INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS FOR CROOKETT HOUSE RESIDENCIES

Crookett House Art Centre in Maganey, south Kildare, opening in September, will host five international art residencies, showcasing the unique beauty of Ireland’s Ancient East, writes Brian Byrne. Each artist will create work inspired by the region and conclude their residency with a public exhibition at the centre’s gallery.

The artists include Bela Silva, known for her exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris; Michal Cole, creator of the acclaimed 2017 Venice Biennale Pavilion of Humanity exhibition; Sasha Sykes, a Golden Fleece Award winner with works in numerous collections; Thilo Westermann, whose art has been displayed globally, including at the Kunsthalle Munich; and Ricardo Baptista Fernandes, who will inaugurate the centre with his show “Monument” in September.

Founded by Stephen Croncota and Ricardo Baptista Fernandes, Crookett House Art Centre is a restored 18th-century property supporting County Kildare’s tourism and architectural restoration goals. Croncota, a former executive at Versace and Warner Bros., and Fernandes, a graphic designer and artist, have transformed the site into a gallery, studios, and residence.

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RUSSBOROUGH'S CAR BOOT ART FAIR

A reminder that Russborough’s Car Boot Art Fair returns for its eighth year on Saturday next, 29 August, offering a unique and lively art experience in the parklands. The event allows visitors to buy art directly from artists’ car boots, with a diverse range of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more on offer. 

The day will include live DJ sets, spot prizes, discounted guided house tours, and a 10 per cent discount at the Russborough Shop.

Ticket sales support the care of Russborough House, its collection, and estate. New for 2026, pre-booked ticket holders will automatically enter a giveaway for an original artwork donated by artists such as Catherine Barron and Daniel Lipstein. Tickets available here. 

The fair showcases established and emerging artists, including Ann Marie Webb, Aoife Scott, and PJ Lynch. It offers a rare chance to engage with creators in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a fun day out, the Car Boot Art Fair promises surprises and a memorable experience.

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Exhibition of sketchbook club work

An upcoming exhibition at Woodbine Books, themed ‘Renewal’, will showcase creative works from its Sketchbook Club, writes Brian Byrne.  The exhibition, on 17 September from 6pm to 8pm, will feature pieces from the work done between February and July, along with the sketchbooks themselves. 

The club, funded by the Books at One Community Prize Fund, provides a monthly creative space for local people of all ages, from first-time sketchbookers to professional artists. Sessions are free, led by Lyn Worrall, and Woodbine Books also provides refreshments. 

The club will begin a new session on 5 October, welcoming new members to join on the first Monday of each month. For more information, visit the Facebook page @timetodrawevents or drop in to Woodbine Books to sign up.

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Artwork completed

There's now something to look at to pass the time for those stuck in traffic on the Newbridge Road entrance to Kilcullen, with the completion of the new artwork on these two gables.

The KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

It was produced in the last few days by artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design.

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Heritage wall artwork in progress

It's certainly Kilcullen's biggest piece of street art so far, and the Heritage Wall piece is well under way and could be finished tomorrow, depending on the weather, writes Brian Byrne. Taking up two gable ends facing down the Newbridge Road, the KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

Artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design, is spending three days working on the specially developed theme, incorporating local history, heritage, nature, and the environment. The design includes motifs of Kilcullen bridge, a horse, a stylised waving hand of welcome, the Liffey, swans, badgers, and wildflowers. Funding for the project has been supported by public contributions, a St Patrick's Day swim by patrons of The Spout, a table quiz, donation from the Community Centre, and from other sources.

"This landmark initiative is bringing an inspiring new piece of public art to Kilcullen," says KCA's Ann Cashman, who has led the project for the group. "We’re delighted to be working with an incredibly talented artist to create a mural that celebrates our heritage, community, and identity."

The artist has been working in this field for 20 years, and set up a business with two friends when they were still in art college. "It just ended up working, and we've never stopped," he told the Diary today, adding that they have worked for city and county councils, corporate clients, and also some private commissions. He says it seems to be a good spot for the project, as there's always traffic. "A lot of people have already stopped and complimented the project, or beeping and shouting encouragement as they drive by, so it's certainly getting attention."

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Lesley Kelly to show her latest ceramics

Local artist Lesley Kelly will showcase her latest collection of handmade ceramics at Woodbine Books on Saturday, 15 August. The event will run from 7pm to 9pm.

The exhibition offers a chance to meet the artist, view her new works up close, and learn more about the process behind her creations. 

Woodbine Books is delighted to host the event, which is free and open to all.

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New mural in August

Gable 'canvas' ready for art.

The new mural planned for the gable end of a recently refurbished property facing the Newbridge Road will be painted in August, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action was told.

Sponsored by KCA and costing almost €9,000, the artwork will be located on the gable end of the development of a formerly derelict building, which has been refurbished by Fitzpatrick Heavey Homes. They finished the double gable to be ready for the artwork. The piece, commissioned by tender from All Out Design, will incorporate local history, heritage, nature, and the environment and will include motifs of Kilcullen bridge, a horse, a stylised waving hand of welcome, the Liffey, swans, badgers, and wildflowers.

Several fundraising initiatives have been undertaken for the project, including a St Patrick's Day sponsored swim by patrons of The Spout Bar. A table quiz, coffee promotion, and an iDonate page have also brought in funds.

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New art centre opening in September

Crookett House Art Centre is set to open in September 2026 with its first exhibition, Monument, by Ricardo Baptista-Fernandes. Opening on 4 September, the exhibit will comprise a series of paintings in this exhibition were inspired by a stack of bales on top of a hill in the Irish countryside.

Located in the countryside at Crooket, Maganey, Co Kildare, the new centre will provide a live, work and exhibition space for established and emerging artists from Ireland and abroad.

The centre aims to add a new cultural and community dimension to the area, while offering another reason for visitors to come to the region.

Further information and newsletter sign-up are available at www.crooketthouse.com.

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Summer Art Camp in Dunlavin

A Summer Art Camp will be held at Imaal Hall in Dunlavin from 13 to 17 July 2026, offering children aged 6 and up, including teens, a chance to explore a range of creative activities.

Running Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm, the camp will include painting, drawing, clay work, printmaking, jewellery making, and badge making. The camp provides a safe environment led by a fully qualified art teacher.

The cost is €135, with a sibling rate of €120. Places are limited, and interested families can contact Patricia on 089 4401974 for more information.

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Dunlavin Arts Festival this weekend

Dunlavin will come alive this weekend, writes Brian Byrne, as the Dunlavin Arts Festival brings music, storytelling, exhibitions, film, workshops and community celebration to venues across the town.

The festival opens with a Thursday prelude featuring the Lámh ‘Finding Your Voice’ Choir with Baltinglass Sings, followed by an evening of words and music at St Nicholas Church. From Friday, the programme expands across Dunlavin with exhibitions opening in multiple locations, an official festival launch at the Old School House Gallery, and a line dancing social night at Imaal Hall.

Saturday offers one of the busiest programmes of the weekend, with an inclusive community warm-up, storytelling and creative workshops, puppet shows, live drumming, brass music and experimental cinema. Highlights include illustrator PJ Lynch’s Drawing Gulliver!, biologist Éanna Ní Lamhna’s midsummer nature talk, and a local history discussion on the 1921 Milltown Murder. The day culminates in the return of the Cailleachs and Vizzards parade and céilí, reviving a distinctive West Wicklow tradition of masked performance.

Music is also central to the festival, with Midsummer Musical Melodies on Saturday evening featuring soprano Niamh Murray, Ronan Byrne, the Gormanstown Choir and the Dara String Quartet.

On Sunday, festivalgoers can begin before dawn with Ancestral Dawning, a first-light gathering at Tornant Moate combining voice performance, landscape and juggling. The day continues with exhibitions, craft fair stalls, plein air painting, seed bomb workshops, drumming and the Maypole ritual in the Midsummer Garden.

Throughout the weekend, audiences can explore exhibitions by local and visiting artists, including the Wicklow Hills Arts Collective, Cruthú Art Collective, Redline Art Group and others, alongside special installations and community art projects. With much of the programme rooted in place, heritage and participation, this year’s Dunlavin Arts Festival promises a vibrant midsummer celebration of creativity in West Wicklow.

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New exhibition from Kildare Art Collective

A section from one of the exhibits.

Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge will host a new exhibition by Kildare Art Collective, titled Departures, in the McKenna Gallery from Saturday 30 May to Saturday 27 June. Exploring themes of transition and change, Departures focuses on moments at the edge of new phases in life, reflecting on roles, objects and identities that have been outgrown. 

Artists exhibiting include Olga Anacka, Mark Butler, Anna de Cleir, Marta Golubowska, Declan Greaney, Kirsten Hodgson, Niamh Hynan, Conor Lane, Michelle McBride, Martina McDonald, Caoimhe McGuckin, Claire Murphy, Dan Shanahan, Fergus Smith and Johnny Tierney.

The official opening will take place on Saturday, 30 May at 5pm, offering visitors a chance to meet the artists and learn more about their work. An inclusive Audio Tour, led by artist Michelle McBride and aimed particularly at visually impaired visitors and those who benefit from literacy-supported access, will run on Saturday 27 June at 12:30pm. The tour is free, but advance booking is advised.

Departures is open Monday-Friday from 9:30am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm, and one hour before evening events. Admission is free. Further information and the exhibition catalogue are available at riverbank.ie.

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Nineteen Eighty Something coming to Riverbank

Declan Gorman will perform his new theatre show, Nineteen Eighty Something, at Riverbank Arts Centre on Thursday, 7 May, writes Brian Byrne. The production draws from Gorman's own experiences as a young Irishman growing up in the 1980s, taking audiences on a journey through that era. 

The performance begins with a young Irish emigrant awakened in a German subway by an unknown woman and urged to run. From there, the story travels through Bavaria's squats and factories, journeys to North Africa, and back home to Ireland's fringe theatre and street protests. It's a mix of heartbreak, absurd escapades, humour, memorable characters, and self-discovery. Whether you lived through the eighties or are curious about that time, this show offers a wild ride with a pulsating soundtrack and immersive visuals.

Gorman is an Irish actor, writer, director, and educator from Monaghan, based in Fingal. A former co-founder of Co-Motion Theatre Company and founder of Upstate Theatre Project, he has created and led theatre, community arts, and education projects across Ireland and internationally. His recent work includes A Personal Prism (2024), and he continues to work widely in creative learning, public art, and community-engaged performance.

Nineteen Eighty Something starts at 8pm, with tickets costing €16 or €18, available at the Box Office or online at www.riverbank.ie, with a €1.50 booking fee. Call 045 448327 for reservations or visit the website for more details.

Riverbank Arts Centre, located in Newbridge, County Kildare, is funded by Kildare County Council and The Arts Council. It offers accessible, high-quality arts experiences for all ages.

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Creative in Clay Workshop

Local artist Lesley Kelly is offering a series of creative clay workshops next month, writes Brian Byrne. The four-week course will run from 1 May to 29 May at Kilcullen Community Centre, with classes taking place each week from 7–9pm. 

A professional ceramic artist with more than 20 years’ experience, based in Kilcullen, Lesley will guide participants through a range of techniques designed to help them create unique ceramic pieces.

Costing €225, the fee includes all materials and firings. The classes are suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those looking to build on existing skills, with participants asked only to bring their curiosity.

Each week will introduce a new technique that builds on the previous lesson, and the course will conclude with a functional ceramic piece for each participant to take home and treasure.

For more information or to book a place, contact lkceramics1@yahoo.com or visit www.lesleykellyceramics.com.

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Sketchbook Club Monday evening

A reminder that a Kilcullen Sketchbook Club will be inaugurated on 16 February at 6pm at Woodbine Books. The initiative is funded by the Books at One Community Prize Fund, and is open to all from older teens upwards.  

Initiated by the organisers of the previous Drop-in & Draw events, the monthly meetups are open to all and provide a great opportunity to draw, chat, and exchange ideas. The cost is a €15 sketchbook available for purchase on the first night, after which the evenings are free.

This is a collaborative, encouraging, and open space for meetings and chats, to exchange ideas, encourage each other, share, or not share work. For more information, send a direct message here. 

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Sketchbook Club at Woodbine Books

A Kilcullen Sketchbook Club will be inaugurated on 16 February at 6pm at Woodbine Books. The initiative is funded by the Books at One Community Prize Fund.  

Initiated by the organisers of the previous Drop-in & Draw events in the Heritage centre, the monthly meetups are open to all and provide a great opportunity to draw, chat, and exchange ideas. The cost is a sketchbook available for purchase on the first night.

This is a collaborative, encouraging, and open space for all creatively inclined people. For more information, send a direct message here. 

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Sharing the craft of St Brigid crosses

When Sheena Malone was growing up, St Brigid crosses were part of her life at this time of year, writes Brian Byrne. Now she shares them everywhere. 

"I grew up in the Bog of Allen, so there were reeds all around," says the Allenwood artist who led the St Brigid craft workshop at Kilcullen Library last week. "I've been making the crosses since I was in primary school." But during the pandemic lockdown, this particular craft from her school days grew more important. On walks in the bog, she collected loads of reeds and began making crosses and bridogs (little reed dolls) in significant numbers. "I asked people if they wanted them, free of charge, and then I ended up sending them all over the world to my Facebook friends." 

Realising that people responded positively to the pieces, she decided to run workshops teaching others how to make their own, and has been doing so for the past couple of years from Allenwood. The event at Kilcullen Library last week drew a full house, with interest from people of all ages, including many children. 

With art qualifications from UCD and Stockholm University, Sheena spends much of her time in Berlin, where she has worked on several arts-based projects and serves as a language editor for Konstfack, Sweden's largest university. Since 2021, she has also been the County Kildare Coordinator for the annual Culture Night programme. Her own art, which includes textile pieces dyed with medicinal plants gathered in and around the Bog of Allen, has been exhibited at various venues across Kildare, in Berlin, and at Electric Picnic. In 2024, her film The All-Ireland Turf Footing Finals won the Best Short Documentary category at Junefest, Newbridge. 

Last October, Sheena embarked on an artist-in-residency project with 4th- and 5th-class pupils at Scoil an Linbh Íosa in Prosperous, creating shadow theatre films based on local folklore and myths, including one about St Brigid's Cloak. These can be watched on YouTube at this link. 

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