 0 to 2 during Sunday Service.
Weekly Sunday school for children aged 3 to 10. Inter-denominational Bible Club (school term
only) on Thursday 3pm-4.30pm for children aged 5 to 8 and on Friday 3pm-5pm for children
aged 8 to 11.
Mother and Toddler Group: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am.
Bible Club for Teenagers: Saturday 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Contact:
William Harper
Contact:
Location:
Colleen Harper (Friday Bible Club only)
New Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056
Telephone: 087
Telephone: 056
Telephone: 087
See also Youth Clubs.
7761023
2304715
7727159
2025784
St Canice’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
Family Service, every second Sunday of the month. Sunday school every first, third and fourth
Sunday, during school term, for children aged 4 to 14.
Contact:
Location:
Dean of Ossory
Coach Road, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764971 (Cathedral)
e-mail: info@stcanicescathedral.com
Website: www.stcanicescathedral.com
St Fiacre’s (Catholic)
Children’s Mass every Sunday during Lent and Advent at 10.30am.
Contact:
Parish Office
Mary Slattery
Telephone: 056 7764400
Telephone: 056 7762226
St John’s (Catholic)
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Children’s Mass some Saturdays at 6.30pm from October to June. Practice is on Tuesday in the
church basement, 5.45pm-7pm.
Contact:
Location:
Fr Frank Purcell/Phil Curran
Dublin Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7721072
St John’s (Church of Ireland)
Family Service second Sunday of the month. Sunday school for children aged 3 to 12 every
Sunday, except second Sunday of the month. Sunday school not available during school
holidays.
Contact:
Location:
Shirley Parr
John St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764540
St Patrick’s (Catholic)
Youth choir practice before 12.30pm Mass from September to Easter.
Choir and liturgy group suitable for ages 12 to 18 yrs and young adults.
Contact:
Location:
Michelle O’Connor, Parish Office
College Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764400
Victory Christian Centre (Non-Denominational)
Join us for one of Kilkenny’s liveliest and up-beat weekly events for kids. We offer an amazing
multimedia experience where kids can learn about God in a new, fresh, modern way that is
relevant to their needs. Meet the puppets – Sally, Robbie, the Bully and Rovercomer the dog
too. Every Sunday at 11am sharp. Parent and Toddler room available, with play area.
Contact:
Location:
Frank & Miriam Copeland
36 Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 1644039
Website: www.victorykilkenny.com
www.bebo.com/victorykilkenny
CINEMA
Kilkenny Cineplex
Kids Club every Saturday and Sunday. Times may vary, usually 12.00pm or 12.15pm. Check
local press. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Cost:
€2.50 for adults and children.
Location:
Fair Green, Kilkenny
Telephone: 0818 719719
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Course
Ten week course for Transition Year and Senior Cycle Students. Includes interview preparation,
mock interviews, public speaking and oral presentation work. Etiquette and good manners,
verbal and non-verbal communication. Places limited, early booking advisable.
Contact:
Ann O’Grady
See also Drama.
Telephone: 056 7765282
COMPUTERS
Libraries (see opening hours later in this booklet)
Internet access is free to library members - booking is advisable. There is a €3 charge for nonmembers per ½ hour session.
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Ossory Youth Information
Computer and internet drop-in centre. Computer access, school projects, CVs and practice.
Help is available.
Telephone: 056 7761200
Location:
New St, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@ossoryyouth.com
Text: 085 7211131
Teach Mhuire
Computer camp from age 5 yrs. Saturdays. Contact for details.
Contact:
Location:
Margaret Meaney
Main St, Gowran, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 0889563
DANCE
Dancewise Academy
Kilkenny Class: Dancewise Studios, Newpark Shopping Centre, Kilkenny
Mondays. Ages 4 to 10: 6.30pm-7.30pm. 10 yrs upwards: 7.30pm-8.30pm.
Castlecomer Class: Castlecomer Community Hall, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Wednesdays. Ages 4 to 10: 6pm-7pm. 10yrs upwards: 7pm-8pm.
Dancewise Studios opening soon! New class schedule in Dancewise Studios to include kids,
teenagers and adult classes.
Contact:
Michele
Telephone: 086 3714029
Evelyn White School of Irish Dancing
Classes available for children from age 4 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Evelyn White ADCRG
Castlecomer Community Hall – Monday 2pm-5pm
CBS Primary School, Kilkenny – Thursday 3pm-6pm
Telephone: 086 1013910
Telephone: 056 7762609
Hip Hop
Hip Hop classes, all the latest moves, classes held in Kilkenny City and Graiguenamanagh.
Contact:
April Coady
Telephone: 051 422485
Telephone: 087 7999166
The Kilkenny Academy of Dance
Classes in modern, tap, hip hop, free jazz and classical ballet from age 3½ yrs. Bi-annual shows
performed by the dance school students in the Watergate Theatre. Fully qualified and
registered teachers of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Offer exams in all
disciplines under the ISTD. Classes from September to end June.
Contact:
Location:
Principal – Sinead Keaskin (AISTD-Dip and ALAM)
Kilkenny School Project, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 087 8369144
The Watershed
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Modern hip hop dance classes as a form of exercise for children and teenagers.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
Stage Stars Performance Arts School
Theatre, hip hop, tap, drama, jazz, voice and more.
Contact:
Location:
April Coady
Telephone: 087 7999166
Kilkenny City, Goresbridge, Thomastown, Stoneyford and The Rower
Watershed
Modern hip hop dance classes as a form of exercise for children and teenagers.
Location:
Telephone: 056 7734620
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
The Watershed, Scanlon Park
DENTAL HEALTH
Callan Dental Practice (see advertisement in this booklet)
Child friendly dental practice, specially designed to put your child at ease. We understand the
importance of ensuring your child has a happy, positive dental experience and does not develop
a fear of going to the dentist. Our dentists are kind and gentle and are skilled in the latest
‘Gentle Dental’ techniques. Specialist sedation for nervous patients; ceiling mounted TV
screens. After school and Saturday appointments available. Free Parent advice evenings –
Techniques and advice to maintain your child’s teeth health for life.
Contact:
Location:
Dr Jacqueline Bracken
Callan, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7706820
Website: www.KilkennyDental.ie
DRAMA
Barnstorm Theatre Company
Barnstorm Theatre Company is Ireland’s leading producer of professional theatre for children
and young people. The company has built up a strong reputation for high quality, innovative
styles of theatre for young audiences. Based in Kilkenny, Barnstorm tours its productions all
over Ireland, as well as playing locally in both the Watergate Theatre and its own theatre
venue, The Barn.
Barnstorm also runs a vibrant Outreach and Education programme providing both access and
training in theatre/drama to communities and individuals across Kilkenny City and County.
Contact:
Location:
Vincent Dempsey, General Manager
Anna Galligan, Outreach and Education
Barnstorm Theatre Co, Church Lane, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 056 7751266
e-mail: info@barnstorm.ie
Website: www.barnstorm.ie
Devious Theatre Company
Local theatre company Devious Theatre are offering a 1 week creative drama course in radio
production for 10 to 14 year olds. The course develops skills in the area of acting, devising,
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playwriting and sound engineering which will result in the recording of a radio play made by the
participants. The final product will be available for broadcast and podcast. The courses can be
booked for any community location.
Contact:
Email:
Ken Maguire
John Morton
info@devioustheatre.com
Telephone: 086 1048491
Telephone: 086 4063593
Website: www.devioustheatre.com
Dreamstuff Youth Theatre
This theatre production company performs at least two full-length plays each year at the
Watergate Theatre; most recent productions were Sword in the Stone and The Mouse that
roared. Casting is normally each September for their December play and January for their April
play. Suitable for age 13 to 20 yrs. Junior section for age 8-12 yrs meet Tuesday 2pm-6pm.
Contact:
Location:
Angela Barrett
St Joseph’s, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
See also Film.
Telephone: 056 7764677
e-mail: angelabarrett@yifm.com
Website: www.yifm.com
Jesters Stage Academy
Jesters is a stage school established in 1998. Students participate in the various disciplines
involved in stage performance including singing, dancing, acting and general stage craft in a
fun, yet educational way, while also enhancing social and personal skills. It caters for students
age 5 to 18 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Olivia
Niamh
Scout’s Den, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 2732022
Telephone: 086 2663727
Kilkenny Youth Theatre (KYT)
Kilkenny Youth Theatre runs a vibrant programme of theatre workshops, performances and
training for young people. KYT has its home at Barnstorm, Kilkenny’s professional theatre
company; a fun, friendly and exciting environment in which to experience theatre. Weekly
workshops for both 10 to 12 and 13 to 18 yr olds, explore a vast array of acting and
performance skills, as well as directing, writing, lighting and more. All activities are led by
professional facilitators.
Contact:
Location:
Anna Galligan, KYT Artistic Director
Telephone: 056 7751266
e-mail: outreach@barnstorm.ie
Barnstorm Theatre Co, Church Lane, Kilkenny
Website: www.barnstorm.ie
Speech and Drama
A confidence building course with emphasis on correct speech (diction work) and public
speaking, but also involves a wide variety of other aspects such as drama, puppet theatre,
mime, characterisation, improvisation and lots of fun. Suitable for children from first class to
sixth class. Speech examinations also available.
Contact:
Ann O’Grady
Telephone: 056 7765282
Starlight Stage Productions
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Kilkenny’s brightest performing arts school. Starlight runs classes in four locations, Castlecomer,
Callan, Carlow and our home base at Wallslough Village, Bennettsbridge Road (five minutes
from Kilkenny City). The classes which consist of singing, drama and dance cater for students
age 4 to 7 yrs, 8 to 11 yrs and 11 to 14 yrs. The school has been running for six years and has
staged a number of big stage musicals, as well as variety shows and has taken part in other
events.
Contact:
Jason or Sharon
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 085 7705239
Website: www.starlightstageproductions.com
DRUG AWARENESS
Mooncoin Parish Drug Awareness Programme
Mooncoin Parish Drug Awareness Programme under the auspices of the Irish Bishop’s Drug
Initiative. Meeting Mondays 7pm to 9pm in the Boys National School Mooncoin (October to
May). Training courses in October for Post Primary students in transition year and fifth year
living in the Mooncoin catchment area. These trained students run a peer education
programme entitled ‘Drug Awareness and Healthy Life Choices’ for confirmation classes in
Mooncoin Parish.
Contact:
David Conway
Christine Kelly
Boys National School, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3668296
Telephone: 087 6970083
Location:
DYSLEXIA
The Dyslexia Association Ireland (DAI) aims to promote awareness of Specific Learning
Disability (SLD/Dyslexia) and to serve the needs of people with this difficulty. The DAI provides
a free information service to the public as well as other services.
Local branches act as parent support groups, provide information and run out-of-school
facilities (Workshops) for children. Membership of the Association is open to anyone concerned
with promoting the treatment and prevention of the problems of SLD/Dyslexia.
Contact:
Dyslexia Association
Telephone: 01 6790276
Location:
Suffolk Chambers, 1 Suffolk St, Dublin 2
Website: www.dyslexia.ie
ENABLE IRELAND – KILKENNY (O’NEILL CENTRE)
Enable Ireland Kilkenny Services provides early intervention services to children with a range of
disabilities - physical, sensory and learning. Services are provided in a specialised centre by the
multi- and inter-disciplinary team working in partnership with parents/carers.
Services provided include Special Pre-School, Family Support services, Physiotherapy,
Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Hydrotherapy and Transport, Paediatric
Clinics, Psychology Services, Parents Support Groups, Assistive Technology and Postural
Management.
Contact:
Location:
Lucy Dooley
Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre,
St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7762326
e-mail: ldooley@enableireland.ie
FARMS
Nore Valley Park Open Farm
13
A fun and educational day out with a variety of activities, including bottle-feeding baby animals,
bouncing in straw, crazy golf, pedal go-karts and playground. Crazy golf available as group
activity only. There is also a picnic area and a tea room. Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt a
week before Easter – a challenge for children and adults. Open from beginning of March until
end October, Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm. Closed Sunday. Annual and weekly membership
now available.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€5.50/person for entry only. Some activities extra.
Samuel and Isobel Harper
Telephone: 056 7727229
Annamult (signposted Nore Valley
e-mail: norevalleypark@eircom.net
Park Farm), Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny Website: www.norevalleypark.com
FILM
Young Irish Film Makers
A youth film training and production organisation based in Kilkenny City. Produces feature films
for television. Shot every summer during school holidays. New ten-week technical filmmaking
programme will begin in September 2010 and January 2011 concentrating on short films and
suitable age 13 to 20 yrs.
Contact:
Angela Walsh / Mike Kelly
Telephone: 056 7764677
e-mail: mike@yifm.com or ang@yifm.com
St Joseph’s Studio, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
Website: www.yifm.com
Location:
FIRST AID
First Aid Courses for Childcare
Paediatric First Aid courses.
Occupational First Aid courses tailored specifically for the needs of child care (FETAC, Level 5
accreditation). Three-day programme. Occupational First Aid Refresher course. Irish Heart
Foundation Heart Saver CPR and Heart Saver AED courses. Fire extinguisher training and fire
warden courses. Manual handling courses on request.
First Aid Instructor/Examiner. Irish Heart Foundation Instructor. Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT).
Contact:
Location:
Michael Kinsella
Courses at your location or
an agreed venue.
Telephone: 087 2729794
e-mail: lifesavertraining@hotmail.com
Order of Malta Cadet Group
Meet on Friday evenings from 6.45pm-8pm.
Contact:
Location:
Lloyd McGree
Telephone: 087 6160505
St John’s Day Care Centre, beside St John’s Church
FITNESS
The Watershed
Weekly activities including teen boxercise, teen basketball and kids club.
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7734620
e-mail: info@watershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
14
GIRL GUIDES
Kilkenny County Girl Guides
Ladybirds for age 5 to 7 yrs; Brownies for age 6½ to 11 yrs;
Guides for age 10½ to 16 yrs; Senior branch for 15 to 26 yrs;
Adult leaders.
For details of your local group meetings:
Contact:
Mary Lawlor
Margaret Patterson
Telephone: 056 7751162
Telephone: 087 2215067
See Also Scouting Ireland.
GOLF
Carrigleade Golf Course
18 hole golf course, par 58. Open to children from age 6 yrs, if accompanied by an adult.
Open every day during daylight hours. Equipment hire available.
Contact:
Location:
Dan Galavan
Bridie
Carrigleade Cross, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 059 9724370
Telephone: 087 2569012
Telephone: 087 6290713
Juvenile Membership
The following golf clubs have juvenile membership. There may be different grades of
membership available.
Club
Callan
Castlecomer
Kilkenny*
Mountain View, Ballyhale
Telephone
056 7725136
056 4441139
056 7765400
056 7768122
*Primary 8 to 12 yrs, Juvenile 12 to 16 yrs, Junior 16 to 18 yrs.
Lacken Pitch and Putt
18 holes. Suitable for children from age 10 yrs. Open 7 days. Clubs available for hire. Opening
hours for children, not accompanied by an adult, are 10am-6pm.
Membership: Juveniles age 10 to 16 yrs €25, Adults €50, Families €90
Green fees: Juveniles €2, Adults €5
Contact:
Location:
Paddy Grace
Telephone: 056 7763440
St Canice’s Hospital Grounds, Dublin Rd, Kilkenny Telephone: 085 7131026
Newpark Golf Driving Range
Suitable from age 10 yrs, must be accompanied by an adult. Lessons available from golf pro.
Open:
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
Monday to Friday 10am-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm.
€10/large basket, €5/small basket
Breda or Owen Phelan
Telephone: 056 7752205
Keith Mongan (golf pro)
Telephone: 086 1903022
Newpark, Kilkenny
15
GYMNASTICS
Kilkenny Gymnastics Club
Suitable for age 4 to 16 yrs. Friday 3pm-6pm (one hour coaching) during School term.
Contact:
Location:
Catriona Foley
Telephone: 086 3768975
St Canice’s Community Hall, Grange’s Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
HOMEWORK CLUBS
Fr McGrath Centre
Homework club open to local community. Primary and Secondary school children. Monday to
Thursday afternoons. Adult volunteers always needed.
Contact:
Location:
Karen Todd or Georgina Brady
Family Resource Centre, St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7751988
Telephone: 087 6567613
Fountain of Knowledge
Personalised tuition for children falling behind in their school work in English and Maths.
Suitable from age 6. Classes on Saturdays in conjunction with school cycle and limited to four
children per qualified teacher.
Telephone: 086 1599996
Contact:
Monica Kelly
e-mail: kkfountainofknowledge@eircom.net
Kumon Maths and English programmes (see advertisement in this booklet)
For children of all ages and abilities, whether they're high-flyers, struggling or just in need of a
boost, Kumon individually prepared programmes in Maths and English continue throughout the
year to build skills and confidence – all the way from spelling and counting to Leaving Cert and
beyond. Initial registration fee €40; Monthly subject fee: €80
Telephone: 056 7726769
Contact:
Sue Townsin
e-mail: kilkenny@kumoncentre.ie
Website: www.kumon.ie
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre (see advertisement in this booklet)
After school programmes for Primary School children Monday to Friday 2pm-5.30pm,
Homework support, snack and variety of fun activities.
Contact:
Location:
Louise Nolan
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre
Telephone: 056 7723309
See also Summer Camps.
HORSE RIDING
Irish Pony Club
The Irish Pony Club offers instruction and training in riding and horse/pony care and they
organise annual Summer Camps. Annual membership €90.00.
Contact:
Location:
Mary Fitzpatrick
National Office, Freshford
Telephone: 056 8832966
Kilkenny County branches are:
16
Branch
Kilkenny Hunt Branch
North Kilkenny Branch
Warrington Pony Club
Contact
Telephone
Sylvester Ryan
059 9724854/ 086 8206860
Austin Finn
086 2541425
Jackie O’Shaughnessy
083 3105532
Kilkenny Topflight Equestrian Centre
Facilities include an all weather outdoor arena, an indoor arena, café and a well stocked shop.
Trekking available seven days a week. Full cross-country course. Home of Warrington Pony
Club. Group or individual lessons available for children from age 6. Livery available. Five day
Summer Camps available for children from age 6.
Contact:
Location:
Ann and Tom Moloney
Warrington, Kilkenny (off the Bennettsbridge Rd)
Telephone: 056 7722682
Fax: 056 7770792
Mount Juliet
The equestrian centre provides over sixteen miles of bridle-paths within this beautiful mature
country estate, two outdoor arenas and cross-country. Lessons available in flatwork,
showjumping, cross-country and trail-riding. Group or individual lessons from 6 yrs. Six
lessons for the price of five, if block booked for regular children coming once weekly.
Contact:
Location:
Jennifer Reid
Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7773025
Telephone: 086 3833037
e-mail: equestrian@mountjuliet.ie
Nuenna Farm Equestrian Centre
Offers an indoor and outdoor arena and an extensive cross-country course. Home to North
Kilkenny Pony Club and Nuenna Farm Riding Club. Private and group tuition available from age
7 yrs. Summer Camps available.
Contact:
Gillian Maher
Telephone: 056 8832614
Location:
Kilkenny Rd, Freshford, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2786684
HURLING
For details of your local club’s activities contact the Club Secretary.
Club
Dicksboro
James Stephens
O’Loughlin Gaels
Contact
Donal Carroll
Anne Tynan (camogie)
Val Malone, PRO
Margaret Hanlon
For information on youth activities:
Contact:
Val Malone, PRO
John Comerford, Development Officer,
County Board
Telephone
086 2865241
087 6838061
086 8975665
087 2298028
Telephone: 086 8975665
Telephone: 087 4139603
See also Summer Camps Display advertisement in this booklet.
INFORMATION
Kilkenny Citizens Information Centre
A free and confidential information service available on a wide range of topics.
17
Location:
4 The Parade, Kilkenny
The Friary, Callan
Main St, Graiguenamanagh
c/o The Credit Union, Mooncoin
Telephone: 056 7762755
Telephone: 056 7755517
Telephone: 059 9724955
Telephone: 051 896900
Ossory Youth Information
For ages 12 to 25 – good starting point for help with any issue – careers, travel, rights, etc.
Free internet access, low cost printing.
Contact:
Jane Furey
Telephone: 056 7761200
Location:
Desart Hall, New St, Kilkenny
e-mail: jfurey@ossoryyouth.com
IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION
Sporting activities and outings organised for young adults with physical disabilities every second
Thursday. Basketball Tuesday nights, depending on weather. During Summer holidays, day
trips and horse riding available.
Contact:
Eileen Ireland
Telephone: 056 7762775
Location:
Claddagh Court, College Rd, Kilkenny
KARTING
Kiltorcan Raceway
1000 metre outdoor karting circuit and 270cc karts. Full training and safety equipment supplied.
Minimum age 10 yrs. Open six days. Closed Monday, except public holidays.
Location:
Kiltorcan, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2464872
Off the N9 half way between Kilkenny
e-mail: info@kiltorcan.com
and Waterford
Website: www.kiltorcan.com
LA LECHE LEAGUE
Breastfeeding help and support group for pregnant women and new mothers, offering a
telephone service, home visits, coffee mornings and support group meeting, second Monday of
each mth, 8pm.
Contact:
Kay Brown
Telephone: 056 7761867
Joy Harper
Telephone: 056 7765734
Kay Morrissey
Telephone: 056 7725325
Sadhbh O'Neill
Telephone: 056 7703976
Location:
St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny
LABELS AND NAME TAGS
MyStuff Labels
Label your stuff with MyStuff – personalised nametag labels so your child’s stuff comes home
too!! Our labels are ideal for labelling schoolbooks, markers, shoes, lunchboxes, school
uniforms and PE gear etc. Our stick on labels are microwave and dishwasher resistant and iron
on labels are washing machine and tumble dryer proof. MyStuff labels are so durable that
they'll probably outlast the stuff itself.
MyStuff is proud to be Irish owned, with all our products produced to order from Kilkenny.
Delivery times are short (3 to 5 business days) and better still MyStuff does not charge for
delivery. Ensure that your child’s stuff remains your stuff by labelling with MyStuff personalised
name tag labels.
18
Contact:
Location:
Deborah Brownrigg-Shields
Newhouse, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7793231
e-mail: info@mystuff.ie
Website: www.mystuff.ie
LANGUAGES
Alliance Francaise
Children’s classes run by qualified teachers. Suitable for children from age 4. Classes also
available for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert. Enrolment in September and January. Please refer
to website.
Contact:
Location:
Kevin Walsh
Junior and Leaving Cert classes at
Club House Hotel, Patrick St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7761800
e-mail: humboltaf@eircom.net
Website: www.afkilkenny.org
Hola
Hola’s classes are different, you speak and are engaged in conversation for most of the class
using role play and props to simulate common situations. The main language being taught at
present is Spanish, with further languages scheduled for later in the year.
Contact:
Location:
Valerie
4th Floor, 18 William St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7843015
e-mail: holakilkenny@gmail.com
Spanglish
Spanglish specialises in the Spanish language. With groups for children from 4 yrs, we aim for a
fun approach to education so that your child enjoys learning. Get your child started today.
Contact:
Location:
Isabel Balchada
Unit 2, Abbey Business Centre,
Abbey St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3563306
e-mail: spanglishkilkenny@yahoo.ie
Website: www.spanglishkilkenny.webs.com
LIBRARIES
Kilkenny County Library Service
Membership – Free for children. The library network of 7 branches and 1 mobile library service
all have a dedicated children’s section. A range of activities are also organised by the service
throughout the year. These include:
Summer Reading Challenge. This event for children will take place during July and
August. Organised to encourage children to read for pleasure and participate in a fun,
achievable challenge and in doing so, maintain literacy skills during the summer months.
Children’s Book Festival – This national celebration of children’s books and reading will be
held in Kilkenny County Libraries throughout the month of October with a varied and exciting
programme of events including story times, author visits and workshops.
Ongoing events:
Family story times City Library, John’s Quay (English & Polish days). Check branch for details.
Toddler Story time and craft in Castlecomer Library. Check branch for details.
ICT services
19
All the library branches provide access to the internet. This is free for members but booking is
advisable. Other resources include online access to Encyclopedia Britannica and other
recommended websites.
All the branches are wheelchair accessible with a range of accessible formats/software
available.
The Local Studies and Genealogy service is located at Library Headquarters, John’s Green
House, John’s Green, Kilkenny.
Telephone: 056 7794160
e-mail Library HQ: info@kilkennylibrary.ie
Website: www.kilkennylibrary.ie
Library Opening Times
(Libraries close on Saturdays before a Public Holiday)
LIBRARY
Telephone No:
Callan
056 7794183
Castlecomer
056 4440561
Graiguenamanagh
056 7794178
Kilkenny City
056 7794174
Loughboy
056 7794176
Thomastown
056 7794331
Urlingford
056 7794182
Mon
3-8
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
4-8
1.30-5.30
4-8
1.30-5.30
9.30-1.30
10-8
10-5
10-8
10-5
10-1.30
10-8
10-5
10-8
10-5
10-1.30
10-8
10-8
10-5
10-5
10-1.30
10.30-1
2-5
10.30-1
2-5
10.30-1
2-5
1.30-6
3.30-8
10-3
3-8
11.30-1 and
2-6
10-3
10.30-1
2-5
7-9
12.30-5
3-8
Closed
9.30-1.30
10-3
MARTIAL ARTS
Evolution Martial Arts Academy
This thriving club boasts professional, Irish and World Champion members. Classes available
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Specially devised classes for 4 to 7 yr olds in Kilkenny. Classes
also available Tuesday in Thomastown and Friday in Castlecomer.
Contact:
Location:
Mags Heffernan
Scouts Den, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8414815
Kilkenny Jiu Jitsu Club
Kickboxing, Hip-hop. Junior Dragon: 5 to 8 yrs Monday 4pm-5pm. Older Dragon: 8 to 16 yrs
Monday to Wednesday 7pm-8.10pm.
Contact:
Location:
Larry McEnroe
Unit 24A Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2465442
Website: www.dragonslair.ie
Kilkenny Judo Club
20
Coaching provided for all grades by second Dan, qualified coaches. Club members compete in
National competitions. Suitable from age 7 and for all abilities from the complete beginner
upwards. Tuesday 7.30pm-8.15pm for juniors and 8.15pm-10pm for seniors (over 16s).
Contact:
Location:
Bill Quinn
Gerry McDonald
Friary Hall, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7981394
Telephone: 086 8228431
Kilkenny Lau-gar Kung fu and Kick Boxing Club
Kung fu and kick boxing classes. Suitable for children from age 7.
Contact:
Location:
Martin Treacy (after 6pm), Chief Instructor
Millennium Court, Community Hall, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7723125
School of Chinese Martial Arts
Authentic, traditional Chinese Martial Arts. We at the school of Chinese martial arts specialise
in the art, health and self-defence aspects of Kung fu. With over 20 years of martial arts
experience, our childrens’ Kung fu classes are specifically suited for young martial artists.
We are a very traditional martial arts club that seeks to teach the true essence and skills of
martial arts. We are not a sports based club. Chief Instructor Mark Stapleton is the chief
European yiliquan martial arts association instructor and one of the two chief instructors for the
yiliquan martial arts association USA.
Classes: Tuesday 6pm-7pm ages 7 to 10 yrs and Friday 5pm-6pm ages 11 to 13 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Mark Stapleton
Telephone: 087 6102588
Girl Guides Den (hall on left),
e-mail: markstape@hotmail.com
Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny Website: www.schoolofchinesemartialarts.com
Tiger Taekwondo Club, Olympic Sport WTF
For boys and girls. Training Thursday 7pm-8pm. Saturday mixed classes 10am-12 noon.
Contact:
Location:
Thomas Tcheuffa
Telephone: 087 2121807
James Stephen’s Hurling Club, Larchfield, Kilkenny Telephone: 086 2402658
World Taekwondo Academy
Martial Art Taekwondo, Sport Taekwondo, Kids Taekwondo, Hapkido, Jahn Bong (stick),
Children’s World Taekwondo Programme (fun, discipline, build confidence and self-esteem),
Adult’s World Taekwondo Programme (fitness, self-defence, security and peace of mind).
Suitable for children from age 5. Monday and Thursday 7pm-8pm (adults and children taught
separately). International Cert (WTF).
Cost:
€6
Telephone: 086 8359333
Contact:
Head Instructor Sheamus O’Neill
e-mail: worldtaekwondo@ireland.com
Location:
Loreto College, Granges Rd, Kilkenny Website: www.worldtaekwondo.com.au
MASSAGE
Infant Massage
Suitable for new-born to pre-crawling. Parents learn how to massage their babies.
21
Contact:
Rosemary Doherty
Telephone: 086 8402412
MOTHER AND BABY GROUPS
Blackbird Gallery
This is a series of courses in the mornings especially for mothers. There is a carer on the
premises to look after the little ones while Mums get creative! There are classes in print,
watercolour and oils available. The classes are designed to help mother's de-stress, take a little
time for themselves and mix with like minded people.
Telephone: 056 7762050
Location:
18 William Street, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7843015
e-mail: info@theblackbirdgallery.com
Website: www.theblackbirdgallery.com
MUSEUMS
‘Footprints in Coal’ at the Castlecomer Discovery Park
An interactive multimedia exhibition dealing with the history and prehistory of the Castlecomer
coalmines: coal formation, fossils and mining history. Open daily 9.30am-5.30pm May to
August, 10am-5pm September, October, March and April, 10.30am-4.30pm November to
February. Includes Jarrow Café, gift shop and toilets. Wheelchair accessible. Admission charge
applies to exhibition area.
Contact:
Location:
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 4440707
Website: www.discoverypark.ie
Nore View Folk and Heritage Museum
A private collection of over 10,000 items that will take you back in time. A great history lesson!
Well worth a visit. Monuments of history of Oliver Cromwell, King William, evictions and military
display. Open 7 days from 10am-6pm. Admission fee.
Contact:
Location:
Seamus Lawlor
Danesfort Rd, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7727749
Rothe House
A restored 1594 Tudor merchant’s house. An interesting museum collection and an early 17th
century garden are amongst many items of interest in addition to the house itself. Family
research service available.
Open April to October, Monday to Saturday 10.30am-5pm and Sundays 3pm-5pm. Closed in
November for three months for conservation work.
Guided tours for large groups, book in advance.
Cost:
Location:
adults €5, senior citizens/students €4
Parliament St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7722893
e-mail: info@rothehouse.com
Website: www.rothehouse.com
MUSIC
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
Traditional Irish music lessons for children from age 6.
Whistle, flute, fiddle, button accordion and piano accordion lessons.
22
Contact:
Location:
Noreen O'Neill
Telephone: 086 8249618
St John’s Primary School, Ballybough St, Kilkenny. Thursday.
Button accordion, piano accordion , keyboard, whistle lessons.
Contact:
Bernie Kelly
Telephone: 051 898436
Location:
Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny.
e-mail: comhaltaskk@eircom.net
Thursday 5pm-7.30pm.
Guitar
Kilkenny Academy of Guitar. Professional qualified teachers. Group/single tuition. From 12 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Alec O’Leary
Circular Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2346256
Keyboard School
Group lessons available. Suitable for children from age 7. Available all year. Wednesday and
Thursday 5pm-8pm (one hour lessons).
Cost:
Location:
€125 for 10-week course.
Mill Studio, Ballycallan Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7765693
Kilkenny School of Music
Pupils range from 6 to 18 yrs. Orchestral instruments. Introductory classes for beginners before
they play. Orchestras and Choirs. Lessons are held after school hours or on Saturdays.
Telephone: 056 7762969 (answering machine)
Location:
Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny
Website: www.kilkennyschoolofmusic.com
Music Reach (see advertisement in this booklet)
Creative music sessions for children. Unique CD of fun songs for children available for
everyone who’s tired of the same old kid’s music.
Contact:
Ann Moylan
Telephone: 086 3710706
Piano
Lessons, beginners onwards. Parents with children from age 6 yrs. Helps develop all-round
learning and creative ability. Lots of fun.
Contact:
Location:
Franc Micklem
Harmony Hall, Baurnafea, Co Kilkenny
– new line between ’Comer and Paulstown
Telephone: 059 9726786
Telephone: 087 1370859
Rhythm Riot Music
Samba drumming and Brazilian music workshops for Community, School and Social groups for
children from age 6. From once off “Samba taster workshop” to parades and performances.
Programmes are tailor-made for your group. One to one lessons in hand-drumming and
percussion also available.
Contact:
Location:
Tom Duffy
“Wherever you are!”
Telephone: 087 2335684
e-mail: tom@rhythmriotmusic.com
23
O’NEILL CENTRE (see: ENABLE IRELAND – KILKENNY)
PARENTING
Kilkenny Parent Support Programme
Provide group parenting programmes for age groups 0 to 6, 4 to 11, teens and a Triple P
(Positive Parenting Programme). Also delivers monthly home visiting Lifestart Programme.
Lifestart is a developmental programme designed for you and your child from birth to 5 yrs.
The aim is to support parents with practical guidelines on how to encourage your child's
development. This is a free programme, available to all.
Contact:
Contact:
Location:
Mairead Julian, Co-ordinator
Deirdre Butler
James Green, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7784600
Teen Parent Support Programme (TPSP) (see advertisement in this booklet)
The TPSP is a free and confidential support programme for young people under the age of 20
yrs in Carlow and Kilkenny, who are pregnant or are parents. The programme also works with
the young person’s partner and extended families. Supports provided include information
about caring for you and your baby, welfare/legal entitlements, housing, education/training.
Contact:
Claire McKenzie
Location:
The Drum, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny
PARKS (see: WALKS)
Telephone: 085 1689215
PARTIES
Jellybean Julie (see advertisement in this booklet)
Children’s entertainer. Available for birthdays, christenings, Christmas parties……or any excuse
to have fun! Magic, Puppet Stories, Balloon Modelling, Silly Action Songs, Face Painting.
Contact:
Jellybean Julie
Telephone: 086 6045409
Konor Halpin Entertainments
Magic show/magic clown for all children’s parties. Balloon modelling, karaoke disco, nail art,
puppet shows.
Telephone: 051 878638
Contact:
Konor Halpin
Telephone: 087 2225225
Magician (see advertisement in this booklet)
For all occasions. Comedians, Magicians, Face Painters, Balloon Modellers, Clowns, Party
games, Circus performers, solo singers, DJs and Bands. We specialise in shop openings,
corporate events, weddings and children’s parties.
Contact:
Paul Phelan
Telephone: 056 8833618
Telephone: 087 2676103
Website: www.pkentertainment.net
The Watershed (see advertisement in this booklet)
24
Full size grass pitch, astro turf pitches and multi-purpose indoor sports arena available for hire,
suitable for a wide range of games. Bouncy castle for younger children. Pool complex.
Exceptional range of all-weather facilities and value for money will ensure the perfect
celebration. Dining area available.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@watershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
PLAY POLICY
Kilkenny County Play Policy
The Kilkenny County Play Policy is a six year strategy to guide children's play activity in Kilkenny
and includes a very important commitment that children will have access to play, recreation
and cultural activities to enrich their experience of childhood. Various initiatives relating to the
development of play facilities and raising awareness of the importance of play for both adults
and children are outlined in the Policy. Copies of this very attractively presented document are
available from Libraries, County Hall, County Childcare Committee and on Kilkenny County
Council's website.
Contact:
Community and Enterprise Section,
Telephone: 056 7794920
Kilkenny County Council, John St, Kilkenny
Website: www.kilkennycoco.ie
PLAYGROUNDS
Ballyhale Amenity Area
Small neighbourhood playground with unrestricted access, open all year round. Caters for
children between the age of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Station Rd, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Blackthorn Hills Playground
Small neighbourhood playground with unrestricted access, open all year round. Caters for
children between the age of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Blackthorn Hills, Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Timber Tumbles Playground - Adventure play with unrestricted access, open all year
round. Caters for children aged 2 to 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Earth is Fun Playground
Community playground, open to the public year round. Based on the history of Thomastown
and the river Nore. Caters for children between the ages of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Marshes St, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
25
Fr McGrath Centre
This is a joint Community and Local Authority project. Open all year round. Unrestricted
access, with a wide range of swings, frames and the latest equipment. Caters for children age
2 to 14 yrs, including children with disabilities.
Contact:
Stephen Murphy
Telephone: 056 7751988
Location:
Fr McGrath Centre, St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Garringreen
The Playground Next Door - Playground with unrestricted access. Five acre park open to
the public year round. The park includes a soccer pitch, multi-use games area, cycle lane and
footpaths. Suitable for children age 2 to 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Garringreen, Johnswell Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Happyland Playground
Playground with unrestricted access set in a ten acre park, open to the public year round. The
park includes two soccer pitches, multi-use games area and footpaths. Suitable ages 2 to 14
yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
The Fair Green, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Kilkenny Castle Park
Opening hours in line with the castle park’s opening hours, which alter according to the season
(see sign on main entrance gate).
Location:
In the Castle grounds.
Telephone: 056 7721450
Mullinavat Amenity Area
Small neighbourhood playground with unrestricted access, open all year round. Caters for
children between the age of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Telephone: 056 7794393
Adjacent to Handball Alley, Main St, Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Newpark Close Playground
Community playground. Adventure play with unrestricted access, all year round. Caters for
children between the age of 2 and 14 yrs. Playground located across road from Newpark
Marsh Park, which includes a wildlife area, soccer pitch, multi-use area, games area and
footpaths.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Lovers Lane, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Place to Play Playground
Community playground. Adventure play with unrestricted access, all year round. Caters for
children between the age of 2 and 14 yrs.
26
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Telephone: 056 7794393
The Fair Green, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Rising Stars Playground
Community playground. Adventure play with unrestricted access, all year round. Caters for
children between the ages of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Telephone: 056 7794393
Adjacent to Community Hall, Main St, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
Talbot’s Court Playground
Small neighbourhood playground with unrestricted access and open all year round. Caters for
children between the ages of 2 and 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Talbot’s Court, Freshford Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
e-mail: roads@kilkennycoco.ie
PRE-SCHOOL
Stretch-n-Grow
A fun based holistic health and fitness programme for children from the age of 2 to 7 yrs. It’s
delivered weekly, in the form of a fun-filled 45-minute exercise class. We give children a
healthy exercise and nutrition foundation on which to build their future habits, their confidence
and their self-esteem.
Contact:
Pierce White
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 087 9163707
e-mail: sngkilkenny@gmail.com
Website: www.stretch-n-grow.ie
PUPPETS
Miriam Lambert Puppeteer
Puppet performance, suitable for theatre and school venues. Also birthday parties, festivals
and corporate events.
Telephone: 059 9725859
Contact:
Miriam Lambert
Telephone: 087 9386218
e-mail: mir@mirlambert.com
Website: www.mirlambert.com
RECREATION & SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP)
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) is committed to promoting healthy living and
personal development through recreational and sporting activity within all age groups, and
throughout the whole community of Kilkenny City and County.
KRSP organises both generic and sports specific courses in Kilkenny e.g. Basic First Aid,
Inclusive Games Training, The Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport and sports
specific coaching courses. KRSP works with local agencies and community groups to provide
sport and recreational activities for all abilities and ages.
Contact the KRSP office for further information, to register your details to receive a calendar of
events or to seek assistance in organising courses for your own local area.
27
Contact:
Michelle Grennan-McWilliams
Location: Desart Hall, New St, Kilkenny
RESTAURANTS
Telephone: 056 7720870
e-mail: info@krsp.ie
The following are just some of Kilkenny’s child-friendly restaurants:
BA = buggy accessible, CM = children’s menu/child portions, HC = high chairs available,
BC = baby changing facilities
Restaurant
Location
Tel (056)
Facilities
Brog Maker
Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
Bar food available for children until 7pm in bar area.
7752900
BA,CM,HC,BC
The Club House Hotel
7721994
BA,CM,HC,BC
Patrick St, Kilkenny
The Design Centre
Castle Yard, Kilkenny
7722118
Colouring kit available on request to keep children entertained.
Food Works
Gas House Lane, The Arches
Café/catering
Kilkenny
7777696
Outside catering for Holy Communion, Confirmation and family occasions.
BA,HC,BC
HC,CM,BA
Hotel Kilkenny
Kids Club available.
College Rd, Kilkenny
7762000
BA,CM,HC,BC
The Italian Connection
38 Parliament St, Kilkenny
7764225
BA,CM,HC
Kilkenny Café
Market Cross, Kilkenny
7765333
BA,CM,HC
Kytelers Inn
Kieran St, Kilkenny
7721064
BA,HC,CM,BC
Langtons
John St, Kilkenny
7765133
BA,CM,HC,BC
Lautrecs
Kieran St, Kilkenny
Open from 5pm, 7 days. Children welcome anytime.
7762720
BA,CM,HC
The Longman of Kilfane
Dublin Rd, Thomastown
Lounge and bar area open to children until 8pm.
7724774
BA,CM,HC,BC
Lyrath Hotel
7760088
BA,CM,HC,BC
Dublin Rd, Kilkenny
McDonald’s
New St, Kilkenny
7756660
BA,CM,HC,BC
Speaks for itself! Children’s “Happy Meals” include toy. Healthy options. Birthday parties available.
Mario’s
Unit 3, Smithlands Shopping
Centre, Loughboy (next to Lidl)
BA,CM
The Ming Court
John St, Kilkenny
7722886
BA,CM,HC
7722122
BA,CM,HC,BC
Newpark Hotel
Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
Kids Club during school break, contact for details.
28
Ormonde Hotel
Ormonde St, Kilkenny
7723900
BA,CM,HC,BC
The Pantry
Kieran St, Kilkenny
7762250
BA,CM,HC
Rivercourt Hotel
John St, Kilkenny
7723388
Riverside restaurant is open from 6pm-7pm for children’s high tea.
BA,CM,HC,BC
Springhill Court Hotel
Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
7721122
BA,CM,HC,BC
Children’s entertainment provided for Holy Communion and Confirmation party weekends. Kids club
during the summer.
ROUND TOWERS
St Canice’s Cathedral Round Tower
Older children will love a visit to this excellent example of a ninth century round tower giving a
birds-eye view over Kilkenny. The steps are very steep and there are plenty of them, so be
warned! Children under 12 are not allowed. Not suitable for babies in back-packs. Open April
to October – weather permitting.
Cost:
children and students €2.50, adults €3
Telephone: 056 7764971
Location:
St Canice’s Cathedral, Coach Rd, off Dean St, Kilkenny
ROWING
Graiguenamanagh Rowing Club
The ultimate team sport. Competition orientated club catering for age 13 yrs upwards
(Secondary School). Must be able to swim. Boys and girls. Training Tuesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday.
Contact:
Martin O’Brien
Telephone: 086 8211140
Location:
The Boathouse, Graiguenamanagh
RUGBY
Kilkenny Rugby Football Club
Rugby training by fully qualified coaches for children from age 6. Mini rugby for under 8’s, 10’s
and 12’s. Training on Sunday mornings 10.30am-12 noon in the Rugby Club. Youth Rugby for
under 19’s, 17’s, 15s and 13’s. Tag Rugby is sometimes run during the Summer.
Contact:
Michael Lydon
Brendan Hewitt
Waterford Rd, Foulkstown, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7771249
Telephone: 056 7720103
Telephone: 087 9834025
Brendan Kelly (SE Provincial Officer)
Telephone: 087 2588983
Location:
SCHOOLS
For a list of Kilkenny County and City Primary and Secondary schools see Appendix I at the
end of this booklet.
SCOUTING IRELAND
Kilkenny Scout groups
Beavers for age 6 to 8. Cubs for age 8 to 11.
Scouts for age 11 to 16. Venture Scouts for age 15 to 21 yrs.
All these groups are open to boys. For details of your local group meetings:
Contact:
See also Girl Guides.
29
SOCCER
Evergreen Saturday Soccer School
Soccer school run by the Evergreen Football club from September to June. All-weather pitch.
Suitable for children age 6, 7 and 8. Saturday 11.30am-1pm.
Contact:
Location:
Ger Crowdle
Scanlon Park, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7972634
Freebooters Schoolboys Soccer Club
Saturday 10am-11am.
Contact:
Location:
Tony Scanlon
Scanlon Park, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2622321
Kilkenny and District Schoolboys League
A number of soccer clubs are involved in the schoolboy’s league, which starts with under 8’s.
Season runs from August to June. Under 8's, 9’s & 10’s – Super 7 leagues. 180 teams.
Contact:
Location:
Tom Mullins
Schoolboys League Ground,
Derdimus Park, Callan Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8147800
Website: www.kkleague.com
Kilmacow FC
Coaching for children from age 5 to 9 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Gerard Duggan
Kilmacow Sports Complex
Telephone: 087 2750809
e-mail: kilmacowschoolboysfc@gmail.com
Little Kickers Ireland No.4
‘Play’ not push – is the motto of the first football coaching sessions for pre-school children in
Kilkenny from the ages of 2 years to 5 years old (both girls and boys). We use the football as a
fun means of illustrating confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie. With
action packed sessions of non-stop fun, games and football, the children get to let off steam,
play independently and demonstrate their newfound skills to an ever-applauding audience.
Contact:
Website:
Mary
www.littlekickers.ie
Telephone: 056 7728306
e-mail: mfarrell@littlekickers.ie
Mooncoin Soccer Club
Training Monday and Friday. Training for under 11’s, under 13’s, under 15's and Youths.
Academy for 6 to 9 yrs from 6pm-7pm on Fridays.
Contact:
Location:
Brendan Conway
Mooncoin Soccer Pitch, Ashgrove
SPORTS CENTRES
Carrigeen & Mooncoin Sports Club
Contact:
Ollie Dunphy
Location: Sports Complex, Mooncoin
Telephone: 087 9828150
Telephone: 087 6239752
30
Kilkenny Sports Arena
Indoor sports arena with three artificial-surface pitches. Ideal for soccer, hurling, gaelic football
and rugby. Available to hire. Multi sports fun Easter and summer camps.
Telephone: 056 7723838
Contact:
Kilkenny Sports Arena
e-mail: info@kilkennyarena.ie
Location: Wallslough, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
Website: www.kilkennyarena.ie
The Watershed
400 metre outdoor running track, Astroturf pitches, full size soccer pitch, 13,000 sq ft multi
sports arena.
Location:
Scanlon Park
Telephone: 056 7734620
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
SUMMER CAMPS
ART
Apple Tree Farm Montessori
Make-and-do Summer Camp for July. Age 3 to 5 yrs and 5 to 8 yrs. 10am-1pm.
Contact:
Location:
Pam Drennan
Grove Hse, Skeoughvosteen, Goresbridge
Telephone: 059 9775185
Telephone: 087 8054678
Blackbird Gallery
Summer Camp, July.
Location:
18 William Street, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7762050
Telephone: 087 7843015
e-mail: info@theblackbirdgallery.com
Website: www.theblackbirdgallery.com
Cookery Course for Kids
Cookery course on 5th-9th July, 12th-16th July and 19th-23rd July. 10am-1pm for children aged 913.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€100
Valerie Kennedy
Kilkenny College
Telephone: 057 8736879
Telephone: 086 8452521
Crafty Kids Summer Camp
Suitable for ages 3 to 6 yrs. Activities include art, crafts, indoor/outdoor activities.
Contact:
Location:
Ann Treacy
Coolnabrune, Skeoghvosteen, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 7701431
Cruthu
Art workshop from the 9th-15th August, for children aged 4-12.
Contact:
Location:
Alice Bennett
Presbyterian Church
Telephone: 086 1961012
31
Emily’s Arts and Crafts
Includes a variety of arts and crafts with the emphasis on fun. Open to children age 3 to 10
yrs. First two weeks in July Monday to Thursday, 10am-12 noon.
Contact:
Location:
Emily Whitford-McDonald
Ballyellen, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 059 9775321
Fun Art!!
Paint! Draw! Get dirty with clay and papier maché! Collage! Glass paint! Print and design your
own t-shirt! Just enjoy! These one-week art camps run for three weeks in July. Sessions run
for two hours. Suitable for children from age 5.
Contact:
Location:
DiDi
Gael Scoil Osraí, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7770534
Website: www.didisart.com
heART
Creative art classes for children age 6 to 12 yrs. July and August.
Contact:
Location:
Alice Bennett
21 Richview, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 1961012
Jerpoint Barn Creative Summer School
INSECTS are fascinating creatures – if they weren’t so tiny, they could easily be mistaken for
strange aliens from another planet! We will spend five fun-filled days with the Making of big
outdoor sculptures using willow, durable tissue paper and natural materials which we will
gather in the beautiful Jerpoint gardens. Walks through the fields, explorations of the Herb
gardens and a final art-feast where we will picnic, make our own music and celebrate our
creations. Will make this an unforgettable highlight at the end of this summer!
Dates: Tues 17th to Sat 21st August. Ages 6 to 10 yrs: Tues to Fri 10am-1pm and Sat 11am1pm. Ages 10 to 14: Tues to Fri 2pm-5pm and Sat 11am-1pm.
Cost:
€79
Telephone: 087 2993473
Contact:
Mark Girling
Telephone: 087 2876270
Location:
Jerpoint Barn. Two miles from Thomastown
e-mail: markgirling@web.de
and half a mile from Mt Juliet.
Website: www.theaterpapilio.com
Kilkenny Arts Festival
The festival features a full programme of events for young people, including theatre,
workshops, street performances, readings – 6th to 15th August 2010. Line-up announced in
June. Box Office from beginning of July.
Telephone: 056 7763663
Contact:
Valerie Ryan, Office Manager
e-mail: info@kilkennyarts.ie
Website: www.kilkennyarts.ie
Kilkenny Sports Arena
This indoor sports arena offers multi-sports summer camps with a variety of indoor and outdoor
activities, including fun games and sports, arts and crafts and nature trail.
Telephone: 056 7723838
32
Contact:
Location:
Kilkenny Sports Arena
Wallslough, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@kilkennyarena.ie
Website: www.kilkennyarena.ie
Mullinavat Art & Drama Club
July.
Contact:
Location:
Bernie Laherty
Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3105250
CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY
The Children’s University adopts a friendly approach to education. Their Summer school offers
fun activities such as cooking for mini-chefs, computing, day trips, arts, crafts and drama.
Suitable age 7 to 12 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Yvonne Moriarty
5 John’s Quay, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7762146
DANCE and DRAMA
Starlight Stage Productions
Performing Arts Summer Camp. (Dancing, Singing, Drama, fun and games). Now in their
seventh year!!! Summer workshop where students can attend and try to stage a mini-show in
just five days. Held at our own premises at Wallslough Village, with a rehearsal space, mini
stage, all our own costumes and props, and sports pitches too for fun and games. Previous
summer camps have been a huge success. In 2010 summer camps will run weekly during July
and will include Mamma Mia Camp, Fame Camp and Glee Camp.
Contact:
Location:
Jason
Starlight Studio, Wallslough,
Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 085 2022038
e-mail: info@starlightstageproductions.com
Sundance Kilkenny
The Kilkenny Academy of Dance offers a fun-filled week of classical ballet, tap, modern national
dance, choreography and arts and crafts with guest teachers. Suitable for age 5 to 12 yrs.
Senior students age 13 to 20 yrs. Last week of June for junior cycle. Senior cycle will run in
August.
Contact:
Location:
Principal – Sinead Keaskin (AISTD Dip, BSc)
Kilkenny School Project, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 8369144
Youth Theatre Week @ Barnstorm
Five days of intensive drama and theatre and skills delivered by theatre professionals, in the
fun, friendly and creative environment of Barnstorm Theatre Company. Held in July. All
materials, snacks and refreshments provided. Early booking essential, places limited.
Location:
Barnstorm Theatre Company, Church Lane,
Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7751266
e-mail: outreach@barnstorm.ie
DEAFHear.ie
33
Camps
Summer, Easter, Halloween and Christmas activities for hard of hearing and deaf children
throughout the South East region.
Contact:
Location:
Breda Dowling
44 Friary St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7763508
e-mail: kilkenny@deafhear.ie
Website: www.deafhear.ie
GENERAL CAMPS
Ballyhale
Suitable for age 4 to 12 yrs. Outdoor activities, arts and crafts, face painting. July.
Contact:
Location:
Aimee / Brigid Whittle
Telephone: 086 8349424
Ballyhale Montessori School, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
Ballyragget Community Childcare Service
Suitable for pre-school to 8 yrs. First two weeks of July. Monday to Friday 10am-2pm.
Contact:
Location:
Marian Gorman
Chapel Ave, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 8830119
Clara Community Summer Camp
Includes computers, cooking, photography and outdoor activities.
Suitable for age 5 to 10 yrs. 5th to 23rd July. 10am-1pm.
Contact:
Location:
Nodlaig Ryan
Clara Hall
Fairyfolk Summer Camp
Summer camp.
Contact:
Maria Hitchcock
Location:
Richview, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3143540
Telephone: 056 7771387
Telephone: 086 3090493
Fr McGrath Centre
Summer activity programme. July/August programme of sports, art, IT and drama activities.
Open to local children age 4 to 18 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Karin Todd
Fr McGrath Centre, St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7751988
Jerpoint Summer Camp
July and August.
Contact:
Location:
Mags Davis
Jerpoint West, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7793237
Telephone: 087 9970760
Loughboy Area Resource Centre “Summer Camp”
34
Incorporates a programme of activities - art, crafts, sports, trips and fun galore for young
people from age 3 to 13. July. Finishes up with party and disco. Also do seasonal camps.
Contact:
Location:
Annette Chappell and Betty McFarlane
Telephone: 056 7764700
Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Manners matter
Manners Classes for Girls 12-13 years old, includes Table Etiquette, Social Graces, Personal
Grooming, Developing Self Confidence with a positive attitude. These one-week classes will run
the four weeks in July starting July 5th, from 10am-1pm, Monday to Thursday.
Contact: Darlene Garr
Location: Kilkenny City
Telephone: 056-775-6077
Mobile: 086-238-5457
Website: www.mannersthatmatter.net
Millennium Court Community Summer Camp Programme
Suitable for 4 to 13 yrs. For fun, games, arts and crafts, music and dance, outings and much
much more. We are a community based, not for profit service and fees per week are set to
reflect this.
Week 1: 5th to 8th July 2010. Week 2: 12th to 15th July 2010. Week 3: 19th to 22nd July 2010.
Contact:
Location:
Penny Dwyer
Telephone: 086 1579706
Millennium Court Community Centre, Hebron Rd, Kilkenny
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre
Summer Camps suitable for children 5 to 12 yrs. Include art, crafts, drama, outdoor activities,
and fun for all. July.
Contact:
Location:
Louise
Newpark Close, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7723309
Summer Arts & Sport at Kilkenny Presbyterian Church
Children's art workshops will be held during Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Contact:
Location:
Alice
Kilkenny Presbyterian Church, New Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 1961012
The Watershed
Multi-activity camps for 4 to 12 yr olds. Held throughout Easter, Summer, Halloween and
Christmas school holiday periods – whatever the weather. Activities include athletics,
badminton, basketball, bouncy castle, boxercise, dodge ball, dance, games, junior aerobics,
kempo karate, quizzes, soccer, snorkelling, swimming, treasure hunts. Member discounts and
family discounts available.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
Thomastown Community Kindergarden
Summer Camp July and August.
35
Contact:
Location:
Lucia Caperna
Rock Rd, Grennan,
Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7754666
e-mail: thomastownkindergarten@eircom.net
Urlingford Community Summer Camp
Community Childcare Centre for month of July. All welcome.
Contact:
Location:
Mick Kenny
St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford,
Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 8838562
e-mail: urlingfordchildcare@gmail.com
GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics And Art Camp
Run by Kilkenny Gymnastics Club. Monday 19th to Thursday 22nd July 2010. 10am-1.30pm.
Suitable for ages 5 to 14 yrs.
Contact:
Location:
Catriona Foley
St. Canice’s Community Hall,
Granges Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7790990
Telephone: 086 3768975
HURLING (see advertisement in this booklet)
Summer camps for hurling, camogie and football in various locations around the county. All
camps are for one week and open to children age 7 to 13 yrs. Starting Monday 5th July, for
four weeks. Cost €50 per child.
Contact:
Brían Ryan
Telephone: 087 2492343
e-mail: coachkk@indigo.ie
IRISH
Campa Saoire Chois Fheoire
Consolidation and extension of your Irish….conversation, drama, dance, singing agus sport.
Suitable for 5th and 6th class primary and 1st and 2nd year secondary. July. Monday to Friday.
10am-2pm.
Contact:
Location:
Eilis ní Oldáin
Gaelscoil Osrai, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7768931 before 3pm
Telephone: 086 0886731 after 6pm
MULTI SPORTS
Let’s Go! Multi Sports Camp
Activities include zorbe ball roll, eliminator, batak, KMX karts, human table football, parachute
games and much, much more. Suitable for age 5 to 13 yrs. Limited places available.
12th to 16th July, 19th to 23rd July and 26th July to 30th July. 9.30am-3.30pm daily.
Location:
O’Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny
Telephone: 021 4877111
Telephone: 1890 538 746
36
PRE-SCHOOL
Stretch-n-Grow
Activities include 45-minute Stretch-n-Grow exercise class, great games, activities, arts and
crafts, mini Olympics/obstacle courses, wacky relay races and much, much more!! Suitable for
ages 3 to 6 yrs.
Telephone: 087 9163707
Contact:
Pierce White
e-mail: sngkilkenny@gmail.com
Website: www.stretch-n-grow.ie
SOCCER
Champions League Bible and Soccer Club
Champions league soccer and talks from the bible. To run for one week, 19th to 23rd July.
Mornings: age 6 to 10 from 10am-12.30pm.
Afternoons: age 11 to 14 from 2.30pm-5pm.
Friday night finals 7pm, followed by presentation and barbeque.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€4 per day or €15 per week
Paul Harding
Kilkenny Presbyterian Church grounds,
New Rd, Kilkenny (opposite old Cattle Mart)
Telephone: 056 7765107
SWIM CAMPS
The Watershed
Swim camps for levels 1 to 5. Held throughout Easter, Summer, Hallow’een and Christmas
school holiday periods. Daily two-hour programme, incorporating group swimming lessons
from fully qualified instructors followed by structured playtime. Member discounts and family
discounts available.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
TENNIS
Brian Doyle Summer Tennis Camp (see advertisement in this book)
Offers your child advanced tennis coaching methodology in a safe, relaxed and fun
environment, with wonderful facilities in Kilkenny College. Suitable for age 6 to 18 yrs.
Monday 9th August to Friday 13th August, Monday 16th August to Friday 20th August.
9am-12 noon. Easter Camps also available.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€95 (family discounts)
Brian Doyle
Kilkenny College, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8714941
e-mail: briandoyletennis.com
Kilkenny County and City Lawn Tennis Club
This club organises Summer tournaments for junior club members.
37
Contact:
Membership Secretary
Telephone: 056 7765157
Kilkenny County and City Lawn Tennis Club
Junior coaching clinics are available in the club from a professional coach for children from age
6 to 16 yrs. Starting 5th July. 9am-11am. Members only. Numbers limited, book early.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€60 (family discounts)
Brian Doyle
Archersfield, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8714941
Summer Parks Tennis
Tennis coaching by trained coaches. No experience necessary and equipment provided.
Suitable for age 6 to 17 yrs. Summer Parks Tennis will run from 5th July to 30th July 2010.
Every child will receive 10 one-hour group lessons over two weeks during the month.
Registration on Saturday 9th June 6pm-8pm at venues.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€15 per child for 10 lessons
Christina Heffernan
Telephone: 056 7722306 / 7790590
Ballyhale, Graiguenamanagh, Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny,
Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny
YOGA
The Kilkenny School of Yoga
Children’s yoga and art Summer Camps.
Contact:
Location:
Essie
Crossleigh House, Colliers Lane,
(beside Sherwoods Electrical
50 yards off High St)
Telephone: 056 7756570
Telephone: 087 6609654
Website: www.kilkennyschoolofyoga.com
SWIMMING
SWIMMING
The Watershed
25m six lane swimming pool. 5m learner pool. Kiddies fun pool. Open all year round to
members and non members. “Off-peak” and “special” price times available.
Telephone: 056 7734620
Location:
The Watershed, Scanlon Park, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@thewatershed.ie
Website: www.thewatershed.ie
SWIMMING CLUBS
Club Uisce
Aims to build confidence in the water. Swimming lessons for beginners and improvers from
age 5 yrs. Lane swimming for those who want to improve their stamina and technique.
Friday 3.45pm-4.25pm and Saturday mornings.
Contact:
Daphne Coulter
(Booking) Telephone: 056 7762675
38
Location:
The Ormonde Hotel Leisure Club, Ormonde St
Telephone: 086 8370205
Kilkenny Swim Club
Kilkenny Swim Club is a competitive swim club, very active in national competitions. Our
squads are open to children from age 8-9 yrs old approx.
Contact:
Location:
Ann Healy
The Watershed, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7761129 (evenings)
Telephone: 086 3451329
Kilkenny Water Safety
Classes offered in water safety and resuscitation from September to May. Lifeguard courses
from January to March. Monday between 7pm and 10pm (sessions are 2 hours). Suitable for
children from age 13 yrs. Must have a basic swimming ability.
Contact:
Breda Collins
Telephone: 056 7771041
Location:
The Watershed, Kilkenny
TENNIS
Kilkenny County and City Lawn Tennis Club
This club has an active junior section with organised tournaments and activities during the
year. A coaching programme is available for groups or individuals. Eight all weather, floodlit
courts. Family and junior membership available.
Contact:
Location:
Club House
Telephone: 056 7765157
Archersfield, Bennettsbridge Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Website: www.kilkennytennisclub.com
Professional Tennis Coach (see advertisement in this booklet)
Available for schools, clubs and private lessons in Kilkenny and the South East.
Contact:
Brian Doyle
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 086 8714941
THEATRE
Watergate Theatre
Look out for puppet shows and performances put on by the local dance and theatre groups.
Don’t forget the annual pantomime – not to be missed! Early booking for matinee
performances is recommended.
Telephone: 056 7761674
Location:
Parliament St, Kilkenny
Website: www.watergatekilkenny.com
WALKS
Ballykeeffe Woods
Oak woods and nature reserve with various walks.
Location:
Ballykeeffe, Kilmanagh, Co Kilkenny
(Look for signs for Ballykeeffe Quarry)
Bishops Demesne Neighbourhood Park
Five acre parkland including soccer pitch, multi-use games area and footpaths.
Contact:
Parks Department, Kilkenny Borough Council
Telephone: 056 7794500
39
Location:
City Hall, Kilkenny
e-mail: info@kilkennycity.ie
Brandon Hill
For more Information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Near Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Callan Abbey Meadow Walk
This trail is the first in a series of wheelchair accessible walkways that link architectural,
archaeological and cultural sites in and around the town of Callan. For more information check
the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Mill Street, Callan, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Themed woodland walking trails with sculptures and picnic tables. Themed events throughout
the year, including Easter activities, May Sculpture Picnic, August Sculpture Festival, Halloween
Ghosts and Ghouls and Christmas surprises! Open daily all year round.
Contact:
Location:
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 4440707
Website: www.discoverypark.ie
Castlemorris Wood Walk
Two looped walks that start and finish at the Grand Gates which lies west of the villages of
Newmarket and Hugginstown and east of the village of Kilmaganny in south Kilkenny. For more
information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Castlemorris, beside Newmarket, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Church Avenue
Pocket park including a hopscotch area, multi sports wall, multi-use game area, and footpaths.
Wildlife area.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Telephone: 056 7794393
Church Ave, Kilkenny Rd, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Coill an Fhaltaigh
This millennium wood covering 230 acres and containing 12 native species is a haven for flora
and fauna. Marked walks, picnic tables. Wheelchair friendly. Track down your millennium tree!
Location:
off the Callan Road. Turn right at Castleinch (signposted).
Garringreen Neighbourhood Park
Five acre parkland including soccer pitch, multi-use games area, playground, cycle lane and
footpaths.
40
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Garringreen, Johnswell Road, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
The Islands Walk, Urlingford
A short walk through the hinterland of Urlingford. Park opposite the library/courthouse on the
Dublin side of town. For more Information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Jenkinstown Woods
Walk as much (or as little!) as you like in these pretty woods. Don’t forget to say hello to the
deer!
Location:
Turn left four miles along the Castlecomer Rd from Kilkenny heading towards
Dublin (look out for a small sign on the right-hand side of the road for
Jenkinstown Castle and Gardens). Continue for ½ mile, turn right and
immediately left.
Kells Priory
These Augustinian Priory ruins in the heart of Kilkenny countryside provide a hide and seek
paradise.
Location:
Kells Village, Co Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle Park
A beautiful park whatever the season. Plenty of open lawns for running about and picnics.
Children’s play area. Nature walks available by arrangement. No charge. At the far end of the
park away from the castle is a wildlife sanctuary and pond – a great incentive to get the
children to walk just that little bit further! Guided tours available. Opening times vary with the
seasons (see sign on main entrance gate).
Location:
At Kilkenny Castle
Telephone: 056 7721450
Kilmacoliver Walk
This loop walk starts and finishes at the Watering Place - wildlife lakes fed by fresh water
springs 1km from the village of Tullahought on the Kilkenny/Tipperary border. For more
Information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Tullahought, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Mountain Grove Walk
The picturesque village of Piltown is situated between undulating hills and forests of South
Kilkenny and the foothills of the Comeraghs in Waterford. The area has many tourist attractions
including High Crosses of Ahenny and Kilkieran, portal tombs, Leac am Scail, Ormonde House
and Kilkenny castle. This looped walk explores the beautiful mixed woodlands at Mountain
Grove. For more information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
41
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Mountain Grove Woods, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Newpark Marsh Neighbourhood Park
Twenty-five acre parkland including soccer pitch, multi-use games area, wildlife area and
footpaths. Haven for birds and wildlife, hidden away from bustle of city life, very pleasant
circular walk.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Lovers Lane, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
The Nore Linear Park
The Nore Linear Park, which is currently under development, is located on the banks of the
River Nore running through Kilkenny City. To date a network of approximately ten kilometres of
footpaths and cycle lanes have been developed running from Fennessys Mill to the south of the
city to the weir at the Bleach Road in the north. It is proposed to provide an additional ten
kilometres of footpath and cycle lanes in the coming years. The park provides an idyllic location
to stroll, walk, run or cycle in a rural environment minutes from the heart of the city.
Contact:
Location:
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7794393
Tory Hill
Sliabh Greine Loop. For more Information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
Contact:
Location:
Trail Kilkenny, 42 Parliament St, Kilkenny
Near Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7752111
Website: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Thomastown Water Garden
Attractive small ornamental garden, with unusual water features, tucked away in the middle of
Thomastown. Complete with a garden centre, craft workshop and café. Run by Camphill
Community, caring for people with special needs. Café and garden centre wheelchair
accessible.
Gardens and Garden Centre: Summer only. Monday 10am-3pm, Tuesday to Friday 10am4.30pm. Sunday closed.
Cost:
Free. Donations appreciated.
Café: Open all year. Monday 10am-3pm. Tuesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm. Lunches
12.30pm-2.30pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Contact:
Location:
Yasunori Harashi
Telephone: 056 7724690
In Thomastown, on the Thomastown to Kilkenny road
almost opposite Grennan College (VEC).
Woodstock
Woodstock gardens are located on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque village of Inistioge.
Kilkenny County Council is currently restoring the gardens. Over 50 acres of formal gardens,
arboretum (collection of trees) and woodland are being brought back to their original condition
42
when the gardens were owned by the Tighe Family in the 1800’s. The restoration project is
well underway with a series of walks through formal avenues and gardens and secret
woodland. The garden also includes a terraced flower garden, a yew walk, a rose garden and a
walled garden. Limited wheelchair access to the garden. Mobility buggy available.
Guided tours by prior arrangement. Children's Explorer Pack available.
Cost:
Contact:
Location:
€4 per vehicle, which includes admission to the gardens. Large groups and buses
by appointment only. Season tickets available for unlimited number of visits per
year €35.
Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council
Telephone: 056 7794393
John Delaney at Woodstock
Telephone: 087 8549785
Coming from Kilkenny direction, in Inistioge village, take the first right just past
the Church, up a steep winding street. Enter main gateway at top of hill.
Continue along this access road for approx ½km to car park.
YOGA
The Kilkenny School of Yoga
Holds weekly classes for children under 8 yrs and for children over 8 yrs. Classes are fun, with
an emphasis on fitness and flexibility in a non-competitive atmosphere. We teach children that
exercise is not just for sporty children but for everybody. For teenagers we offer yogalates.
The yoga and pilates mix classes are fun, with lots of flexibility, stretches and strength work.
Classes for mothers with new babies - gentle classes to get mums back in shape after the birth.
Contact:
Location:
Essie
Crossleigh House, Colliers Lane,
(beside Sherwoods Electrical
50 yards off High St)
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 056 7756570
Telephone: 087 6609654
Website: www.kilkennyschoolofyoga.com
ShantiSchool of Yoga
Yoga classes for the younger ones with the emphasis on creativity and fun. The children learn
yoga postures through stories and games. There is also supervised free play class time to
encourage socialising. Fully qualified and insured. Children aged 4 to 7 yrs Wednesday
3.15pm-4.05pm, children aged 8+ Monday 3.15pm-4.05pm and teens aged 12+ Wednesday
4.30pm-5.30pm. Parent and baby yoga Wednesday 11.30am-12.30pm (for new mothers
looking for a nice way to get into shape).
Contact:
Location:
Elaine Costello
Springhill Clinic, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7703383
Telephone: 086 8261452
e-mail: Elaine@shantiyoga.ie
Website: www.shantiyoga.ie
YOUTH CLUBS
Foroige
Foróige Youth Clubs & Cafés offer young people between 12-18 yrs the opportunity to create
their own youth friendly space with the support and guidance of trained adult volunteer
leaders. The young people involved elect their own committee who work with the young
people and adults involved to create their own programme of activities. The majority of
Foróige Youth Clubs & Cafés meet for 1-2 hours weekly and groups are made up of between 830 young people. All Clubs are different, but those involved generally enjoy meeting up with
each other on a weekly basis to chat, listen to music, play sports, organise fundraising, trips
43
away or get involved in interclub events like discos, sports days, tournaments, quizzes, trips
away etc with other groups in the south east region.
Foróige Clubs currently in operation in the County Kilkenny are:
Ballycallan
Ballyhale
Ballyragget
Castlecomer
Conahy
Coon-Muckalee
Cuffesgrange-Danesfort
Gowran
Margaret’s Field (Kilkenny City)
Moneenroe
Mooncoin
Mullinavat
Paulstown
Stoneyford
Thomastown
If there is no Foroige Youth Club or Café in your area and you are interested in setting one up,
please contact Rosie.
Telephone: 086 2997677
Contact:
Rosie O’Brien, Regional Youth Officer
e-mail: rosie.obrien@foroige.ie
Kilkenny Presbyterian Church Youth Club/Bible Centred Ministries Intl
Meet on Saturday 7.30pm-9.30pm. Open to all teenagers (Secondary School age) regardless of
religious background.
Contact:
Location:
Valerie Harper
New Rd, Kilkenny
See also Rock Drop-in Youth Centre
Telephone: 056 7727229
Telephone: 087 7650986
For Ossory Youth Affiliated Local Youth Clubs Contact Ossory Youth at 056 7761200
YOUTH SERVICES
Chillax Youth Group
Programme for young people between 13 yrs and 18 yrs. €2 per night. Activities include game
of pool, soccer, DVD nights, listening to music or just “chillaxing”, awareness programmes, trips
away. Monday nights 7pm-9pm.
Contact:
Location:
Annette
Loughboy Area Resource Centre, Bishop
Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7734155
Fr McGrath Centre
After school and youth services offering a wide range of children’s and youth programmes for
young people aged 5 to 19.
Contact:
Location:
Karin Todd
Fr McGrath Centre, St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7751988
KEY (Kilkenny Employment for Youth)
Aimed at early school leavers and unemployed young people age 16 to 21 yrs. Courses on
offer are certified and include art and crafts design, catering and hospitality, information
technology and office skills, and design and graphics. Work experience is part of the training.
44
Post courses, there is a 6 month linked work experience programme with local employers.
Basic FAS allowances and travel expenses paid.
Contact:
Location:
Wally Pigott
Garden Row, High St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7762774
e-mail: key@indigo.ie
Kilkenny Youthreach
A programme for early school leavers age 15 to 20 yrs. Provides young people with the
opportunity to gain qualifications at their own pace, e.g. Junior and Leaving Cert and FETAC,
and to do things that interest them. Available in Kilkenny City.
Contact:
Location:
Caitriona Phelan
Lower New St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7723550
Website: www.kilkennyyouthreach.com
Mooncoin Youth Club
Mooncoin Youth Club under the auspices of Ossory Youth meets every Tuesday in the Parish
Hall Mooncoin from 7.30pm-9.30pm (excluding summer months). Membership is open to postprimary children from first year to 18 yrs old.
Contact:
Location:
Paddy Daly
Parish Hall, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny.
Telephone: 087 2259957
Ossory Youth
Ossory Youth provides a range of services and opportunities to young people and those who
work with them within the informal education sector in Co Kilkenny and South Co Laois.
Location:
Desart Hall, New St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7761200
e-mail: admin@ossoryyouth.com
The DRUM
Drop-in Youth Café. A place where young people can meet friends in a relaxed and safe
environment. Different activities are organised for each drop in as well as free use of Internet.
Wii, pool table and much more. Young people aged 14-18 can currently access this service on
Thursdays and Fridays from 4.30pm-6.30pm. It will also be opened from 7.30pm-9.30pm on
the first and third Friday of every month and from 3pm-6pm the first and third Saturday of
every month.
Contact:
Location:
Kate Carroll
Telephone: 086 7736975
Melissa Faulkner
Telephone: 086 7736976
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
Telephone: 056 7788134
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/drumyouthcentre
The Rock Drop-in Youth Centre
Meets fortnightly on Fridays. 7.30pm-10pm.
Summer Rock 1st to 18th July, afternoons and evenings daily at St Mary's Hall.
Contact:
Location:
Robert Harper
The Methodist Hall, William St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7727159
Telephone: 087 2220507
45
ZOO
Reptile Village
Reptile Village is a government licensed reptile exhibit, providing an educational and
entertaining view of various reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Displays range of alligators
to pythons, geckos to giant spiders, and everything in between. This is an indoor facility with a
small souvenir shop. Open 7 days a week, 10am-6pm.
Contact:
Location:
James Hennessy
The Demesne, Gowran, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7726757
e-mail: info@reptilevillage.net
Website: www.reptilevillage.net
APPENDIX I
Schools in Kilkenny City and County
The following is a list of primary schools in County Kilkenny (M-mixed, B-boys, G-girls):
School
Location
Tel No
St Brendan’s NS (M)
St Patrick’s NS (M)
Scoil Bhride (M)
Muckalee, Ballyfoyle
Ballyhale
Lisdowney,
Ballyragget
Ballyragget
Ballyragget
Bennettsbridge
Callan
Castlecomer
056 4441422
056 7768915
056 8833495
Kevin Cummins
Mary Hahessy
Mairead Dowling
056
056
056
056
056
8833351
8833606
7727553
7725572
4441426
Patrick O’Neill
Claire Dunne
Brendan Smyth
John Moloney
Nuala Horan
Castlecomer
Castlecomer
Castlecomer
Clara
Clinstown,
Jenkinstown
Clogh
Coon
Conahy
Crosspatrick
Cuffesgrange
Cuffesgrange
Danesfort
Dunamaggin
Firoda
Freshford
056
056
056
056
056
4441774
7767076
4442288
7759736
7767944
John Kelly
Conor Doyle
Mairin Bergin
Richard Mulrooney
Kathleen Maher
056
056
056
056
056
056
056
056
056
056
4442374
4443235
7767100
8831753
7729138
7729144
7727588
7728386
4441384
8832417
James Walsh
Margaret Brennan
John Meagher
Diarmuid Broderick
Brid O’Riordan
Seamus O’Fionnaloigh
Joseph Hickey
Jackie Delahunty
Martin Fogarty
Thomas Maher
Freshford
Galmoy
056 8832400
056 8831481
St Ciaran’s Boys
Scoil Bhride (G)
Bennettsbridge NS(M)
Scoil Iognaid Ris
Castlecomer Convent
NS (M)
Castlecomer NS (B)
Lisnafunchin NS (M)
Moneenroe NS (M)
Clara NS (M)
St Joseph’s NS (M)
Clogh NS (M)
St Brigid’s NS (M)
Conahy NS (M)
St Michael’s (M)
Burnchurch NS (M)
Churchill NS (M)
Danesfort NS (M)
St Leonard’s NS (M)
Holy Cross NS (M)
Scoil Naomh Fiachra
NS (M)
St Lachtain’s NS (M)
St Michael’s NS (M)
Principal
Thomas Doheny
Claire Brittan
46
Creenkille NS (M)
Glenmore NS (M)
Goresbridge NS (M)
St Mary’s NS (M)
Graiguenamanagh
Boys
Scoil Mhuire gan Smol
(G)
St Brendan’s NS (M)
SN Moin Ruadh (M)
St Columcille’s NS (M)
The Rower NS (M)
Johnswell NS (M)
St Kieran’s NS (M)
St Brigid’s NS (M)
Gaelscoil Osrai (M)
Holy Spirit Special
School (M)
Kilkenny CBS (B)
Kilkenny School
Project (M)
The Model NS (M)
Mother of Fair Love
NS (M)
Presentation (G)
St Canice’s NS (M)
St John’s Infants NS
(M)
St John’s Senior NS
(M)
St John of God NS (G)
St Patrick’s De La
Salle NS (B)
St Patrick’s Special
School (M)
St Joseph’s Girls
St Patrick’s (M)
St Senan’s NS (B)
St Aidan’s Central
School (M)
Kilmoganny NS (M)
Carrigeen NS (M)
Presentation Convent
NS (G)
Gathabawn
Glenmore
Goresbridge
Gowran
Graiguenamanagh
056
051
059
056
059
8832111
880269
9775168
7726221
9724454
Sheila Waldron
Donal Power
Gerard Farrelly
Richard O’Neill
Jennifer Barron
Graiguenamanagh
059 9724490
Catherine Doyle
Hugginstown
Hugginstown
Inistioge
Via Thomastown
Johnswell
Johnstown, via
Thurles
Kells
Loughboy, Kilkenny
Gaol Rd, Kilkenny
056
056
056
051
056
056
Thomas Duggan
Eilish Holden O’Shea
Alice Beck
Mary McCormack
Ann Holohan
John Curran
056 7728476
056 7765697
056 7752466
Josephine Molloy
Sean O’Hargain
June Barrett
Stephen’s St, Kilkenny
Springfields, Kilkenny
056 7761739
056 7751407
Denis O’Reilly
Mary Nicolson
Castlecomer Rd,
Kilkenny
James St, Kilkenny
056 7722082
Olwen Mackey
056 7721352
Damien Casey
Parnell St, Kilkenny
Granges Rd, Kilkenny
Michael St, Kilkenny
056 7765598
056 7762150
056 7762888
Maria Kelly
Marie Comerford
Mary O’Neill
Ballybough St,
Kilkenny
Upr. New St, Kilkenny
Cootes Lane, Kilkenny
056 7763528
Brian Cody
056 7721290
056 7761081
Rita Holohan
Paul Kinsella
Kells Rd, Kilkenny
056 7722934
Jane Dowling
Kilmacow
Strangsmills,
Kilmacow
Kilmacow
Kilmanagh
051 885399
051 874474
Michael Kavanagh
Valerie Breathnach
051 885361
056 7769340
Patrick Harte
James Neary
Kilmoganny
Carrigeen, via
Waterford
Mooncoin
051 648349
051 895423
Eilish Lanigan
Eamonn Donovan
051 895503
Breda O'Shea
7768919
7768931
7758660
423838
7759895
8831611
47
Our Lady of Lourdes
(B)
St Beacon’s NS (M)
Ballyfacey NS (M)
St Colmcille’s NS (M)
St Brigid’s School (M)
Owning NS (M)
Piltown NS (M)
Templeorum NS (M)
Listerlin NS (M)
Shanbogh NS (M)
St Canice’s NS
Skeoughvosteen NS
(M)
Ringville NS (M)
Slieverue NS (M)
Stoneyford NS (M)
Convent of Mercy NS
(M)
Tullaroan NS (M)
Urlingford NS (M)
St Nicholas NS (M)
Wandesforde NS (M)
Mooncoin
051 895411
Patrick Duggan
Mullinavat
Ballyfacey, Mullinavat
Bigwood, Mullinavat
Paulstown
Owning, Piltown
Piltown
Templeorum, Piltown
Listerlin, Rosbercon
Rosbercon
Rosbercon
Skeoughvosteen
051
051
051
059
051
051
051
051
051
051
059
898442
880388
885525
9726149
643628
643498
643602
427305
880308
422813
9775444
Tom O’Brien
Brigid Barron
Sabrina Kelly
Mary Holden
Patrick O’Gorman
Mark Connolly
Maria O’Mahony
William Cassin
Noel Roche
Liam Collins
Catherine Murphy
Slieverue
Slieverue
Stoneyford
Thomastown
051
051
056
056
832635
832339
7728393
7724290
Josephine Grennan
Catherine Grant
Maire E Ni Mhorain
Margaret Walsh
Tullaroan
Urlingford
Windgap
Wandesforde
0567769469
056 8831512
051 648321
056 4441517
Breda Holmes
Dermot Dunphy
Sadie Bacon
Susan Dennehy
Second Level Schools in County Kilkenny
School
Scoil Aireagail
Colaiste Eamon Ris
St Brigid’s College
Castlecomer
Community School
Colaiste Mhuire
Colaiste Pobail Osrai
Location
Ballyhale
Callan
Callan
Castlecomer
Duiske College
Kilkenny CBS
Kiilkenny College
Graiguenamanagh
James St, Kilkenny
Castlecomer Rd,
Kilkenny
Loughboy, Kilkenny
059 9724177
056 7721402
056 7761544
John Cahill
Cathnia
Muircheartaigh
Pat Murphy
Tom Clarke
Ian Coombes
056 7765684
Shane Hallihan
Granges Rd, Kilkenny
New St, Kilkenny
College Rd, Kilkenny
Mooncoin
Rosbercon, New Ross
056 7765132
056 7722108
056 7761707
O51 895112
051 422177
Thomastown
056 7724112
Colm Keher
Cathy McSorley
John Curtis
Paul Duggan
Bernadette Ryan
(acting)
William Norton
Kilkenny Presentation
Convent
Loreto Convent
Ormonde College
St Kieran’s College
Coláiste Cois Siúire
Our Lady of Lourdes
Grennan College
Tel. No.
056 7768632
056 7725340
056 7725189
056 4441447
Johnstown
056 8831135
Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny 056 7764557
Principal
Marie Butler
Frank McKenna
Patrick Power
Seamus O’Connor
48
CHILDCARE SERVICES
The following is not meant to be an endorsement or recommendation in any way of the
services supplied. The ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme otherwise known as
the Free Pre-School Scheme) is a new scheme designed to give children access to a free PreSchool Year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary
school.
COMMUNITY CHILDCARE SERVICES
Offer a range of childcare services from sessional pre-school playgroups to full daycare and
after school programmes.
Ballyhall Kindergarten
“Steiner” method playgroup. Large outdoor play area. Open to children from age 2½ to 7 yrs.
Monday to Friday 9am-2pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme and Subvention Scheme.
Contact:
Liz Devine
Telephone: 056 7706507
Location:
Ballyhall, Callan, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: kindergartenballyhall@eircom.net
Ballyragget Community Playgroup
Playgroup for age 3 to 5 yrs. Open Monday to Friday 9am-12.30pm. Purpose-built premises.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Marian Gorman
Telephone: 056 8830119
Location:
Chapel Ave, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Brandon Community Playgroup
For children from age 2½ yrs to school going. Monday to Friday 8.45am-11.45am, Tuesday
and Thursday afternoon 12.30pm-2.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Mary Butler
Telephone: 059 9724126
Location:
Fairgreen, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
Callan Community Childcare Centre
Community play school. Monday to Friday 9am-2pm. Children aged 3mths to 12yrs. Full day
care available from 3mths to 5yrs. Participating in ECCE Scheme. Pre school places available.
After school from 2pm-5pm Monday to Thursday.
Contact:
Carol Doyle
Telephone: 056 7755519
Location:
Droichead Family Resource Centre, Mill St, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Carrigeen Community Preschool
Open to children from 3 to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.45pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Mary Fleming
Telephone: 086 1525631
Location:
Parochial Hall
Clara Community Montessori and Pre-School Playgroup
Open to children from 2½ yrs to 4 yrs. Monday to Friday mornings. After school service for
school age children from 3pm-6pm. Collection service available from Clara School. Participating
in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Nodlaig Ryan
Telephone: 056 7722789
49
Location:
Clara Parochial Hall, Clara, Co Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps
Telephone: 086 3143540
Conahy Community Playschool
Playgroup for children from 2½ yrs to 5 yrs. 5 days: 9am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Geraldine Dunne
Telephone: 086 8322951
Location:
Conahy Community Hall, Co Kilkenny
Danesfort Community Childcare Centre
From 8.30am-6pm, children aged 12 mths till after schoolers.
Contact:
Monique Fitzpatrick
Location:
1 Fr Campion Place, Danesfort, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7700766
Telephone: 087 6891613
Happe Tots
Community Pre-School for children from 2½ to 5 years. Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Contact:
Orla and Julie
Telephone: 056 7731004
Location:
Happe House, 22 Hebron Park, Kilkenny
Oasis Freshford and District Childcare Centre Ltd
Monday to Friday 9am-12.30pm. Community playschool. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Grace Kearney
Telephone: 056 8832700
Location:
Tobernapesta, Freshford,
e-mail: oasischildcarecentre@gmail.com
Co Kilkenny
Johnstown Community Playgroup
Open to children age 3 to 5 yrs, Monday to Friday, 9am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Margaret Garrett
Telephone: 086 3689177
Location:
Behind St Kieran’s Community Hall, across from Church
Kells Community Childcare Centre
Full day care Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Play school sessions 9.30am-12.30pm. After school
and homework club available on request.
Contact:
Olivia Dunne
Telephone: 056 7730911
Location:
Kells, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: kellsccc@eircom.net
Kilkenny Community Early Years Project
Pre-school for children age 2 to 5 yrs. Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 8am-1.10pm.
Contact:
Ann McDonagh
Telephone: 056 7770234
Location:
Bishop Birch Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Kilmacow Community Pre School Active Learning Ltd
For age 2 yrs to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9am-12 noon. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Sheila Holden
Telephone: 087 9501765
Location:
Parish Hall, Kilmacow
The Learning Tree Childcare Centre and Crèche (see advertisement in this booklet)
50
Playgroup from age 9mths. Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm. After school service by
application. Full time sessional and drop-in facilities. Spacious playrooms with large outdoor
play area. New free playschool five mornings per week.
Contact:
Wendy Taylor or Cecilia Doyle
Tina Harper
Telephone: 056 7751988
Location:
Fr McGrath Centre, St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny
Loughboy Area Resource Centre
After school programme (Primary School children) Monday to Friday 2pm-6pm. Includes hot
snack, homework support, drama and fun activities. Places available. Take children with special
needs.
Contact:
Annette Chappell
Telephone: 056 7764700
Location:
Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Loughboy Community Pre-school Playgroup
Open to children from age 2 yrs and 10 mths to 5 yrs from the Loughboy community. Monday
to Friday 8.45am-12.15pm. We include free preschool year. Take children with special needs.
Contact:
Betty McFarlane
Telephone: 056 7764700
Location:
Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps
Millennium Court Community After School Programme
After school Monday to Friday 2pm-6pm. For ages 4 to 13 yrs.
Contact:
Penny Dwyer
Telephone: 086 1579706
Location:
Millennium Court Community Centre, Hebron Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps
Muckalee Community Playgroup
Age 1 yr to 12 yrs. Open 5 days a week 8am-6pm.
Contact:
Karen Power
Telephone: 056 4440004
Mullinavat Community Play School
Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.15pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Maria Kenneally
Telephone: 087 2899809
Location:
Madonna House, Main St, Mullinavat
Naionra Osrai (Irish speaking playgroup)
Playgroup for children from age 3 yrs. Monday to Friday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Sheila Brennan
Telephone: 085 1772500
Location:
Rear of Gael Scoil, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre Community Childcare Centre
Purpose built childcare facility for children ages 18 mths to 12 yrs. Open Monday to Friday 9am1.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm. Participating in the ECCE Scheme for children attending the
playschool.
Contact:
Louise
Telephone: 056 7723309
Location:
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre, Kilkenny
51
St John’s Community Playgroup
Playgroup for children from age 3 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.45pm.
Contact:
Noreen O’Keeffe
Telephone: 087 6750126
Location:
St John’s Church Basement, Dublin Rd, Kilkenny
Slieverue Community Pre-school
Sessional service.
Contact:
Kathleen Roche
Location:
Old School, Slieverue, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 085 7786517
Ted’s Den Community Child Care Centre
All day child care. Play school 9am-12.30pm. After school group Monday to Friday 2pm5.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Jemma Kealy
Telephone: 087 7961716
Location:
Community Hall, Kilkenny St, Castlecomer
Telephone: 056 4400947
The Rower Community Pre-school
Children age 3 to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Betty Gannon
Telephone: 087 9502185
Location:
Community Hall, The Rower
Thomastown Community Kindergarten
For children age 2 to 6 yrs. Morning and afternoon sessions. Based on the Waldrof holistic
approach in early childhood education. Arts and crafts, baking, outdoor play, healthy snack.
Operates ECCE and CCSS Scheme.
Contact:
Lucia Caperna
Telephone: 056 7754666
Location:
Rock Rd, Grennan, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: thomastownkindergarten@eircom.net
See also Summer Camps
Treasured Possessions
Monday to Friday 9am-12.30pm. Reduced rates for low and middle-income families.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Orla Phelan
Location:
Clough Parish Centre, Clough, Castlecomer
Telephone: 087 2135796
Urlingford Community Childcare Centre
Open daily from 8am-6pm. Full-time, part-time and free preschool places available. After
school available 1.30pm-6pm daily. All welcome.
Contact:
Mick Kenny
Telephone: 056 8838562
Location:
St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford, Co Kilkennye-mail: urlingfordchildcare@gmail.com
See also Summer Camps
PRIVATE CHILDCARE SERVICES
Offer a range of childcare services from sessional pre-school playgroups to full daycare and
after school programmes.
52
Apple Tree Farm Montessori
Age 2 yrs to school age. Full daycare available. After school service up to 12 yrs.
Contact:
Pam Drennan
Telephone: 059 9775185
Location:
Grove House, Skeoughvosteen, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
087 8054678
See also Summer Camps.
Ballyhale Montessori School
Monday to Friday, 9am-12.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm for Montessori. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Aimee / Brigid Whittle
Telephone: 086 8349424
Location:
Main St, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
Bambinos
Day care from 3 mths. Pre-school. After school services available. Open 7.45am-6.15pm.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Gillian Watkins
Telephone: 056 7790821
Location:
10 & 11 Lintown Way, Johnswell Rd, Kilkenny
Bluebells Creche & Preschool
Créche and Preschool catering for children from 5 mths to over 5 years. Monday to Friday 8am6pm. For more information check out our webpage. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Lorraine Knowles / Caoilte
Telephone: 056 7790524
Location:
78/79 Roberts Hill, Circular Road, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 6403091
Busy Bees (see advertisement in this booklet)
Day care from age 4 mths. Montessori from age 3. After school club. Open 8am-6pm. Free
Pre-School places available.
Contact:
Aine Russell
Telephone: 056 7770410
Location:
51 Richview, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny and
087 2427532
Unit 4, IDA Business + Technology Park, Ring Rd, Kilkenny
056 7703115
Callan Montessori School
Montessori for children from age 3 yrs. Tuesday to Friday mornings. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Maria Power-Bryan
Telephone: 056 7725763
Location:
Greene St, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Castlecomer Créche and Montessori
Full day care and Montessori. From 3 mths to 12 yrs. 8am-5.45pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Noreen Buggy
Telephone: 056 4440830
Catherine Bergin
Location:
Oakhill, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Chez Nous Montessori
For children from age 2½ to 6 yrs. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Patty Byrne
Telephone: 056 4442584
Location:
Cloneen Bridge, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8519478
53
Church Hill Pre-school
Private pre-school for 2 yrs 10 mths to school going. Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Aoife Bergin
Telephone: 056 7729144
Location:
National School, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny
Clever Cats Montessori and Crèche
Pre-school and after school. Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Suzanne Coughlan
Telephone: 056 7770212
Location:
54-55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
Cloghoge Montessori School
Purpose designed Montessori pre-school. For children from age 2½ yrs to 5 yrs. Monday to
Friday 9am-12.30pm. Excellent indoor and outdoor facilities. Qualified teaching staff.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Carmel Everard
Telephone: 056 7723077
Location:
Cloghoge, Ballycallan, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 3768305
Early Day Montessori School
Age 2yrs to 5 yrs. Open Monday to Friday 9.00am-12.30pm (also a 2½ hour session available).
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Eileen
Telephone: 086-8363810
Location:
Glendine Road, Kilkenny
Emily’s Playgroup
Playgroup for children from age 3½ to 5 yrs. Open 9.15am-12.15pm, five days a week. Taking
part in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Emily Whitford-McDonald
Telephone: 059 9775321
Location:
Ballyellen, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
See also Art Summer Camps.
Fairy Folk Montessori
Purpose designed and built Montessori/pre-school. For age 2½ to 5 yrs. Open Monday to
Friday 9am-12.30pm. After school club 2pm-5.30pm. Excellent indoor and outdoor facilities.
Qualified teaching staff. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Location:
Maria Hitchcock
Richview, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Telephone: 056 7771387
Telephone: 086 3090495
First Impressions
Montessori and playgroup. From age 2½ yrs. Monday to Thursday 9.30am-1pm. Participating
in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Ann Marie O’Shea
Telephone: 056 7728678
Location:
Willow Pond Hse, Tinvaun, Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny Telephone: 087 7734288
Telephone: 086 3295496
First Steps
54
Montessori from age 3 yrs. Monday to Thursday 9am-12.30pm. Irish Montessori Education
Board approved. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Mary Verling
Telephone: 056 7764333
Location:
5 Springmount, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
From Home 2 Home
Breakfast Club Monday to Friday 8am-9.30am for children going to school. Pre-school Monday
to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. After school from 2.10pm-6pm. Pre-school and after school
activities include art and crafts, baking, dance and movement. Purpose built facility with large
outdoor soft surface play area. Open all year round. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Siobhán Wemyss
Telephone: 056 7754449
Location:
9 Maudlin Court, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 085 8374116
Giant Steps Montessori
Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Marie Ann Cleere
Telephone: 086 2677936
Location:
Tullaroan Village Hall, Tullaroan, Co Kilkenny
Glenvale Preschool & Montessori
Monday to Friday 9am-12.30pm. From 2 yrs 9 mths to 5 yrs. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Mary Bolger
Telephone: 085 1772500
Location:
92 Glenvale, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny
Good Foundations
Playgroup for children from age 2 yrs and 10 mths to school going age. Monday to Friday 9am12pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Marian Fitzpatrick
Telephone: 056 7762387
Location:
1 Kenealy Ave, Castle Rd, Kilkenny
Grass Roots Childcare
Play school for 3 yrs to 5 yrs. 9.30am-12.30pm Monday to Friday during school term.
Afternoon session 2pm-5pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme (free preschool scheme).
Curriculum High Scope.
Contact:
Bridget Dowling
Telephone: 056 7722990
Location:
1 Rioch Court, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8920034
Green Acres Childcare Service
Full Day Childcare. Montessori and after-school childcare. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Gretta McGovern
Telephone: 051 830204
Location:
Rathpatrick, Slievrue, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 9738679
e-mail: greenacres10@eircom.net
Happy Days Créche
Purpose-built, secure outdoor play area, all staff fully qualified, all meals home cooked. Monday
to Friday 7.45am-6pm.
Contact:
Sarah O’Leary and Sandra Holohan
Telephone: 056 7777580
Location:
Seville Lawns, Margaret’s Field, Callan Rd, Kilkenny
Happy Days Montessori
55
Suitable for children from age 2½ to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in
ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Debbie
Telephone: 086 8455482
Location:
Clonmore, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Headstart Montessori School
Montessori for children from age 2½ yrs. Monday to Friday mornings. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Lynn Finnegan
Telephone: 056 7771767
Location:
69 Springfield, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny
Hopscotch Day Nursery
For children from 12 mths to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 7.30am-5.45pm, 51 weeks of the year.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Julie Haycock
Telephone: 051 844656
Location:
Mullinabro, Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny
Jerpoint Montessori
Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Summer Camp in July and August. Booking for new term in
September. Starting afternoon classes 2pm-5pm. Enquire about after school club. Participating
in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Location:
Mags Davis
Jerpoint West, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7793237
Telephone: 087 9910760
Kiddies Kingdom
Monday to Friday 7.30am-6pm. Private full day care. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Sandra Nichols
Telephone: 056 7793364
Location:
48 Maudlin Court, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Kids Club Montessori and after-school service
Full-day crèche Monday to Friday 7.45am-5.45pm. Full-time and part-time childcare and after
school service. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Location:
Slieverue village
Telephone: 051 830735
Kids Stuff
Montessori for children from age 2 yrs 9 mths. Monday to Friday mornings. Participating in
ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Annette Langton-Nolan
Telephone: 056 7726697
Location:
Blanchfields Park, Clifden, Gowran, Co Kilkenny
Kilkenny Crèche and Montessori School
Day care from 3 mths. Montessori. After school services available. Open 8am-6pm.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Deirdre Rafter
Telephone: 056 7723332
Location:
Kilkenny City
Kilmacow Montessori and after-school care
56
Montessori Monday to Friday 9am-12.30pm. After school Monday to Friday 2pm-5.30pm.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Helen Murphy Walsh
Telephone: 051 885767
Location:
Dangan, Kilmacow
Telephone: 087 6117384
Kinderland
From 3 mths. After school service available. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Paula Roche and Moira Brennan
Telephone: 056 7764279
Location:
1 The Green, Ayrfield, Grange’s Rd, Kilkenny
Lamha Beaga Childcare Service
Crèche, Montessori, After school. Monday to Friday 7.30am-6.15pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Marguerite O’Brien
Telephone: 056 7789660
Location:
Old Sion Rd, Middleknock, Dublin Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 6940300
The Learning Circle
Private childminder. Monday to Friday 8.15am-6pm.
Contact:
Natalie Grant
Telephone: 087 7514940
Lilliput Montessori
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Caters for children from 2 yrs 10 mths to school age.
Participating in ECCE Scheme. Check out our Facebook page.
Contact:
Natasha Reilly
Telephone: 056 7786591
Location:
1 Pocock Valley, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 6205515
Little Acorns
Pre-school and after school. From September running morning and afternoon pre-school. After
school from 1.30pm-6pm. Purpose built location in rural setting just 1km from New Ross.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Carol Leavy
Telephone: 051 422930
Location:
Flower Hill, Rosbercon, New Ross, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7438803
Little Angels Crèche
Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. From 3 mths. After school service also available.
Contact:
Linda Delaney
Telephone: 056 7786588
Location:
4 College View, Walkin St, Kilkenny
Little Mischief Day Nursery & Montessori
Babies to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 7am-5.30pm.
Contact:
Sharon O’Brien
Location:
Roseleigh, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 051 896769
Little Ones
Playgroup from age 2 yrs 10 mths to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.15pm. After school
from 2pm-6pm. School collection available. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Jackie Oglesby
Telephone: 056 7762135
Location:
28 Mayfield, Kells Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 1210844
57
Little Rascals Preschool
Playgroup from age 3 to 4 yrs. Monday to Friday mornings. 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in
ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Margaret Murphy
Telephone: 051 894206
Location:
Polerone, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Little Sunflowers Crèche Preschool and Montessori
Monday to Friday 8am-6.20pm. Full-time care, half-day care. Morning and afternoon sessions.
School pick up. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Ann O'Keeffe
Telephone: 056 7755759
Location:
Clonmel Rd, Callan, Co Kilkenny
e-mail: littlesunflowerscreche@yahoo.com
Marbles Creche and Montessori
Purpose-built crèche, catering for babies right through to after school. Fully qualified staff.
Nutritious meals. School collection, easy access from Ring Road. 8am-6pm. Participating in
ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Lorna McCormack
Telephone: 056 7777409
Location:
7 Marble Crest, Ardnore, Kilkenny
Mini Me Crèche
Monday to Friday 7.45am-6.30pm.
Contact:
Liz Campbell
Location:
6 College View, Walkin St, Kilkenny
Telephone: 085 7133227
Montessori Academy and Crèche
Day care from age 6 mths. Montessori from age 3 yrs. After school service available. Open
8.30am-6pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Louise Clarke
Telephone: 056 7764832
Location:
1 Smithlands Court, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Mount View Montessori
In an idyllic setting. Caters for children aged 2½ to 5 yrs. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Madeline O’Brien
Telephone: 051 640287
Location:
2½ miles from Carrick-on-Suir
Naionra Realta Beaga
Private playschool. Five days a week. 9.30am-1pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme. Places
available.
Contact:
Ailis Kelly/Stella Coady
Telephone: 086 3292713
Location:
Coon Hall, Coon West, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 1265553
New Beginnings Crèche and Montessori
Full and part day care for children from 2 mths to school going. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Ann Wall/Maria Rowe
Telephone: 056 7727720
Location:
The Left Bank, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
Nurture & Grow
Available for full/part-time and pre-school mornings up to school going age. Fully qualified staff.
Contact:
Laura Aylward
Telephone: 087 7739587
58
Location:
Fiodh Mhor, Abbeylands, Ferrybank, Co Waterford
Oak Hill Creche and Montessori
Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. Private full day care.
Contact:
Catherine Bergin/Noreen Buggy
Location:
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 4440830
Our Lady of Lourdes All Day Crèche and Montessori Centre
All day, Montessori and after school. Monday to Friday 8am-6pm for children 13 mths and
upwards.
Contact:
Catherine & Matthew O’Neill
Telephone: 059 9724946
Location:
Old Grange, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 059 9725970
Piltown Busy Bees Play School
Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Maria McGowan
Telephone: 087 9745912
Amanda Brady
Telephone: 087 2677316
Location:
Iverk Showgrounds, Piltown
Pixie Park Crèche
Children 6 mths to 5 yrs. 7.30am-5.45pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Jacqui
Telephone: 086 1244285
Mary
Telephone: 087 9910324
Location:
Banagher Court, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 051 644364
Presentation Playschool
Monday to Friday 9am-12pm. From 2 yrs 9 mths up Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Olivia Wall
Telephone: 086 8363810
Location:
Parnell St, Kilkenny
Rainbows
Playgroup from age 2½ yrs to school going. Half-day 9.30am-12pm. Participating in ECCE
Scheme.
Contact:
Mary Sheehan
Telephone: 087 9558216
Location:
Rose Lawn, Stonecarthy East, Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny
Skeough Playgroup and Montessori
Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm for ECCE Scheme children and Monday to Wednesday
12.45pm-2.45pm for playgroup.
Contact:
Ann Treacy
Telephone: 086 7701431
Location:
Coolnabrune, Skeoghvosteen, Co Kilkenny
See also Summer Camps.
Skough Hill Playgroup
Monday to Friday. 9am-12pm and 12.20pm-3.20pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Joan O’Gorman
Telephone: 051 641171
Location:
Skough Hill, Owning, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Square One (See our advertisement in this booklet)
59
Day care from age 5 mths. Toddler Group. Montessori from age 3 yrs. Open 8.30am-6pm. Free
Pre-School places available.
Contact:
Marie Ring
Telephone: 056 7761142
Location:
23 Cedarwood Crescent, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Step-by-Step Crèche & Montessori
3 mths to 5 yrs and after school. 8am-6pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Helen Mallon
Telephone: 059 9726806
Location:
60 Oaklawn, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2622346
Sugradh Crèche
Full day care and Montessori. After school and drop in. From 7.30am-6pm. For children from
6 mths to 13 yrs.
Contact:
Denise Frisby
Telephone: 051 645544
Location:
Carrick-on-Suir
Sugradh Pre-school
Monday to Friday 9.30am-1pm.
Contact:
Cathy McNena
Location:
Tobernabrone, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 085 8139241
Sunny Days Montessori
Age 2½ to 5 yrs. Monday to Friday 9.10am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Ann O’Connell Kelly
Telephone: 087 2792438
Location:
1 Golf Links Rd, Kilkenny
Stepping Stones
Age 2½ yrs. Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Margaret O’Grady
Location:
29 Riverside Drive, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764573
Talbot’s Gate Crèche and Montessori
Private, full day care. Monday to Friday 7.45am-6pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Sheila Canning
Telephone: 056 7703310
Location:
31 Talbot’s Gate, Freshford Rd, Kilkenny
Tiddlywinks Creche & Montessori
Monday to Friday 9.50am-6pm. From 4 mths to after school. All meal and snacks included.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Shelly Woodgate
Telephone: 056 7796189
Location:
1 Rath Ullord, Bonnetsrath Road, Kilkenny
Tiny Tots Montessori School
School term Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Valerie Butler
Telephone: 056 7724908
Location:
68 Maudlin Court, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8758111
Tiny Tots Paradise & Drop-In centre
60
Monday to Friday 7.30am-6.30pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm. For Children from 3 mths to 12 yrs.
Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Geraldine Russell
Telephone: 056 7715600
Location:
Parnagowen, Outrath Road, Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8646085
Email: tinytotsparadise@live.ie
T
na Nog
Montessori and playgroup from age 2½ yrs. Monday to Friday 8.45am-12.30pm. Participating in
ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Aine Turley
Telephone: 056 7765732
Location:
Cluain Lagan, Granges Rd, Kilkenny
Twinkles Crèche and Montessori
Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Participating in ECCE Scheme.
Contact:
Louise Young
Location:
Rose Hill, Kells Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7795856
Urlingford Playgroup for Little Learners
Playgroup from age 2 yrs 6 mths. Monday to Friday 9am-12pm. Monday to Thursday
12.15pm-3.15pm. Outdoor playground. High Scope curriculum.
Contact:
Angela Brennan
Telephone: 056 8831805
Location:
Old School, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny
The Wishing Well Crèche and Montessori
Full day care, Montessori and playschool. Day care from 3 mths. After school club available.
Fresh nutritious home made meals provided daily. Very competitive fees. Participating in ECCE
Scheme. National Childrens Nursery Association approved. Open 7.45am-6pm.
Contact:
Helen O’Regan
Telephone: 056 8830864
Location:
Glen Vale, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny.
Telephone: 086 8708863
Woodstock Play School/Montessori
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Martina Gantley
Location:
Woodstock Lodge, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny
Young Days Pre-school
3 yrs and upwards. Monday to Friday 9.30am-1pm.
Contact:
Nuala O’Dwyer-Butler
Location:
Ballycallan Hall, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 4165322
Telephone: 086 8878154
PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS
Local support groups which offer young children and their parents/carers an opportunity to
meet, play and socialise together, usually for one morning a week.
Ballycallan Parent and Toddler Group
Wednesday 10.30am-12pm.
Contact:
Location:
Assumpta O’Brien
Ballycallan Hall, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 6340838
61
Ballyhall Parent and Toddler Group
Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Liz
Telephone: 085 1506342
Bigwood Parent and Toddler Group
Contact:
Location:
Madeline Byrne
Bigwood National School, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 051 880134
Castlecomer Parent and Toddler Group
Thursday 10am-12pm.
Contact:
Location:
Gemma
Community Hall, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 4400947
Gowran Parent and Toddler Group
Tuesday 10.30am-12pm.
Contact:
Location:
Margaret Scriven
Community Hall, Gowran, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8055536
Hopscotch Parent and Toddler Group
An opportunity for parents and toddlers to meet, play and socialise together, while toddlers
develop their skills and personalities. Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Location:
Connie
Loughboy Area Resource Centre, Bishop Birch
Training Institute, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764700
Kilkenny City
Parent and Toddler groups offer a brilliant space for parents, guardians, nannies, childminders
and children to interact and share invaluable experiences. Parent and Toddler groups from
10.30am-12.30pm at:
Monday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Fr McGrath Family Resource Centre
O’Loughlin Court Community Centre
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre
Archer’s Street Community Centre
Strolling group starting soon.
Contact:
Emma Ferris
Telephone: 056 7723309
Loughboy Area Resource Centre – Tickley Tots Parent and Toddler Group
Friday 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Location:
Connie Delaney
Bishop Birch Training Centre, Nuncio Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764700
62
Mooncoin Parent and Toddler Group
Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Joan Thornton
Location:
The Parish Hall, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 7774688
Mother and Toddler Group
Tuesday 10am-12 noon.
Contact:
Location:
Olive Maher
Friary Complex, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7755519
Piltown Parent and Toddler Group
Meet in Piltown National School. Every Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Location:
Jane Whelan
National School Hall, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 2506423
Presbyterian Church Parent and Toddler Group “Caring for People, Sharing our
Saviour”
Play, songs, craft, chat and refreshments. A great place to meet people!
Every Tuesday and Wednesday 10.30am-12 noon, excluding school holidays.
Contact:
Location:
Heather Jeffery
Aileen Morrissey
Presbyterian Church, New Rd, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7764597
Telephone: 056 7754423
Stoneyford Parent and Toddler Group
Monday 10.30am-12.30pm. Closed public holidays. Run with School term.
Contact:
Location:
Ailish Feehan
Telephone: 087 2836581
Stoneyford Community Centre, Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny
Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs
First Tuesday of every month. 10.30am-12.30pm.
Contact:
Noreen Irwin / Therese Buckley
Telephone: 087 9581315
Location:
St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 9040208
Urlingford/Johnstown Parent and Toddler Group
Wednesday 10am-12pm. Tea/Coffee and activities.
Contact:
Location:
Carla Ennis
Urlingford Community Childcare Centre,
St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 2353808
Wandesforde Hall Parent and Toddler Group
Tuesday 10am-11.30am. During School term.
Contact:
Jackie Neale
Telephone: 056 4442778
63
Location:
Hollypark, Crettyard, Co Carlow
Childminders (Private, home based childcare services)
The Childcare (Preschool Services) Regulations 2006 state that a childminder should look after
no more than 5 preschool children, including his/her own at any one time. If a childminder
meets this criteria they are obliged to notify with the HSE
However if a childminder is caring for 3 preschool children or less they can avail of the
Voluntary Notification System put in place by the County Childcare Committee. This system of
notification is dealt with by their local Childminding Advisory Officer within the County Childcare
Committee.
Kay Caldbeck
Qualified registered childcare worker looking for child to mind in own home.
Contact:
Location:
Kay Caldbeck
New England, Tullaroan Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 6557820
Denise Donoher
Qualified childcare worker, full VETAC qualifications. Full and part-time places available.
Contact:
Location:
Denise Donoher
Firoda, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 086 8122579
Mary Kavanagh
Qualified childcare minder, all certs up to date. Enclosed outdoor play area.
Contact:
Location:
Mary Kavanagh
Lintown Avenue, Kilkenny
Telephone: 087 9114544
Elaine Kearns Home based childminding service
Private full day care and part-time childminding service available, also after school service.
Monday to Friday 8am-5.30pm.
Contact:
Location:
Elaine Kearns
Foxleigh, Arderra, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 051 895617
Telephone: 086 3894813
Catherine O’Brien
Qualified and experienced childminder. 5 days a week, full and part-time places.
Contact:
Location:
Catherine O’Brien
32 Garringreen, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 7763550
Telephone: 087 9981498
Marion Purcell
Currently doing VETAC Level 5 in Childcare. Voluntary Notified to Kilkenny Childcare Committee.
Contact:
Location:
Marion Purcell
Crutt, Clogh, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 056 4442813
Telephone: 087 7995621
64
Claire Wade
Experienced Registered Childminder in Paulstown area.
Contact: Claire Wade
Location: Paulstown, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 059 7769258
65