Upcoming events
Festivals, fairs, and happenings in Newbridge and nearby towns.
2 Jul – 8 Aug 2026
Pick your Own Fruit Veg & Herbs Farm Tour
Category: Outdoor Activities / Farm ExperiencesVenue: Kildare Farm FoodsEvent location: Duneany, County KildarePostal address: Rathmuck, Kildare, County Kildare, R51 KX37Dates: Thursday, 2 July to Saturday, 8 August 2026Days: Thursdays, Fridays and SaturdaysPrice: €15 per person or €50 for a family of fourBest for: Farm experiences, nature, food growing and hands-on outdoor activitiesOverviewBecome a farmer for the day during this hands-on tour of Kildare Farm Foods’ organic working farm.Visitors travel around the farm by train and on foot, gaining access to areas that are normally closed to the public. Along the way, the tour explores the orchard, market garden, crop fields, bee hives, pumpkin patch and natural foraging areas.Each visitor is also provided with a bag and guided in gathering some of the seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs available during the tour.Working-farm train tourThe experience includes a train journey through the organic working farm, offering a behind-the-scenes look at parts of the property that are not usually accessible to visitors.The tour introduces the work involved in managing the farm and shows how its crops, orchards, wildlife areas and visitor attractions fit together.Organic orchardVisit the farm’s extensive orchard, which contains approximately 3,000 trees.The orchard produces several varieties of apples, pears and plumcots. Guides explain how the different fruits grow, how the trees are cared for and how the harvest changes throughout the season.Foraging walkThe guided foraging walk passes through an area containing native trees, fruit and berry plants, herbs, grasses and wildlife.Visitors can learn about some of the plants growing naturally on the farm and how they contribute to the wider ecosystem.Seasonal cropsThe train tour travels through fields growing a changing selection of seasonal crops.Depending on the stage of the growing season, these may include:OatsMustardMaizePotatoesSunflowersThe crops and harvesting activities available will vary according to weather and seasonal conditions.Bee hivesSee some of the farm’s working bee hives and learn about the important role bees play in pollinating fruit trees, vegetables and wild plants.The guide explains how the colonies function and why healthy bee populations are essential to both the farm and the wider environment.Pumpkin patchThe route passes through the pumpkin patch, where the year’s pumpkin plants are grown in preparation for the farm’s autumn and Halloween celebrations.Summer visitors can see the plants developing well before the pumpkins are ready to harvest.Organic market gardenExplore the market garden and polytunnels where seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown for sale in the farm shop.This part of the tour provides a closer look at planting, crop care and food production on a working organic farm.Potato pickingVisitors can take part in potato picking in the farm’s organic potato patch.The activity explains how potatoes grow beneath the soil before giving participants the chance to dig and search for part of the year’s harvest.Bring home your harvestEvery visitor receives a bag and guidance on collecting some of the herbs, fruit and vegetables encountered along the route.The farm’s booking page states that each participant can bring home a harvest bag of up to approximately 5 kg. The exact produce available will depend on what is ready to pick on the day.Other attractions includedA tour booking also provides access to the other attractions open during the visit, including:The open farmTractor CaféFarm shopAnimal feeding areasAdventure Railroad trainOther seasonal farm activitiesIndividual attractions may operate at particular times or only during school holidays, so visitors should check availability before travelling.What to wearThis is an active visit to a working farm. The fields and paths can be muddy, wet or uneven, particularly after rain.Visitors should bring:Rubber boots or sturdy waterproof footwearRain gearA suitable hatClothing that can get dirtyThe activity will continue in typical Irish summer weather, so dressing for changing conditions is important.AccessibilityThe fields and foraging walk include rough and uneven ground.Because of these conditions, the full tour is not suitable for:WheelchairsBuggiesVisitors with limited mobilityAnyone with specific access requirements should contact the farm directly before booking.Visiting informationKildare Farm Foods is located around five minutes by car from Junction 13 of the M7 and Kildare Village.The farm’s usual opening hours are:Monday to Friday: 9:00 am–5:00 pmSaturday: 9:00 am–3:00 pmSunday and bank holidays: ClosedSeasonal-event opening arrangements may differ from the normal schedule.Booking informationTours operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 2 July to 8 August 2026.Individual ticket: €15Family ticket: €50 for a family of fourAdvance booking is recommended because places are limited and activities depend on seasonal growing conditions.Contact:Telephone: +353 45 526774Email: familyfun@kildarefarmfoods.com
Kildare Town
15–16 Aug 2026
Taste of Kildare
Category: Events & FestivalsLocation: Naas Racecourse, Naas, County KildareType: Food and drink festival2026 dates: Saturday 15 August – Sunday 16 August 2026Best for: Local food, chef demonstrations, craft drinks, producer stalls, live music, festival atmosphereOverviewTaste of Kildare is one of County Kildare’s leading food and drink festivals, bringing together local restaurants, chefs, producers, drinks brands and hospitality businesses for a weekend celebration of flavour and creativity.The 2026 festival takes place at Naas Racecourse on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026. The event is promoted as a two-day food and drink festival with chef demonstrations, live music, craft drinks, food vendors, family activities and local producer showcases.Why it mattersTaste of Kildare is a showcase for the county’s food culture. It gives visitors a chance to sample food from local restaurants, discover artisan producers, enjoy craft drinks, and see chefs and food personalities in action.Into Kildare describes the festival as a celebration of the county’s vibrant food and drink scene, bringing together leading chefs, artisan producers and hospitality talent.What to expectThe programme typically includes food trucks, restaurant stands, chef demos, producer stalls, craft drinks, music and entertainment. The official Taste of Kildare site lists experiences such as the Calor Gas Chefs’ Theatre, Craft Brewery Village, Gather Craft Market and family fun activities.For 2026, published opening hours are:Saturday 15 August: 12:00–20:00Sunday 16 August: 12:00–18:00Visiting Taste of KildareTaste of Kildare is a ticketed event, so visitors should book in advance and check the official website for the latest programme, vendor list, travel information and access details. Early bird adult tickets are listed at €10, with general admission at €15 in advance or €20 on the day. Children under 10 are listed as free when accompanied by an adult.Naas Racecourse provides a spacious event setting, but larger festival days can be busy. Allow time for arrival, parking, entry queues and moving between food areas, stages and demonstrations.
Naas
Sat 22 Aug 2026, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Castledermot – exploring the medieval heart of a modern town
Category: Heritage / Walking Tours / HistoryLocation: St James’s Church and Graveyard, Church Lane, Castledermot, County KildareDate: Saturday, 22 August 2026Time: 10:30 am–12:00 pmPrice: FreeBest for: Medieval history, archaeology, architecture and guided town walksOverviewDiscover the visible and hidden traces of medieval Castledermot during a guided walking tour led by local archaeologist Dr Sharon Greene.The walk explores how Castledermot developed from the early monastic settlement of Díseart Diarmada into an important Anglo-Norman borough and walled town. It also considers how modern development can threaten historic places, while sometimes revealing new evidence about the town’s past.Castledermot’s medieval storyFollowing the Anglo-Norman invasion, the lands around the old monastery were granted to Walter de Riddlesford.He established a borough that expanded in size and importance, and by the end of the thirteenth century Castledermot had become a walled town. Despite the Black Death, attacks associated with Edward Bruce and other periods of upheaval, it remained a significant centre where royal councils and parliaments were held.What the tour exploresThe tour looks beyond Castledermot’s modern roads and buildings to uncover the shape of the medieval settlement beneath and around the present town.Topics are expected to include:The early monastery of Díseart DiarmadaThe development of the Anglo-Norman boroughCastledermot’s medieval walls and street patternSurviving archaeological and architectural featuresThe town’s role in medieval government and commerceHow construction and redevelopment can uncover buried archaeologyThe challenge of protecting heritage within a growing modern townStarting pointThe walk begins at:St James’s Church and GraveyardChurch LaneCastledermotCounty KildareThe church and graveyard stand within one of the town’s most important historic areas and provide an appropriate starting point for exploring Castledermot’s early religious and medieval heritage.About the guideThe tour is led by Dr Sharon Greene, a local archaeologist with extensive knowledge of Castledermot’s historic landscape.Her commentary will connect surviving buildings and monuments with archaeology, documentary evidence and the changing shape of the town.Parking and practical informationParking is available at:Teach Diarmada Community CentreR14 YF61The community centre is across the road from St James’s Church. Additional on-street parking is available within a short walk.The event takes place outdoors, so visitors should wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.Booking informationThe walking tour is free and forms part of National Heritage Week 2026. The official listing does not state that advance booking is required, but contacting the organiser beforehand may be advisable if numbers are limited.Organiser: Castledermot Local History GroupTelephone: 087 799 0867Email: castledermothist@gmail.com
Castledermot
Sat 22 Aug 2026, 11:00am – 12:15pm
How Dublin Zoo Protects Animals at Risk, Ages 8+
Category: Heritage Week / Wildlife / WorkshopsLocation: Leixlip Library, Captains Hill, Leixlip, County Kildare, W23 WR96Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026Time: 11:15 am–12:15 pmPrice: FreeSuitable for: Ages 8+Best for: Wildlife, conservation, animal adaptations and hands-on learningOverviewDiscover how animals survive in the wild during this interactive conservation workshop led by a Dublin Zoo educator.Participants will explore the remarkable physical features and behaviours that help animals thrive in habitats ranging from the savanna to the forest floor. The session combines real examples, practical activities and simple experiments designed to make wildlife conservation engaging and memorable.What to expectThe workshop takes a close look at animal adaptations, including powerful skulls, sharp teeth, protective fur and other features that help wildlife find food, avoid danger and survive in changing environments.Participants can expect hands-on activities and experiments that explore:How different animals are adapted to their habitatsWhy skulls and teeth vary between speciesHow fur, camouflage and body shape support survivalThe threats facing wildlife around the worldHow conservation projects help protect animals at riskAbout the workshopThe session is delivered by a conservation educator from Dublin Zoo and is designed for children aged eight and over.Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s leading centres for wildlife education and conservation. Its work includes supporting threatened species, participating in international breeding programmes and helping visitors understand the importance of protecting animals and their habitats.Heritage WeekThis event forms part of National Heritage Week 2026, which celebrates Ireland’s natural, cultural and built heritage through events, talks, workshops and community activities across the country.The workshop offers a natural-heritage perspective by examining wildlife, habitats and the role conservation plays in protecting biodiversity.VenueThe event takes place at:Leixlip LibraryCaptains HillLeixlipCounty KildareW23 WR96The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, accessible by public transport and has car parking available.Booking informationThe workshop is free, but advance booking is required because places may be limited.Booking is available online or directly through Leixlip Library.Telephone: 045 980 844Email: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
Leixlip
27–30 Aug 2026
Women’s Irish Open – The K Club
Category: Sport / Golf / Events & FestivalsLocation: Palmer South Course, The K Club, Straffan, County Kildare, W23 YX53Dates: Thursday, 27 August to Sunday, 30 August 2026Type: Ladies European Tour golf championshipBest for: Professional golf, major sporting events and days out at The K ClubOverviewThe KPMG Women’s Irish Open returns from 27 to 30 August 2026, bringing leading female golfers from Ireland and around the world to The K Club in County Kildare.The four-day Ladies European Tour championship will be played on the resort’s renowned Palmer South Course, marking the first time The K Club has hosted the event.The tournament combines elite international competition with the atmosphere of a major summer sporting occasion, attracting golf followers, local visitors and spectators from overseas.The Palmer South CourseThe Palmer South Course is designed as an inland links-style course, with dune-like mounding, dramatic rock features, water hazards and varied landscapes throughout.Previously used for three editions of the European Open, the course offers a demanding test for the tournament field and excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.Its mix of wide fairways, shaped terrain and strategic hazards should provide an exciting setting as the players compete over four championship rounds.The championshipThe KPMG Women’s Irish Open is one of the most prestigious events on the Ladies European Tour.Each summer, the championship brings together established international stars, leading Irish professionals and emerging players for four days of competitive golf. The 2026 tournament has a listed prize fund of €450,000.Defending champion Lottie Woad is expected to return, while leading players already associated with the 2026 field include Irish favourite Leona Maguire and England’s Charley Hull.What to expectVisitors can expect four days of championship golf, with opportunities to follow players around the course or watch from designated spectator areas.The event is also expected to include food and refreshment outlets, exhibitor areas, sponsor activities and additional visitor experiences around the tournament village.Final schedules, tee times, player lists and entertainment details will be announced closer to the event.VenueThe tournament takes place at:The K ClubStraffanCounty KildareW23 YX53The luxury resort is known for its championship golf courses and history of hosting major international tournaments.TicketsGeneral-admission, multi-day and premium-experience tickets are available through the official tournament website.Ticket types and prices may vary by day, so visitors should consult the official booking page for current options.Official website: kpmgwomensirishopen.ieAdvance booking is recommended, particularly for the weekend rounds.Visiting informationVisitors should check official travel, parking and access information before attending. Large sporting events may operate dedicated parking areas, shuttle services or temporary traffic arrangements.Comfortable waterproof footwear is recommended, as spectators may walk considerable distances over grass and uneven ground. Suitable clothing should also be brought for changing weather conditions.
Straffan
1–3 Sep 2026
NomadÉire Conference — Digital Nomad & Remote Work Annual Gathering
Category: Business / Conferences / NetworkingLocation: MERITS Innovation Thinkspace, Naas, County KildareDates: Tuesday, 1 September to Thursday, 3 September 2026Time: From 5:00 pm on Tuesday to 10:00 pm on ThursdayPrice: €299Best for: Remote workers, digital nomads, founders, entrepreneurs and location-independent professionalsOverviewNomadÉire Conference is an international gathering for digital nomads, remote workers, entrepreneurs, founders and location-independent professionals.Hosted at MERITS Innovation Thinkspace in Naas, the event combines talks, workshops, panel discussions and structured networking focused on the future of remote work, business growth, artificial intelligence and globally mobile careers.What to expectThe programme is designed around practical learning, professional development and meaningful connection.Attendees can expect:Talks and panel discussions on remote work, AI and entrepreneurshipPractical workshops and collaborative sessionsNetworking with professionals from Ireland and overseasOpportunities for founders and entrepreneurs to explore partnershipsDiscussions about building sustainable, location-independent businessesThe event is aimed at both experienced remote professionals and people exploring a more flexible way of working.Who should attendNomadÉire is suited to:Digital nomadsRemote employeesFreelancers and consultantsStart-up foundersEntrepreneursContent creatorsTechnology professionalsCoworking and tourism operatorsBusinesses interested in attracting remote talentLocal professionals and businesses can also use the conference to connect with an international audience and learn more about the growing remote-work economy.VenueThe conference takes place at:MERITS Innovation ThinkspaceNaasCounty KildareIrelandMERITS is a coworking and innovation hub supporting technology businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in County Kildare.About NomadÉireNomadÉire is an Irish community and events platform for digital nomads, remote professionals, founders and globally mobile people.Its events combine business learning and networking with Irish culture, travel and community experiences. The organisation’s wider 2026 programme includes a multi-day conference and festival experience in Counties Kildare and Laois.Supported byThe conference is supported by:Kildare County CouncilLocal Enterprise Office KildareMERITS Innovation ThinkspaceBooking informationTickets are listed at €299.Advance booking is recommended, particularly for attendees travelling from outside Ireland.Official website: nomadeire.comVisitors should check the official website before booking travel, as the broader NomadÉire festival programme may include additional dates, locations and ticket packages beyond the three-day Naas conference.
Naas
Wed 21 Oct 2026, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Movicals – The Best of Movie Musicals
Category: Music / TheatreLocation: Moat Theatre, Abbey Road, Naas, County KildareDate: Wednesday, 21 October 2026Time: 8:00 pm–10:00 pmPrice: €30 plus booking feeBest for: Movie musicals, live vocals, theatre songs and feel-good entertainmentOverviewMovicals – The Best of Movie Musicals brings the spectacle of the stage and the glamour of the big screen together for a lively night of musical entertainment at the Moat Theatre in Naas.The show takes audiences on a journey through some of the most memorable movie musicals of the past 50 years, combining well-known songs, theatrical performances and a fast-moving celebration of musical cinema.About the showExpect music inspired by major stage and screen favourites, from the drama of Les Misérables and the energetic rhythms of Fame to the feel-good appeal of Mamma Mia.The production is presented as a movie-musical extravaganza, moving through different eras and styles in a colourful “lights, camera, action” experience.What to expectThe show is designed for audiences who enjoy musical theatre, film soundtracks and recognisable songs performed live.With a two-hour running time, the evening promises a broad selection of musical highlights rather than focusing on a single production or composer.VenueThe performance takes place at:Moat TheatreAbbey RoadNaasCounty KildareIrelandThe theatre is located close to the centre of Naas and hosts a regular programme of music, drama, comedy and community performances.Booking informationTickets cost €30 plus booking fee.Buy tickets from the Moat TheatreThe performance begins at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 and is scheduled to finish at approximately 10:00 pm.
Naas
Fri 23 Oct 2026, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Music Network Presents Bill Laurance
Category: Music / Live PerformanceLocation: St. David’s Church, North Main Street, Naas, County Kildare, W91 D7XYDate: Friday, 23 October 2026Time: 8:00 pmPrice: €18–€20Best for: Contemporary jazz, piano music, improvisation and genre-crossing live performanceOverviewGrammy-winning pianist and composer Bill Laurance comes to St. David’s Church in Naas as part of a Music Network tour.A founding member of the five-time Grammy Award-winning group Snarky Puppy, Laurance is known for combining jazz, classical music, electronica and groove into a distinctive contemporary sound. The Naas concert promises an intimate evening of expressive piano playing, melodic composition and improvisation in the atmospheric setting of St. David’s Church.About the performanceThe concert will draw on Laurance’s solo work, including music from his latest album, Lumen. His performances move between carefully structured composition and spontaneous improvisation, creating music that can feel cinematic, rhythmic and deeply personal.Music Network describes the show as an evening of virtuosity, soulful improvisation and creativity from one of contemporary jazz’s most compelling pianists.About Bill LauranceBill Laurance is a British pianist, composer and producer best known as an original member of Snarky Puppy.Alongside his work with the group, he has developed a successful solo career and collaborated with artists including David Crosby, Salif Keita, Morcheeba, Laura Mvula and Jacob Collier. He has also composed for dance companies including English National Ballet and Alvin Ailey.VenueThe concert takes place at:St. David’s ChurchNorth Main StreetNaasCounty KildareW91 D7XYThis is an off-site Riverbank Arts Centre event, taking place in St. David’s Church rather than at the Riverbank venue in Newbridge.Booking informationTickets cost €18–€20, and advance booking is recommended.Book tickets through Riverbank Arts CentreThe performance begins at 8:00 pm on Friday, 23 October 2026.
Naas
Fri 30 Oct 2026, 8:00pm – 9:25pm
Ken O’ Sullivan – Stories From The Sea
Category: Talks / Nature & WildlifeLocation: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, W12 D962Date: Friday, 30 October 2026Time: 8:00 pmDuration: 75 minutesBest for: Wildlife, marine life, documentary film, conservation and Irish coastal heritageOverviewAward-winning filmmaker and underwater cameraman Ken O’Sullivan brings his new live show, Stories from the Sea, to Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.Through film clips, personal stories and first-hand accounts, Ken reflects on more than 20 years spent exploring the North Atlantic and the seas around Ireland. His experiences range from encounters with killer whales to swimming alongside thousands of dolphins, fin whales and blue whales.About the showThe performance combines documentary footage with stories from Ken’s career at sea.He shares the excitement, danger and beauty of working in the natural world, while exploring the emotional connection people have with the ocean. The show also pays tribute to his family’s 250-year history on Fenit Island in County Kerry and to Ireland’s wider maritime culture.Wildlife and conservationConservation and education have been central to Ken’s work since 2005. During the show, he discusses some of the major challenges facing marine animals and habitats, while also celebrating the richness of Ireland’s coastal waters.Ken has produced more than 20 natural-history documentaries for RTÉ. His series North Atlantic was later acquired by the BBC and broadcast in more than 30 countries.About Ken O’SullivanKen O’Sullivan is a multiple-award-winning filmmaker, author and underwater cameraman known for documenting marine wildlife in the North Atlantic.His work has brought audiences close to whales, dolphins, sharks and other sea life, while highlighting the environmental pressures affecting the ocean. His book Stories from the Deep has also been praised for its personal and lyrical account of life as a wildlife filmmaker.VenueThe event takes place at:Riverbank Arts CentreMain StreetNewbridgeCounty KildareW12 D962Booking informationThe performance begins at 8:00 pm on Friday, 30 October 2026 and lasts approximately 75 minutes.Advance booking is recommended. The official event page currently provides a booking link but does not display the ticket price publicly.
Newbridge
Sat 31 Oct 2026, 8:00pm – 9:00pm
The Last Witch Bridget Cleary
Category: Theatre / Events & FestivalsLocation: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, W12 D962Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026Time: 8:00 pmPrice: €20 / €18 concessionDuration: 45 minutes, followed by a short Q&ABest for: Theatre, Irish history, folklore, true stories and thought-provoking performanceOverviewThe Last Witch Bridget Cleary is an intimate solo performance based on the real events surrounding the death of Bridget Cleary in County Tipperary in 1895.Often described as Ireland’s last witch burning, Bridget’s killing became one of the country’s most disturbing and widely discussed cases. Through storytelling and historical detail, the performance examines the beliefs, tensions and social conditions that led to her death.About the performanceBlending folklore, land politics and social history, the production explores how fear, superstition and community pressure can take hold.At the centre of the story is Bridget herself. Rather than treating her only as a figure from folklore, the performance seeks to restore her humanity and place her life within the social realities of late nineteenth-century Ireland.What to expectThe production is reflective and historically grounded, using a solo theatrical performance to bring the story to life.The main performance lasts approximately 45 minutes and is followed by a short question-and-answer session, giving the audience an opportunity to engage further with the history and themes behind the work.VenueThe event takes place at:Riverbank Arts CentreMain StreetNewbridgeCounty KildareW12 D962Please note that this is a reduced-capacity performance because of expected building works beside Newbridge Library. The auditorium seating plan may be adjusted to accommodate those works.Booking informationTickets cost €20, with a reduced ticket price of €18 available.Buy tickets from Riverbank Arts CentreAdvance booking is recommended because capacity is expected to be limited.
Newbridge
Fri 29 Jan 2027, 8:00pm – 10:15pm
Bernard O’Shea – Pick Up Drop Off
Category: Comedy / Events & FestivalsLocation: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, W12 D962Date: Friday, 29 January 2027Time: 8:00 pmPrice: €25Best for: Stand-up comedy, live entertainment, date nights, nights out in NewbridgeOverviewIrish comedian Bernard O’Shea brings his new stand-up show, Pick Up Drop Off, to Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.Inspired by the endless cycle of family pick-ups and drop-offs, Bernard turns everyday routines, responsibilities and midlife observations into a sharp and relatable evening of comedy. The show explores the things people collect as they move through life — and the habits, worries and baggage they might be better off leaving behind.About the showPick Up Drop Off takes familiar experiences from family life and turns them into fast-paced observational comedy. Expect stories about parenting, relationships, getting older and the small frustrations that gradually become part of everyday life.Bernard O’Shea is known for finding humour in ordinary situations and presenting them with an energetic, conversational style.VenueThe performance takes place in the auditorium at Riverbank Arts Centre, one of Newbridge’s main venues for theatre, comedy, cinema, music and visual arts.Please note that this is scheduled as a reduced-capacity performance because of expected building works beside the arts centre at Newbridge Library. The seating plan may be adjusted to accommodate the works.Booking informationTickets cost €25 and advance booking is recommended, particularly because capacity is expected to be limited.Riverbank Arts CentreMain StreetNewbridgeCounty KildareW12 D962
Newbridge