Packed programme for Normandy twin visitors

Making final arrangements: Twinning Group members Sinead Phelan, Nessa Dunlea, Mary Quinto and Tanya Flanagan.

A community get-together in Kilcullen Town Hall will be the final event in a packed itinerary arranged for visitors from Kilcullen's Normandy twin town of Saint Contest, writes Brian Byrne. The delegation of 13 will be here from February 13-17, staying with host families.

Over the course of an extended weekend the visitors will have a guided tour of Kilcullen's schools and local shops and businesses, as well as spending time at heritage and leisure attractions in the wider  area. These will include Old Kilcullen, the National Stud, and Kildare Cathedral as well as a visit to Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style.

Music and Irish dancing will feature at various venues during the weekend. In the evenings the Saint Contest delegation will dine in local restaurants. Participation in a music session in Ballymore is expected to be a highlight.

On their final day the group will have a cookery demonstration at Kalbarri before returning to the Town Hall for an official meeting with Kildare County Council officials and local public representatives. Everyone is welcome to that event which will include music, a dancing display and refreshments.

The Kilcullen Twinning Group has now finalised arrangements for the visitors, the second delegation from Saint Contest since the inaugural one over the St Patrick's weekend in 2019. The pandemic delayed a return Kilcullen trip until 2023. 

The twinning initiative in Kilcullen is supported by the Twinning Committee in Kildare County Council and has already led to partnerships between schools in both towns, as well as work and language placements.

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