Bats, Books And Bodhráns: Kildare’s Heritage Week Line-Up

Friday, 8 August 2025 11:31

By Martin Osborne

Over 70 fee-paying heritage sites will be free next weekend.

Bat walks and history lessons are among the events for Heritage week set to take place in Kildare.

More than 100 events will take place across the country from August 16th to 24th, including a Shield-making workshop in Wexford and a simulated archaeological dig at Glendalough in Wicklow

Over 70 fee-paying heritage sites will be free next weekend.

Some of the Kildare events:

Bats at Sunset – 16 August, 8:45–11:00 pm, Liffey Linear Park, Newbridge: Watch and listen for bats on a guided night-time nature walk.
Brigid’s Way Walk – 17 August, 10:00 am–4:30 pm, Donadea to Robertstown: Scenic heritage trail through Donadea Forest Park.
Exploring Our Foundations – 18–23 August, Grange Café, Sallins: Local history photo exhibition from Sallins Local History Society.
Ballynafagh Lake Tour – 19 August, 11:00 am–12:30 pm: Guided walk at one of Kildare’s hidden gems.
If These Walls Could Talk – 20 & 21 August, Celbridge: Guided tours of the historic General Paints Group HQ.
Who Do You Think You Are? – 21 August, 6:45–8:00 pm, Leixlip Library: Talk on local family and community heritage.
Don’t Drop the Books – 21 August, 7:00–8:00 pm, Naas Library: Marking 120 years of the town’s first public library.
Before the 66 or C3 Bus – 22 August, 7:15–9:00 pm, Leixlip Parish Centre: Nostalgic look back at local bus routes and stories.
50 Years in The Valley – 23 August, 2:30–3:30 pm, Kilcullen: Walking tour of Valley Riverside Park and Fairy Trail.
Bodhrán Beats Workshop – 23 August, 12:00–12:45 pm, Celbridge Library: Family-friendly drumming workshop.
Bat Talk & Listening – 23 August, 8:15–9:30 pm, Digby Lock Bridge, Sallins: Learn about and hear local bat species.