Dowling Property: Hillfarm, Narraghmore

Dowling Property is pleased to present this distinguished residence to the market for sale. Situated in one of the most highly desirable locations just south of Kilcullen and enjoying rolling countryside views overlooking some of Kildare's finest land, this deceptive four-bedroom, detached dormer bungalow encompasses approximately 153 square metres, with a spacious upstairs lounge benefiting from views across four counties. 

The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, a bedroom or office, a sitting room, two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, a kitchen, and a sunroom. Upstairs features a large lounge and a master bedroom with an en-suite. The property is heated by oil and also includes a wood-burning stove and a Stanley Range in the kitchen.

The site is mature and has been well cared for, and is accessed via an electric gated entrance. The views are simply outstanding, and the rear of the property enjoys a sunny, west-facing aspect. A notable feature of this fine residence is the detached garage and stable block, which would be ideal for a number of uses and is complemented by a purpose-built dog run.

The location is unparalleled, with convenient access to the M9 and M7 motorways approximately six minutes away by car. Local amenities are readily accessible in Narraghmore Village, including a café, public house, credit union, and restaurant. Several primary schools are situated nearby, such as Ballyshannon National School, Halverstown National School, and Crookstown. Kilcullen is a ten-minute drive, offering excellent shopping facilities and direct access to the M9.

The property is chain-free and move-in ready. We recommend early inquiries to avoid disappointment, as this is a highly desirable opportunity — certainly not to be missed. An exceptional gem!

AMV €445,000; dowlingproperty.ie; Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Happy Easter!

Image: Alexana via Pexels.

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Looking Back: Kilcullen Cinema in 1962

While the revived Kilcullen Bridge Cinema is bringing a curated series of excellent films to local audiences, it only has one or two screenings in a month, writes Brian Byrne. How different it was in the heyday of the cinema in the 1960s, when it was managed by the late Paddy Melia, a man never short of a hyperbolic phrase, and regularly providing cinematic entertainment every night of the week.

Thanks to the continuing archival delvings of Joe Murray, we have here the Leinster Leader advertisement's lineup of a typical week of cinema in Kilcullen, beginning Friday 21 September 1962, on "KILDARE'S W-I-D-E-S-T SCREEN." The offerings began with the adventure of Swiss Family Robinson in Super Cinemascope 55, on Friday, Saturday, and a special Sunday matinee. Sunday also featured "for laughs", Strictly for Pleasure, a Technicolour comedy starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, along with the 20 hits song-filled Teenage Millionaire in a "Smash hit Sunday Show." 

Monday and Tuesday brought "fast and furious action" from the "Magnificent Three" of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr with Peter Lawford, (Yes, they are four. Go figure.) in a "Walloping Western", with "tremendous pace from start to finish", Sergeants 3 in "stunning Super Cinemascope 55 and Technicolour." 

Midweek audiences were to be treated to the "High Drama on the High Seas" of HMS Defiant, a stirring epic in the vein of The Guns of Navarone, featuring Dirk Bogarde, Alec Guinness, and Anthony Quayle, "the screen's most talented actors". The week would reach its dramatic peak with "something entirely new in cinematic entertainment", The Unfrocked, a "searing, searching study of an unfrocked priest." 

The blurb went: "However controversial its subject may be, this film has been hailed by the press as the best film ever shown in this country. The Catholic Herald said: 'It may be distasteful to the squeamish, it may horrify many, it may shock others, but it is THE BEST FILM WE HAVE EVER SEEN.' As this picture is being withdrawn from this country on 30th Sept., IT WILL NOT BE SEEN IN ANY OTHER CINEMA IN IRELAND. Don't miss this only opportunity of seeing the most talked-about film in years. We have obtained a Special Censor's Certificate for the final presentation. STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY. NOBODY under 18 years will be permitted to see this film." That it was a French film, originally released eight years before, probably added to the mystique. 

Looking ahead to the following week, the cinema promised screenings of Johnny Nobody, Taste of Fear, and Twist Around the Clock, and no doubt Paddy had already pencilled his purple prose for the next issue of the Leader.

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Edel and Jim got married

Edel Mackey and Jim 'Jimmer' Kelly got married today in a really nice ceremony at Kilcullen Heritage Centre. 

As would be expected, some very nice singing at the event, and it really showed the place to be a lovely location. 

At Edel's request, the Diary took a few photos. Congratulations to both. 

We reckon there may be a few songs and guitar playing through the rest of the day.

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It Says in The Bridge: April 2026

If you see a drone hovering over Kilcullen's streetscape in the coming months, it's not sinister, writes Brian Byrne. It will just be another KCA project getting underway, to survey the heritage area of Upper Main Street. The survey is the lead story on this month's issue, and the images with it are an interesting comparison of what the street is like today compared to 126 years ago.

The centre spread story is of the 'grand' celebration of two creative people who left significant legacies in Kilcullen before they passed away — sculptor Noel Scullion and musician Liam O'Flynn. Ray Kelly's account is of the evening devoted to their linkage through the heritage of Dun Ailinne, which simply had to be recognised. Even if you are a newcomer to Kilcullen, the two people concerned were part of what you will be — our local heritage is the foundation of all the futures of those who live here.

Then there are the people who simply passed through, but left a mark that might not be noticed, yet will always be there as long as someone has written down the memory. That's the 'Passing Strangers' basis of Mary Orford's contribution this month, recalling such fleeting visitors as William Makepeace Thackeray, Daniel O'Connell, the writer Maeve Brennan, who spent time in the Cross and Passion before becoming famous, actress Rita Hayworth, Henry Kissinger and Jackie Onassis. As she writes, there were many others, no doubt, who, to one degree or another, got the taste of a Kilcullen welcome.

One of those was the late Ronnie Delaney, and there's a reflection in this issue on his inspiring life, from Henry Murphy, one of the members of the Creative Writers group. The Olympic hero was in Kilcullen in 2019, and there are local memories of him spending time in The Spout with some of our own Olympians, heroes in their own right for simply taking part.

In other features, Jim Kelly continues his recollections of a lifetime managing Castlemartin for the late Tony O'Reilly. A career that involved resurrecting a Kilcullen heritage, maintaining and enhancing it, and we feel very fortunate to have such a record in The Bridge. There's also the regular contribution from the Kilcullen Photography Club, whose pictures are another way of capturing and preserving today's town for future perusal.

From our regulars, Julie Dunlop Felsbergs ponders on a period of not being able to drive due to recovery from a medical procedure and how she eventually accepted that as a signal that she should slow down for a time from a hectic modern life. Noel Clare goes Out and Away to Curracloe and Wexford, finding the former a true haven for an extraordinary range of wildlife. Eugene Brennan explains the importance of counterbalances in keeping things where they should be, and Billy Redmond muses on the differences between American football and our own Gaelic kind. With the Festival almost upon us, the Places Around Us contribution from Daithí de Róiste about Punchestown's history is timely.

With all the usual, and the usual much more, the April Bridge is now on sale in the usual outlets. With much about Kilcullen's heritage, and of itself a part of it.

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Kilcullen issues raised by councillor for next meeting

Bishop Rogan Park: request for pull-in bays.

Councillor Tracey O’Dwyer has submitted motions and inquiries aimed at enhancing infrastructure and safety in Kilcullen and Two Mile House ahead of the upcoming Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, writes Brian Byrne. The meeting is scheduled to take place on 15 April at Áras Chill Dara.

The councillor requests the council to investigate the feasibility of installing pull-in bays within Bishop Rogan Park, Nicholastown, and Cnoc na Greine estates to prevent service vehicles from obstructing footpaths and green spaces.

Cllr O’Dwyer has also tabled a motion requesting the results of a traffic survey conducted in Kilcullen in May 2025. This survey gathered data pertaining to traffic volume, flow, parking turnover, and pedestrian activity.

A request for a detailed update on the scope and commencement date of works at Thompson’s Cross is the subject of a question from the councillor. She also wants the council to confirm plans to upgrade the pelican crossing at Two Mile House Primary School, noting that cars are currently failing to yield to children crossing the road.

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Business promotion opportunity at Community Centre

Local businesses have a prime opportunity to promote their services at the busy and prominent venue of Kilcullen Community Centre. 

If you're aiming to reach a broad audience and increase your visibility, consider joining other local enterprises like Premier Catering and Kings and Queen of Castles in showcasing your business on the centre campus. 

For more information, contact Enda at the Community Centre on 087 9681040 or at enda@kilcullencommunitycentre.com.

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Andrea celebrates her birthday

Andrea Condron recently celebrated her 40th birthday with a gathering of family and friends at The Spout. 

Pictured are Clare Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Leah Aitkem, Anne Brennan, Breda Condron, Andrea Condron, Shannon Aitkem and Roisin Kelly.

Photo by PJ Lydon.

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