Lots to enjoy during Heritage Week

More than 80 events are taking place across County Kildare for National Heritage Week 2025, writes Brian Byrne. The week runs from Saturday, 16 August, to Sunday, 24th.

The national event is now in its 20th year, and this year's theme is Exploring our Foundations.

An online flip-book programme of all the Kildare events is available at this link.  They include several in Kilcullen.

Outside of town, several highlights include:

* Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen – Weeklong event

* Peatlands Immersive Experience, Monasterevin – Weeklong event

* The Curragh Military Story, Curragh Military Museum – Weeklong event

* Moth Morning, Maynooth – Saturday 16th August

* Tour of Ballitore Quaker Burial Ground - Saturday 16th August

* Guided Walk of Ballynafagh Lake – Tuesday 19th August

* Making Connections Through Traditional Music and Dance, Clane - Tuesday 19th August

* Heritage at Play, Leixlip Library – Wednesday 20th August

* History of the Irish National Stud, Kildare Town - Wednesday 20th August

* Ceardlann Tógála Bád, Naas Harbour – Wednesday 20th August

* Seal le Ré Ó Laighléis, Kildare Town Community Library – Thursday 21st August.

Many of the events are initiatives organised by community groups to present and explain local heritage and to discover the wealth of fascinating heritage within the county. "National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on not only our heritage but the work of hundreds of Kildare volunteers who give of their time and knowledge to preserve and promote it," says Kildare's Heritage Officer, Dara Wyer.

Most events are free; however, advance booking is advised where numbers are limited. Some events may be weather-dependent and take place on uneven ground, so suitable dress and footwear are recommended.

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