Spend your Christmas in Kilcullen

We started the Diary's local Christmas shopping guide early this year, as it's going to be a much different festive season than we have been used to, writes Brian Byrne. For the coming weeks, we'll continuously update with local business offers, with applicable links and contacts details. If you have a local business, email details to kilcullendiary@gmail.com for free inclusion. Remember, shop local for a local economic recovery. 

Woodbine Books is a favourite spot for acquiring that most wonderful of all presents, the gift of imagination. Fully open again following the earlier restrictions, you can visit, or browse their website and order online or by phone for collection or delivery. Phone Dawn at 045 482 777 or message on Facebook. 

Joe O'Connor Engraving has a Christmas bent this time of the year, with a topical twist. In addition to personalised Christmas decorations, Joe now offers a line of masks with Christmas themes, and ones that also prompt a smile … a smile behind the mask, so to speak. Keep and eye on his Facebook page. 

There's something special about leather, whether in notebooks, wallets, card-holders, golf gifts. The texture, the smell, the sense of everlasting as the item wears into the owner's life. At Carve On, everything is made by hand, with love. Pass on the love to someone you love this Christmas.

Some nice ideas for Christmas with a definite Kilcullen connection are in the range of jig-saw puzzles and mugs on offer from local photographer Dave Byrne. The Kilcullen Collection features scenes from in and around Kilcullen which will be familiar to current residents and also to those who have gone to live away from their home town. They can be perused and bought on Dave's online shop here. 

Ger's Fruit and Veg are now taking orders for Christmas fruit hampers, and will be selling Christmas wreaths and other appropriate decorations, including  in the run up to the festive season. In the meantime, as always, the best of fresh fruit and vegetables are the daily fare. They also have Christmas trees.

The Vincents shop continues to be one of those places where there's always the possibility of a surprise perfect buy, whether in clothing, toys, books and whatever. That Christmas dress or jumper could well be waiting there just now. And all for the best of causes.

An Tearmann has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic, and though the coffee and gift shop still can't be opened for the coming Christmas, that hasn't stopped them all brightening up their patch of the streetscape in a beautifully seasonal way. We're all hoping to be able to get back there in 2021.

Lynda Murphy's Sonny Bear online boutique for children is based in Brannockstown and available nationwide. The clothes range at sonnybear.ie are for babies, girls and boys, with a key underpinning that they are high in style and quality, and made from organic and sustainable materials. There's a special Gift Guide section for Christmas, with new arrivals, and you can now choose a 'local collection' when checking out, if you don't want to risk delays in the post. 

It's a chocolates and sweets feast at Steve's Daybreak in Kilcullen at the moment, and probably a good time to stock up on these for Christmas before the rush — if you have a strong enough will not to break into the cache before the big week. While you're considering, all the usual coffee, cakes, winter fire needs and everything else for the daily shop.

Nolans of Kilcullen are now taking orders for Christmas. You can drop into the shop or call 045 481229 to place your Christmas order today.

Tom Berney celebrated his first year in his BUAN handcrafted leather goods business in Kilcullen recently. But he is continuing and extending a legacy of expertise of his family's Berney Bros Saddlers. What he thought would be a 'college distraction' has now evolved into a full-time job. See his totes, belts, tobacco pouches and more on his website, or contact him on Facebook. 

Another option for a Christmas gift is a fairy door or house, which will bring good luck to any garden and home. Ger Doyle in Avondale is the local rep for the fairy folk.

Rose Doherty of Calverstown, whom many will remember when she had her wonderful haberdashery shop in Kilcullen, makes these beautiful fabric message boards. A lovely gift for a teenager's room. Message her on Facebook.  

For the ladies who feel the end of this year deserves them have a little pampering, The Powder Room beauty salon is the ideal spot for a wide range of treatments from waxing, facials, manicures and pedicures. Shellac nails, make-up and fake lash application, electrolysis, spray tan, massage. Also retail for Decleor products, He-shi and Xen tan, Essie nail polishes … which individually or combined could make a nice gift for someone in your life.

Clarke's Menswear in Newbridge has been operating for more than three decades, providing high quality clothing for men for all seasons. Classic labels include Andre and Casa Modo, and Kilcullen owner Vivian Clarke is always on hand to advise. Call 087 7630655 if you like something on his Facebook page. Gift vouchers also available.

Nichola Kennedy Optometrist has a special range of sunglasses in stock that are just the thing to protect those eyes from UV rays. Remember, sunglasses are not just for summer ... and there are lots more eyecare items that would make lovely presents for those in your life with specs.

Faerly.ie is the online shop set up by James Byrne and Eoin Houlihan to bring special and sustainable shopping to everyone. A very wide range of items for skin and beauty, bathroom, the home, and on the go. Their website is well worth a browse to find something for special people.

Want to send some Kilcullen Christmas Cards? Niamh O'Connor has her own designs available from her Curious Quirkes Etsy shop, along with a range of her own quirky drawings and sayings. You can also order mugs with your own photos from her (we have our own Kilcullen Diary Podcast mugs produced by Niamh). 

ValueZone on Main Street always have lots of Christmas essentials at the best possible prices. Tree lights, tinsel, door and wall decorations, Nativity figure sets, cards and seasonal motifs are also available in variety. And don't forget to stock up on best value batteries for Christmas Day toys and gadgets.

Aisling and Joaquín Cárdenas at Spanish Club Kildare, based in Athgarvan, offer Online Spanish and English Classes. Adult and Children's Group Classes, as well as Individual Classes and Grinds are available. Christmas Gift vouchers are now on sale for their new term beginning in January 2021. Call 087 6310708, email spanishclubkildare@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Spanish Club Kildare  for further details.

A meal out is always a much appreciated present, and one way of doing this is to give a gift voucher for one of our two currently trading gastro-pubs in town — Bardons and Fallons. Go to either's website or just call in.

Our local Eurospar supermarket offers everything that homes need in Christmas food and goodies, with some special deals on biscuits just to start. Meats, poultry and deli, everyday mainstays, and a great selection of wines and beers. Parking at rear entrance. 

Local photographer and photography teacher Conor Williams can both organise your own family photographs and also provide Gift Vouchers for a range of his photographic services that might make the ideal gift for a family you love. Call 086 8721707 or email conorwphotography@gmail.com.

Local pharmacies are always a key stop on the Christmas presents trail, and Burkes on Hillcrest has a wide range of very acceptable gifts available to provide something for every member of a family. Gift brands including Jenny Glow, Newgrange and Blank Canvas. Open Monday to Friday 9:30am-8pm, on Saturdays 9.30am till 6pm. Browse on their Facebook page. 

One of the longest-established businesses in Kilcullen, Berney Bros is much more these days than saddles and harnesses. In this year of so many more taking to the outdoors, a wide selection of clothing for men, women and children will help button everyone up for the winter walks.

Leo Chen's Tech Service on Main Street is the local answer for anyone needing new or used phones, tablets, and computers. Also the first stop for repairs to all tech, efficiently and affordably. Special deals on iPhones over Christmas, new and used. All charging and other leads too. Call 045 494024 or 087 6665627. Open normally as an essential business.

CarryOut owned and operated by the Nugent family is the local off-licence that provides easy access and good service, and they will make up gift hampers that can make an ideal and bespoke Christmas present. Call 045 484837 or DM on Facebook. 

Catriona's women's clothing store in Naas is owned by Kilcullen-reared Catriona Byrne and is open for business right up to Christmas. She is also showcasing for phone and collect on Facebook. Catriona never set out to be a model, but is having fun showing off the latest arrivals. Phone 045 882906 if you like something, or message on Facebook. 

Apart from getting your hair done for Christmas, and Hair by Eilis are also offering gift vouchers, hair-dryers, straighteners, and more which could provide a real thoughtful gift for someone. Check the Facebook page and use the Message facility, or phone 045 481871. 

The Centra store on Hillcrest is the first port of call for many daily staples for residents of the estates on the Naas Road. It also stocks a wide range of necessities for Christmas in groceries, drink, and everyday deli. Lots of presents material here.

The Kilcullen Photography Club 2021 Calendar is a perfect Christmas gift for Kilcullen people at home and abroad. It costs €8 and can be ordered from Woodbine at 045 482777 or email woodbinebooks@gmail.com, or contact David Byrne 086 8379805; Cliona Kelliher 087 1248036; Carmel O’Connor 087 2439272; or Conor Williams 086 8721707. The theme is Hope and Resilience, highlighting the efforts made by the community during the pandemic lockdowns.

Berney Chemists have their Christmas Shop open now, every day from 10am. The shop has always been a traditional stop for the Christmas present, and they have a great selection of very acceptable gifts for loved ones. 

Jane Russell in the Link Park has established her handmade sausage and bacon products as among the best in the land, gracing the tables of the region's top restaurants and in a wide range of independent and national chain outlets. The factory shop is the place to get some great sausages, dry cure rashers and fresh blood black pudding at wholesale prices.

Who doesn't love a few flowers at Christmas, and especially if they have been put together in a personal bouquet of just what the recipient wants? Well, for that very personal touch for a loved one this year, contact Catherine Mulrennan's Kildare Flowers. She has been designing floral arrangement for all occasions in Kilcullen and the wider area for a long time now. Based in Kinneagh, she'll take orders on 086 3275668, or 045 481092. If you don't know exactly what you need, she'll advise.

Mouthwatering treats for those with a sweet tooth are always on sale in Armelles's Kitchen, and the seasonal offerings from Kenny and Armelle are nothing less than pure baking artistry. Their Main Street shop and bakery offers their extraordinary range of cakes and patisserie specialities are a joy to experience, and would make an intriguing and very acceptable gift for virtually anyone.

Opening a new business at any time is challenging, but doubly so in the pandemic situation of 2020. Still, two young women are doing just that in Kilcullen with the opening of their Kosa Hair and Beauty salon at Hillcrest. Lisa Considine and Lisa Doyle between them have 26 years of hairdressing experience, formerly with the Mandika Studio in Naas.

Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? A Kalbarri Cookery School Voucher could solve your problem. Subject to any restrictions, the school is planning a range of its popular events for 2021, including Adult Baking Day with Evening Dinner on 9 January. Kids baking classes are starting late January, Monday evenings. An adult course block of five classes can be booked for January 2021. Gift a private dining evening at Kalbarri. Call 087 2932501.

Secret Kloset on Hillcrest is a treasure trove of ladies clothing and accessories from Shirley Kavanagh-Hallion who is 'passionate about style rather than fashion'. Pivoted to a click and collect or deliver mode for the moment, Shirley keeps everyone right up to date with a constant stream of new arrivals via her Facebook page.  Call 085 8617971.

Keep coming back, we'll be continually adding to this page.

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