Lots in Kilcullen and beyond for National Heritage Week

With more than 70 events across County Kildare for National Heritage Week 2023, there is plenty of choice for history and heritage fans starting from next Saturday, writes Brian Byrne. In Kilcullen itself, there are several options to enjoy.

Though not listed, a talk about the history and development of the Valley will be given by Noel Clare on Saturday afternoon, during the relaunch of the Valley Fairy Trail. For many of our newer residents, this is in its own right a fascinating story of one aspect of the town they have adopted as their own.

A talk on Sunday afternoon from 5pm by a number of archaeologists from UCC will offer an insight into life in the Iron Age in this locality, derived from investigations during road schemes. 

From the 15th to the 18th, two new videos about the 1903 Gordon Bennett Race, where Kilcullen was a pivotal point, will be available to view in the Town Hall Theatre in the afternoons. Well worth a watch any time between 2.30pm and 5pm. 

On the evening of 16 August, Dr Niamh Wycherley of the University of Maynooth will give a talk on Historical Brigid, going behind the behind the many myths and legends. 

And Brigid is also the focus of a walking tour in Kilcullen looking at the places in the town where the saint is reflected. Beginning at 2.30pm from the Library. 

All listed Kildare events are accessible at the National Heritage Week web page here. But to make it easier to pick something close to your home area, the Diary has constructed a spreadsheet, available here, with active title links to each event and sorted by town. The third column gives the date of each. 

So much to see and hear, so little time. Enjoy.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy