Threads of Connection still on view

A tapestry of quilt squares, which has been on display in Kilcullen Heritage Centre for First Fortnight 2026, represents the thoughts and talents of a wide range of people, writes Brian Byrne. Threads of Connection is a project organised by Dúlra Cill Dara, evoking favourite memories, seasonal inspiration, childhood, and nature.

There are 48 squares in the piece, each unique and the result of a variety of craft skills and experimentation by children, students, adults, and family groups. They were produced over a series of workshops held in the Heritage Centre and Kilcullen Library in recent months.

Beyond its visual impact, the quilt is available online, with commentary from the squares' creators on what their piece means to them and how its elements evoke memories and emotions. The commentaries are available in both written and audio formats and can be accessed via a QR code.

For example, Lynn's square reminded her of forest camping with kids and no one else around — birdsong, a river passing, rustling leaves, crunchy underfoot, a smoking campfire, and boiling coffee. Julie's thoughts when making hers were of trees, the Liffey, birds, wildness and freedom, youth and beauty, lazy days, sunshine, fields and hedges, ditches, water, ponds, Dan Brennan's wood, the big tree, and Ray Nolan's orchard. For Mairéad and her children, Ava and Shaylin, their work was about remembering the power of nature, "to ground us, to inspire us, to sustain us, to offer protection, beauty, comfort, entertainment, power and security."

Kate Maher of Dúlra, who organised the project, says it was about people coming together through making, using textiles and natural materials, and through shared conversation to explore connection, place, and personal stories. "Techniques explored included natural dyeing, block printing, botanical impressions, hand stitching, appliqué and fabric collage. Some participants arrived with years of experience, others picked up a needle for the first time. The emphasis throughout was on process rather than perfection — taking time, experimenting, and learning together."

The project was supported by Kildare County Council Arts Service through the First Fortnight Award. The exhibition finishes tomorrow, Saturday 17th. But if you can't make it, it's worth spending time with it virtually, through the QR code. Photos below courtesy of Dúlra Cill Dara.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy