Narraghmore call for planter/flower bed minders

Narraghmore Development CLG is asking members of the local community to help keep the village blooming this summer by taking care of one of its flower planters or beds.

Families and households are being invited to choose a planter or garden bed and look after it over the summer months. The commitment would involve regular watering and occasional weeding to keep the displays looking well.

Residents who would like to take part can select their preferred planter or bed on the sign-up form at this link, after which one will be allocated to them. Prizes will also be awarded at the end of the summer for the best-kept planters.

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Kildare Inclusivity Festival 2026

The 2026 Kildare Inclusivity Festival will be held at The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 10 May, from 11am to 6pm, bringing together families, community groups and organisations for a day focused on disability inclusion, accessibility and celebration.

Following a successful debut last year, this year’s festival will have a range of new features designed to make the event more welcoming for everyone.

The free family-friendly event, hosted by County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), Kildare County Council, and partners, will include a dedicated Quiet Zone, a Quiet Entrance, and a Quiet Hour from 11am to 12pm to support visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment.

Among the additions for 2026 are a Vehicle Demonstration Zone, an external music stage and the KARE Inclusive Sports Zone. Returning attractions will include the Family Fun Zone, Barretstown Magic Moments and CKAN’s Our World Inclusive Toy Display.

More information at www.ckan.ie.

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Have you lost your keys?

A set of keys has been found in the playground. They can be retrieved by calling 087 2821697.

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Lily Beetle infestation time

This is a Lily Beetle, a pest that has become increasingly problematic in recent years and has been found in the Kilcullen area, writes Dave Byrne. The pest attacks outdoor lilies. 

The critical period for infestation is from April to July. The primary method of control involves manual removal of the beetles, followed by drowning them in soapy water. 

It is the larvae produced by the beetles that are responsible for the damage, which can destroy a potted lily overnight. 

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Strong interest in Riverside Manor rent-to-own initiative

There were more than 700 expressions of interest for seven rent-to-own housing units at Riverside Manor when the offer went live this week, writes Brian Byrne. The units are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes in the current development by Alchemy Homes.

The initiative is operated by Homely Technologies Limited, which acts as an intermediary between the developer and people who want to settle long-term in a community but are not yet in a position to buy their home. The Homely platform provides them with a stable renting option that gives the client the right to buy their home after a minimum of three years.

According to Homely co-founder Andrew Lynch, who was showcasing the homes to applicants over recent days, the scheme is for the 'forgotten middle' range of clients who can afford monthly payments but have not yet got a mortgage approval or an adequate deposit.

The Riverside Manor rentals are from €1,850 a month, with an optional monthly payment of up to €600 that builds towards a deposit. That payment also secures the tenant's right to purchase the property after three years. 

The seven homes in the current Kilcullen scheme are in an apartment block overlooking the Liffey. Andrew Lynch told the Diary that there's a possibility of further rent-to-buy units in the development, subject to interest. Homely has similar initiatives underway in Meath, Limerick and Waterford.

Rent-to-own is not currently covered by specific legislation in Ireland, but the Homely principals have been in discussion with public representatives in the Dáil with a view to progressing such legislation. 

During the rental term, the occupant is considered a tenant, and the agreement is bound by Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) regulations on rent caps and tenant rights. The Law Society of Ireland advises that all parties obtain independent legal advice in such rent-to-own agreements.

(Photos below are of the 1-bedroom apartment.)

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Plant Swap planned

Kilcullen Community Action is organising a Plant Swap on Saturday, 2 May, outside the former bank building. The event will run from 10 am to 12pm.

People are encouraged to bring along any surplus plants or seeds and swap them for varieties they do not already have. 

The idea promotes gardening, sustainability, and community spirit by giving people the chance to refresh their gardens and connect with others with gardening interests.

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Lions do litter pick for Spring Clean

Kilcullen Lions Club carried out their Annual Litter Pick on a section of the Athy Road south of the motorway Bridge this morning as part of National Spring Clean Week. 

Eleven bags of general waste and six bags of recyclables were collected.

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Record crowds tipped for Punchestown

The 2026 Punchestown Festival is set for record attendance, with advance sales indicating more than 130,000 visitors across the five-day event from Tuesday, 28 April to Saturday, 2 May.

This year’s festival is on track to exceed last year’s record turnout, driven by a strong weather forecast and a programme combining top-class racing with major social and entertainment attractions.

A record prize fund of €3.6 million is being offered across 40 races. Punchestown also expects the festival to generate more than €70 million for the economy and draw visitors from Ireland and overseas.

Chief executive Conor O’Neill said the festival has grown beyond sport into a flagship national entertainment event, with hospitality demand remaining exceptionally strong. Midweek hospitality is sold out despite increased capacity, while limited availability remains for Saturday.

The festival will also feature live music, style events, family entertainment, new hospitality options, and expanded food and beverage offerings.

Organisers are urging racegoers to book before the final ticket offer ends at midnight on Sunday, 26 April, and to use public transport where possible, particularly on Festival Friday.

Full details and tickets are available at www.punchestown.com.

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Dowling Property: 19 Hillcrest Kilcullen

Welcome to No 19. Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this exceptional 3-bedroom dormer bungalow for sale, available for the very first time. Situated in a tranquil cul-de-sac and overlooking a green area to the front, the property is presented in immaculate condition throughout. This superb home benefits from an elevated position, offering scenic views of Kilcullen town and the surrounding countryside from the rear.

The property features two spacious reception rooms and a charming sunroom with views over the landscaped gardens. The bright and spacious accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, a guest WC, a sitting room, a kitchen/breakfast room, a dining/lounge area, and a double bedroom on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Heating is by gas, complemented by an open fire in the sitting room.

The rear garden is particularly notable for its maturity, privacy, and south-facing sunshine. It boasts a variety of mature trees and shrubs and has been meticulously maintained by its owners.

Hillcrest is a small estate with all amenities conveniently located within close proximity. These include leisure facilities, shops, primary and secondary schools (St Brigid’s Primary School and the Cross & Passion College Secondary School), public transportation, and major road networks such as the M7 and M9 motorways. Given its prime location and excellent presentation, we strongly recommend early viewing. This is a property not to be missed.

AMV €395,000. dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Nice job. Pity about the drivers

A nice job is almost finished at the Market Square and generally in downtown Kilcullen. Making getting in and out of Riverside a much smoother affair. 

Unfortunately, there seem to be some unsighted drivers around, as two of the new bollards were bashed the other night. One on the Market Square pedestrian island, the other near the bridge.

Get a grip, people. Preferably on your steering wheels.

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Book Sale continues today

It's the last day of this month's KWWSPCA Book Sale today, Saturday, at Kilcullen Heritage Centre. Find thousands of books to explore — 6 books for just €5! 

There's something for everyone — Classics, Fiction, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Cookery, Gardening, Irish Fiction, Sports, Autobiographies, and more. Plus, lots of children’s books too, at 3 for €1! 

Support our local SPCA. Come and grab some fantastic summer reads at great prices!

And don't forget to take part in Walking Sunday tomorrow, 26 April, at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

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