Arts in Co Kildare

28/05/2026

In Galway? Get to the Druid Theatre tonight for the premier of Lot Vekeman's POISON directed by Kildare's Lianne O'Shea. Running until 30th May.

28/05/2026

Menu of Poems celebrates Poetry Day Ireland.

As part of Poetry Day Ireland a Menu of Poems has been shared with patients, staff, and visitors healthcare settings in County Kildare including Naas General Hospital. The initiative offers moments of comfort and reflection, reaching over 12,000 people nationwide.
Launched in 2008, Menu of Poems is an annual anthology produced by Saolta Arts with Arts and Health Coordinators Ireland, supported by Poetry Ireland and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement. It brings meaningful arts experiences into healthcare environments across Ireland.

The 2026 edition, curated by Anne Tannam, features poems by Alvy Carragher (In Other Words), Luke Morgan (Longitude), and Marie Howe (Reunion), alongside her own online bonus poem, The Art of Listening. A children’s poem, My Delicious Hat by Paul Timoney, will also be distributed in paediatric settings. All poems are available to download, with recordings online.
https://saoltaarts.com/stories/menu-of-poems/

Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann

19/05/2026

Tá Kildare County Council i gcomhpháirt le Maynooth University ag lorg iarratas do ról an Scríbhneora Chónaithe ó scríbhneoirí Gaeilge a bhfuil réimse saothar ar ardchaighdeán foilsithe acu i bhfilíocht agus/nó i bprós cruthaitheach. Tá an chónaitheacht, a mhairfidh ó Mheán Fómhair 2026 go Lúnasa 2027, lonnaithe in Ollscoil Mhá Nuad agus seo an tríú comhpháirtíocht dá leithéid idir Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, Pobail Chruthaitheacha Chill Dara, agus Kildare Library Service agus Arts in Co Kildare.

Forbraíodh an ról ‘Scríbhneoir Cónaithe Gaeilge’ chun deis a thabhairt do mhic léinn agus don phobal i gcoitinne a bheith ag plé le scríbhneoirí Gaeilge aitheanta agus, ina theannta sin, chun deis a thabhairt do na scríbhneoirí a dtionscadail féin a chur chun cinn. Go dtí seo, bhí Ré Ó Laighléis agus Dubhán Ó Longáin i measc na Scríbhneoirí Cónaithe Gaeilge in Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.

7 Meitheamh 2026 an dáta deiridh ar a nglacfar le hiarratais.
Ní mór gach iarratas a dhéanamh trí Thairseach Earcaíochta ar Líne Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, áit a bhfuil sonraí iomlána an róil ar fáil, ag an nasc seo a leanas:

Maynooth University Vacancies Welcome to Maynooth University’s online eRecruitment Portal. Applications for all vacancies should be made online via the eRecruitment Portal. Applicants must ensure to submit their applications by the closing date and time specified on the vacancy, as incomplete appl...

19/05/2026

Want to learn more about the M7 Per Cent for Art Commission with Kildare County Council, Arts in Co Kildare, Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland?

Beidh Oifigeach Ealaíon Chill Dara, Éilis Lavelle, ag óstáil Cruinniú Ealaíontóirí ar líne Déardaoin seo, an 21 Bealtaine, ag 5.30 i.n.

Kildare's Arts Officer Éilis Lavelle will host an online Artist Briefing this Thursday 21st May, 5.30pm.
Cláraigh anseo: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kildareartsservice/2201818

Read more about this unique opportunity for local, national and international artists to develop a proposal for a Kildare County Council Per Cent for Art Scheme commission for the M7 located at the Naas/Sallins Bypass roundabout at the N9a Junction Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland:
https://kildarecocoarts.submit.com/show/403

M7 Per Cent for Art Commission - Artist Briefing – Microsoft Teams, Thu 21 May 2026 - Artist Briefing facilitated by Kildare County Arts Officer Éilis Lavelle.  A unique opportunity for local, national and international artists to develop a proposal for a Kildare County Council Per Cent for Art ...

11/05/2026

Looking forward to seeing the work of Kildare's own Lianne O'Shea and team at The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway and Project Arts Centre, Dublin.
Supported by Arts in Co Kildare

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱! Once Off Productions are returning to Project with the Irish premiere of 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯, an internationally acclaimed theatre production written by Dutch playwright Lot Vekemans and translated by Rina Vergano. Running in the Cube from 3 - 6 June. Book now via the link below.

A man and a woman meet again after nine years apart. Reunited by the memory of the child they lost, they are forced to confront grief, love and the possibility of living. Is it possible to move on?

In 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯, Lot Vekemans crafts a powerful, intimate portrait of two people both broken and bound by loss, and by all that remains unspoken between them.

Naoise Dunbar and Rachel O’Byrne star in this Irish premiere of Poison, directed by Lianne O’Shea.

This production is funded by the Arts Council, with support from The Abbey Theatre, Kildare County Council and Riverbank Arts Centre.

3 - 6 June | Cube
🎟️ Preview €18, €20/18 thereafter.

Find out more and book now via the link: https://bit.ly/4ewJ5C0
ID in ALT Text.

08/05/2026

Call out for Writer in Residence Programme 2026-2027

Kildare County Council in partnership with Maynooth University is inviting applications from writers of established reputation in poetry and/or creative prose for the role of Writer in Residence. The residency marks a decade-long collaboration between Maynooth University and Kildare Library Service and Arts in Co Kildare.

Based in Maynooth University, the residency will run from 1st October 2026 – 30th September 2027. The duties, which involve working with students and the wider public, are expected to average six hours a week.

The role provides students and the community with the opportunity to engage with writers of distinction, as well as providing the writers with time to advance their current project(s). Previous Writers-in-Residence at Maynooth University have included Aingeala Flannery, Catherine Prasifka, Fíona Scarlett, Paul Lynch, Christodoulos Makris, Eoin McNamee, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Sue Rainsford, Susan Tomaselli, and Joanna Walsh.

County Librarian, Gillian Allen, remarked; “Kildare Library and Arts Services have benefited greatly from this collaboration with Maynooth University, to promote and support writers and allow them scope and time to further develop their writing. We also welcome their engagement with our budding creatives in Co. Kildare through the provision of community workshops and collaborative participation in our annual calendar of artistic events.”

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 17th May at 23:30hrs. All applications must be made via Maynooth University Online Recruitment Portal, where you can also find a full job description, at the following link:

Maynooth University Vacancies Welcome to Maynooth University’s online eRecruitment Portal. Applications for all vacancies should be made online via the eRecruitment Portal. Applicants must ensure to submit their applications by the closing date and time specified on the vacancy, as incomplete appl...

08/05/2026

Congratulations to Arts and Minds Festival Maynooth, Maynooth University on a wonderful opening night last night.
There's so much to see and do in this weekend!

Don't forget to check out An Lúb Liteartha
le An Dr Dubhán Ó Longáin (scríbhneoir cónaithe OMN) agus Anna Heussaff faoi agallamh ag Caitlín Nic Íomhair - Dé Sathairn, 3.30

Tickets on sale now

08/05/2026

Bhí Féile do Chách Chill Dara na bliana seo caite go hiontach agus beidh an Fhéile do Chách ar siúl arís i mbliana, agus í níos mó fós! Bí linn ag Ráschúrsa an Churraigh Dé Domhnaigh, 10 Bealtaine, 11am-6pm 2026 le haghaidh ceiliúradh lúcháireach, fáilteach um ionchuimsiú míchumais, inrochtaineacht agus spiorad pobail. Arna óstáil ag Líonra Rochtana Chontae Chill Dara (CKAN), Comhairle Contae Chill Dara agus comhpháirtithe, is é is aidhm don imeacht SAOR IN AISCE seo, a thacaíonn le teaghlaigh, bacainní a chur dínn agus spás fáilteach a chruthú do gach duine. Tabhair leat do chairde, do theaghlach, nó tar chuig an bhFéile i d’aonar agus tum tú féin sa spraoi!

After an amazing debut last year, the Kildare Inclusivity Festival is back and bigger than ever. Come along to The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, May 10th, 11am–6pm 2026 for a joyful, welcoming celebration of disability inclusion, accessibility and community spirit.
Hosted by County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), Kildare County Council and partners, this FREE, family friendly event is all about breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming space for everyone. Bring your friends, family, or just yourself and dive into the fun!

What’s new for 2026?
• A dedicated Quiet Zone for time out and relaxation
• A Quiet Entrance to help ensure a calm arrival experience
• A Quiet Hour from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• A brand new Vehicle Demonstration Zone
• An external music stage adding to the festival atmosphere
• KARE Inclusive Sports Zone
Enjoy returning favourites too, including:
• Family Fun Zone
• Barretstown Magic Moments
• CKAN’S Our World Inclusive Toy Display
• And so much more!

Don’t miss this inclusive, uplifting day out for all ages and abilities.
Free entry | Fully inclusive
For more information, visit www.ckan.ie

08/05/2026

Coimisiúin Ealaíne Phoiblí: Deiseanna do ealaíontóirí áitiúla, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta i Chontae Chill Dara.
Tuilleadh sonraí: https://kildarecocoarts.submit.com/

Two great public art opportunities for local, national and international artists. More details below.
Check out https://kildarecocoarts.submit.com/ regularly for opportunities.

M7 PER CENT FOR ART COMMISSION
A unique opportunity for local, national and international artists to develop a proposal for a Kildare County Council Per Cent for Art Scheme commission for the M7 located at the Naas/Sallins Bypass roundabout at the N9a Junction Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland. This commission represents a challenging and exciting opportunity to deliver a new site-specific artwork. We are seeking proposals for an imaginative, contemporary work to engage the public, sited on a prominent roundabout at the new Junction 9a on the M7 that has been developed as part of the M7 upgrade project.
The budget available to the successful artist or team for the project will be €80,000. Supported by Kildare County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Roads Authority, Department of Transport.
Stage 1 Proposals are due on Thursday, 18 June 2026, 12:00 PM
The selection process will take the form of a two-stage competition.
There will be an online Stage 1 Artist Briefing on Thursday, 21 May 2026, 5:30 PM. Register to attend: https://www.tickettailor.com/.../kildareartsservice/2201818
More details about the Commission and Apply: https://kildarecocoarts.submit.com/show/403

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NEWBRIDGE TOWN CENTRE PUBLIC ART AWARD
Kildare County Council Arts Service invites proposals from professional artists to deliver compelling and contemporary artwork(s) in the public realm in Newbridge town. The Arts Service seeks applications from artists for proposals involving collaboration and co-design with communities / community members with/by an artist.
The Newbridge Public Art Award aims to act as a catalyst for community engagement, inspiring people in Newbridge to reflect on the diversity and richness of their community and promote pride of place and diversity of experience. The project aims to celebrate aspects of contemporary life, history, heritage and culture with the following benefits:
• Instilling community pride of place and citizen wellbeing.
• Support the development of the arts and work opportunities for artists.
• Increased opportunities for creativity in communities through methods of collaboration and/or co-design.
• Enhanced visual appearance of Newbridge Town Centre, in particular in the vicinity of George’s Street and Eyre Street.
A total fund of €6,500 has been allocated to this award via Local Property Tax (LPT) funding in the Kildare/Newbridge Municipal District. It is envisaged that at least one larger scale work or a series of smaller scale works will be supported. Applicants are invited to submit proposals for site-specific projects with budgets of up to €6,500. Artworks can take any form including 2D and 3D presentations.
Deadline: Thursday 18th June 2026, 12pm (midday)
More information: https://kildarecocoarts.submit.com/show/401

Image: Holly Pereira mural, Eyre Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
Image credit: Holly Pereira See less

02/04/2026

🎨 Apply for the Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 Programming Award! 🎨

Grants of between €500 - €3000 are available for youth-activated and youth-centered creative programmes for Cruinniú na nÓg Kildare 2026, Ireland's day of free creativity for children and young people.

Submit your proposals and ideas for consideration for making 6 June extra special by 7 April 2026! You can find the guidelines and application at kildarecocoarts.submit.com.

Arts in Co Kildare CreativeIrl