Fairy Trail family fun in the Valley

Fun in the sun at the 2025 event.

The Fairy Trail Fun Day in the Valley on Saturday promises an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike, writes Brian Byrne. The event is hosted by Kilcullen Community Action, supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare Credit Union.

It will run from 12 noon to 4pm and will feature Billy Bubbles Magician, Mrs Bubbles’ kids’ sprinkle and biscuit decorating, face painting, storytelling, music from local artists and a DJ. There will be free ice cream for children.

Families are invited to take part in an optional fairy-themed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best-dressed.

The day will finish with the annual Duck Race organised by Kilcullen Lions, with the 'off' scheduled for 4pm. KCA volunteers have cleared debris from the river to give all ducks an equal chance. 

Ducks cost €5 each and can be bought from any Lions Club member now, on the street in Kilcullen on 5 June, or on the race day itself. The first duck home will win €100, with €50 for second place and a Woodbine Book Voucher for third. All proceeds will go to local charities. 

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Old Kilcullen Blessing of the Graves

Blessing of the Graves at Old Kilcullen will be conducted on Sunday next, 7 June. The 11 am Mass in Kilcullen Church will be offered for those buried in Old Kilcullen Cemetery, followed by the rosary and blessing of the graves at 12.30 pm in the cemetery.

The Gormanstown Church blessing will take place on Sunday, 28 June, after the 9.30 am Mass.

On Sunday, 6 September, prayers and blessings of the graves will be held at 2pm in New Abbey Cemetery. At 3pm, Mass will be celebrated in St Brigid’s Cemetery, followed by the blessing of the graves.

Families and parishioners are invited to attend these special times of prayer and remembrance.

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Talk on bees and climate change

A talk exploring how climate change is affecting bees, wildlife and the wider environment will be held on Wednesday evening in Athy, writes Brian Byrne. The event at the Church of Ireland Centre on the Carlow Road is open to all interested people.

Climate expert John Sweeney will address the meeting, hosted by South Kildare Beekeepers. He will outline how rising temperatures, shifting seasons and extreme weather events are disrupting bee behaviour and habitats, with knock-on effects for pollination and food production. 

Starting at 7.30pm, the event is promised to be an informative evening of “tea, chat and bee talk”, for a general audience.

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Ducks now on sale for Fairy Trail Family Fun Day race

Tightly packed field at last year's race.

A reminder that ducks are now on sale from Kilcullen Lions Club for the upcoming Family Fun Day at the Valley Park Fairy Trail, writes Brian Byrne. The annual Duck Race will take place at 4pm next Saturday, 6 June 2026, as part of the day’s activities. 

Ducks cost €5 each and can be bought from any club member now, on the street on 5 June, or on race day itself. The first duck home will win €100, with €50 for second place and a Woodbine Book Voucher for third. All proceeds will go to local charities.

Meanwhile, the Fairy Trail Fun Day promises an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike. The event, hosted by Kilcullen Community Action, will run from 12 noon to 4pm, and will feature Billy Bubbles Magician, Mrs Bubbles’ kids’ sprinkle and biscuit decorating, face painting, storytelling, and music from local artists and a DJ. There will be free ice cream for children.

Families are invited to take part in an optional fairy-themed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best dressed. 

The event is supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare Credit Union.

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Cross-stitching sessions in Kilcullen Library

A weekly Cross-stitching session for adults will be held in Kilcullen Community Library every Friday morning from 11am. 

It will be a very social event, with all materials provided. 

Beginners and experienced stitchers will be equally welcome. 

Call 045 482193 or email kilcullenlib@kildarecoco.ie for more information.

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