TOURISM BUSINESS PRICING WORKSHOP

Local Enterprise Office Kildare is hosting a Pricing & Profitability for Tourism Businesses workshop on 9 September at MERITS, Naas. 

The session, running from 9.30am to 4.30pm, aims to help participants cost their products and services, set appropriate prices, calculate breakeven points, and develop a pricing strategy for long-term profitability. 

Key topics include different types of costs, overhead absorption, costing techniques, and pricing tactics. 

The course is free for clients, but booking is essential to ensure adequate preparation and availability. 

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BARRETSTOWN LAUNCES PSYCHOSOCIAL CLINICAL RESEARCH HUB

Dee Ahern, CEO of Barretstown; the most recent Camper, the 175,000th, Hayleigh Price; Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill; Anne Heraty, Chair of Barretstown; and the very first Camper, Ciara Hoolahan. 

Barretstown, the leading provider of psychosocial care for seriously ill children and young people, is establishing Ireland’s first Psychosocial Clinical Research Hub, writes Brian Byrne. The announcement coincided with the charity welcoming its 175,000th camper-client and introducing a refreshed brand identity.

The new hub, led by global expert Dr Chiara Besani, will drive evidence-based research into psychosocial interventions, aiming to embed emotional, social and developmental support into treatment plans for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.

The strategy includes programme development and innovation, the research hub, a training centre of excellence for healthcare professionals, and stronger advocacy to make psychosocial care a standard part of clinical treatment.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill highlighted the initiative's potential to improve outcomes beyond medical treatment alone. CEO Dee Ahern said the next chapter of Barretstown will “shape best practice, lead research, and inspire transformational change in our national care systems.”

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COUNTY KILDARE CEO FOR CHAMBER LUNCH EVENT

Sonya Kavanagh, CEO of Kildare County Council, will present Driving Kildare Forward at Lawlor’s of Naas on 10 September at 1pm. The event is hosted by County Kildare Chamber. 

With nearly 30 years of local government experience, she will discuss Kildare’s future, focusing on economic, community, and infrastructure development. The event offers business leaders insights into strategic priorities for sustainable growth. 

Participants can enjoy a light lunch and networking from 12pm. Tickets are €30 + VAT for Chamber members and €70 + VAT for non-members.

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BACK TO SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PLEA

An Garda Síochána Kildare is urging road users to be careful as children return to school. Drivers are advised to slow down, stay alert, follow school wardens' directions, watch for children crossing, and give space to cyclists and pedestrians. 

Parking illegally or double parking is strictly prohibited. Parents should plan safe drop-off and collection points, avoid illegal parking, and discuss road safety with their children. 

A few extra seconds of care can significantly enhance safety.

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DEBRIS ON MOTORWAY WARNING

9.05am UPDATE: Cleared. 8.05am: A warning about debris on the M9 northbound between Kilcullen Services and the J2 to Kilcullen has been issued by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The agency says motorists should drive with caution and reduce speed when approaching the hazard.

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FILM POSTERS EXHIBITION OPENS TONIGHT

Tonight, Kildare Town Library hosts the opening of an exhibition showcasing original cinema posters of films made in County Kildare. 

The event kicks off with a screening of a mystery movie filmed in south Kildare, starting at 6pm. The exhibition, curated by Michael Rowley, features a range of posters, from “Shake Hands With the Devil” (1959) to “Dating Amber” (2020).

Supported by Kildare Libraries Service, the exhibition is free to the public and runs until the end of September during library hours.

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SAVE DATE FOR KILCULLEN'S CULTURE NIGHT

A reminder that Kilcullen Drama Group will host a Culture Night on 18 September at the Town Hall, starting at 7pm. 

Doors open at 6.30pm, featuring a performance by the Kilcullen Gospel Choir in the Heritage Centre foyer. The evening will include a wide range of musical, variety, and drama presentations by local performers.

Admission is free.

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ANVIL AT REST 2026, A CONCERT FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Image: Emma Keane.

The countdown is on for Anvil at Rest 2026, taking place this Sunday, 30 August, at Bishop Rogan Park. The free community concert will run from 3pm to 5pm, streaming live and bringing together live music, local performers, and a shared mission to support mental health.

Hosted in aid of Aware, the national charity supporting people affected by depression and bipolar disorder, the event invites contributions to the fundraising campaign, either at the concert or online via Aware’s official site. 

The performers will include Arlene Bailey, Lorraine Nolan, Canice Keane, Pat Kelly, Gordon Turner, Emma Kayaalp, Yvonne Ennis, and John and Joe Kelly.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their families and friends to enjoy a vibrant display of local talent. Anvil at Rest 2026 promises to be an uplifting event where music and community meet to forge hope.

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RUSSBOROUGH'S CAR BOOT ART FAIR

A reminder that Russborough’s Car Boot Art Fair returns for its eighth year on Saturday next, 29 August, offering a unique and lively art experience in the parklands. The event allows visitors to buy art directly from artists’ car boots, with a diverse range of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more on offer. 

The day will include live DJ sets, spot prizes, discounted guided house tours, and a 10 per cent discount at the Russborough Shop.

Ticket sales support the care of Russborough House, its collection, and estate. New for 2026, pre-booked ticket holders will automatically enter a giveaway for an original artwork donated by artists such as Catherine Barron and Daniel Lipstein. Tickets available here. 

The fair showcases established and emerging artists, including Ann Marie Webb, Aoife Scott, and PJ Lynch. It offers a rare chance to engage with creators in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a fun day out, the Car Boot Art Fair promises surprises and a memorable experience.

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GOD'S COLOURING BOOK

 

As a tribute to Dolly Parton, here's another listen to her song God's Colouring Book, performed by Stephen Clare and Shane O'Connor in a video produced by Niamh O'Connor in April 2021, at the height of Covid.

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