Happy New Year
Kilkenny County Council Heritage Office would like to wish you a Happy New Year. We will have an exciting programme of events in 2024 and we look forward to sharing them with you. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and emails of details of upcoming programmes and events.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Heritage Officer Programme
A Kilkenny project featured in a special new Heritage Council publication featuring stories from heritage officers in every county. The publication was launched to mark 25 years since the Heritage Officer Network was founded. The booklet features the story of the Kilkenny Holy Wells Survey project, which documented and recorded the county’s holy wells.
Kilkenny Heritage Officer Regina Fitzpatrick (second from right) at the launch of the booklet in the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny with CEO of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan (left), Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD (second from left) and Chairperson of the Heritage Council Martina Moloney (right)
National Heritage Week
National Heritage Week 2024 will take place from 17th-25th August 2024. This year celebrates the theme of “Connections, Routes & Networks”. The theme of Connections, Routes and Networks invites you to explore the links between people and communities, to look at what brings us together and what connects us. Click here to learn more.
Launch of Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan
Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan was launched by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D. this week at the Botanic Garden in Dublin. The plan aims to protect and restore nature across the country. Our Biodiversity Officer, Bernadette Moloney was in attendance. Click here learn more and view the plan.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D at the Launch of Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan. Image Source: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Creative Ireland Grants
Applications are now open for the Creative Ireland Grant Scheme 2024 and Cruinniú na nÓg Grants with Kilkenny County Council. It aims to foster cultural participation, support local projects, and align with the Kilkenny Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027. Local groups, individuals, artists, event organizers, and anyone involved in cultural, creative, or heritage activities are encouraged to apply. The grant favours projects promoting Health, Wellbeing, Heritage, Biodiversity, or Creative Climate Action. Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 12th of February 2024 at 4:00pm. Click the links above to learn more about the grants.
Image credit: Photographer Freddie Grennall
Kilkenny Archaeological Society
Kilkenny Archaeological Society has events throughout the year covering a wide range of topics. Upcoming events include ‘The Jerpoint Abbey Cloister-Unravelling a Sculptural Masterpiece’ on 21st February from 8:00pm – 9:30pm at Rothe House, 16 Parliament Street and ‘Annual General Meeting’ on 28th February at 8:00pm – 10:00 pm at Rothe House, 16 Parliament Street. Click here to learn more about the events and upcoming events.
Upcoming Kilkenny Castle events
Kilkenny Castle are offering a free Sensory Friendly Tour on Monday 5th February at 9:30am. This will be a unique opportunity for people with sensory needs and their family to view our Victorian period rooms in a quiet environment. Parts of the Castle may not be suitable for people with limited mobility but ground floor rooms fully accessible. On Wednesday 14th February, Kilkenny Castle are offering an Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive tour. This free tour is aimed at people living with Alzheimers and Dementia and their families and supporters. This is an opportunity to explore the period rooms and chat about the artworks and history of the Castle in a friendly environment with their trained facilitator Kate.
These events are free of charge but advance booking is required. Limited availability, to reserve your place contact: kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie . Further information regarding Kilkenny Castle events, visit https://kilkennycastle.ie/events/ .
Image Source: Kilkenny Castle
