Programme of Festival Events
Tuesday May 27th - June 2nd 2025
Location: Celbridge, Co. Kildare.
More events are being added so check back regularly.
- Date: Tuesday 27th May 6.30-8.30pm
- Venue: Celbridge Library, St. Patrick's Park, Celbridge
- Free Entry.
- BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET - click here
Come along to view a wonderful exhibition of new paintings of Celbridge Abbey by the Abbey Art Group, Celbridge. The launch of the exhibition and festival will be celebrated with a reception.
- Date: Thursday 29th May Time: 7-8pm
- Followed by meet and talk with Abbey Art Group exhibition artists
- Venue: Celbridge Library, St. Patrick's Park, Celbridge
- Free entry.
- BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET - click here
Local historian Eamon Burke will host a talk about the history and intriguing stories of Celbridge Abbey. The event will also include the opportunity to meet artists displaying their paintings of Celbridge Abbey. Refreshments provided.
- A writing workshop at the Acre Project, Maynooth Rd., Celbridge
- Date: Friday 30th May, 12pm
- Venue: Acre Project
- BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET - click here
Over the course of two hours participants will read two of Jonathan Swift’s letters, as well as Vanessa’s letter to Stella, and write a response to one of the letters.
The workshop will be held at the Acre Project, and facilitated by Artist in Residence, Krystal Sweedman. Writers and those who have always wanted to write are very welcome.
SUSO Gospel Choir
- Dates: Friday 30th May, 7.30pm - 9pm
- Venue: Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- Tickets: €10 | €2.50
- Bundle with 'Jonathan Swift: Savage Indignation' Sat. 31st May - €20.
- BOOK YOUR TICKET - CLICK HERE
- OR BOOK A BUNDLE - CLICK HERE
Come along for a thrilling and uplifting evening with the SUSO Gospel Choir presenting a Gospel Love Story!
- The story and extraordinary political achievement of Swift's 'Drapiers Letters'
- Date: Friday 30th May. Time: 7 - 8.15pm.
- Venue: Tea Lane Graveyard Church, Celbridge
- Tickets: €6.25. Concession tickets - free
- BOOK YOUR TICKET - CLICK HERE
Come along to a viewing of new video about the ‘Drapier’s Letters’. This video provides a narrative of the extraordinary resistance of Ireland to the imposition of what was seen as an inferior coinage known as by the British, known as ‘Wood’s halfpence’ . The ‘Drapier’s Letters’ is the name for a series of seven pamphlets written between 1724 and 1725 by Jonathan Swift, to arouse public opinion in Ireland against the copper coinage.
The story is told by Dr. Brendan Twomey, Professor Ivar McGrath, and Professor Moyra Hasslet. Refreshments to follow.
- Written by the Full Stops and Comments Writers Group
- Date: Saturday 31st May. Time 12:30 - 13:30
- Venue: Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET - click here
This event hosts Full Stop and Comments writers group reading a series of stories on Vanessa, her life in Celbridge, and how the community viewed her at the time. The stories were researched and created for the festival by the group.
- Date: Saturday 31st May 2.30 - 4pm
- Venue: Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- Ticket: €10. Concession €5.
- BOOK YOUR TICKET - CLICK HERE
We are delighted to welcome Paul Lynch to Celbridge for an interview and discussion about his book ‘The Prophet Song’. Martina Murphy will host the discussion with Paul and pose questions that will be collated in advance from the community.
- Afternoon of new writing and music interludes.
- Date: Saturday 31st May Time: 5-6pm
- Venue: Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- Tickets: €5. Concession: free OAPs, students, & children
- BOOK YOUR TICKET - CLICK HERE
In the decade between 1724 and 1734, Jonathan Swift hosted writer’s evenings in Dublin. In Swift’s Salon we are encouraging the sharing of new writing interspersed with music in a homage to Swift.
- Date: 31st May 8pm
- Venue: Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- Tickets €20 |Concession €12 | Children: €2.50
- Bundle with SUSO Gospel Choir event Fri 30th May Christchurch €20
- BOOK YOUR TICKET - CLICK HERE
- OR BOOK A TICKET BUNDLE - CLICK HERE
Savage Indignation describes what happens in Jonathan Swift’s life when Stella and Vanessa find out about each other, including the tragic scene in which Swift confronts Vanessa at her home, Celbridge Abbey. Experience history come alive in Celbridge!
Written by Gerry Mullins, the drama is based on letters and poetry by Jonathan Swift and his lady friends Stella and Vanessa. Written by Gerry Mullins.
Also being held this weekend: Family Fun Day!
- Date: Sunday 1st June. 2.30-5pm
- Venue: The Slip, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- FREE ENTRY
Come along to the Slip, Castletown Gates, for a fun day of family activities, including live must and social dancing. The afternoon will include ‘Punch and Judy’, dancing, face-painting and circus performers. If it rains, the event will move to the Slip Hall at Castletown Gates.
Bring your good cheer, dancing shoes and lots of enthusiasm!
Summer Market
- Date: Sunday 1st June. 12-3pm
- Venue: The Dara Hub, Main Street, Celbridge
- FREE ENTRY
A Summer Market will be held in the Dara Hub with beautiful cakes, jewellery, fresh vegetables, tea and coffee. ‘The Snappers’ ukelele band (in photo) will also be playing! Pop in – all welcome!
- Date: Monday 2nd June Time: 11am
- Venue: Tea Lane Graveyard Church, Church Road, Celbridge
- Free Entry.
- BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET - CLICK HERE
Led by theatre maker Alice Coghlan in the character of a sailor onboard Lemuel Gulliver’s ship, this family workshop, uses theatre, song and storytelling to bring children and their families into the world of Gulliver’s Travels. First we are ship wrecked in the land of the tiny Lilliputians where Gulliver is twelve times taller than everyone!
After Gulliver escapes with his eyes we set sail to Brobdingnag the land of the giants, where Gulliver survives being abducted by giant monkeys, dogs and eagles! Suitable for ages 5-8 years old.
Art Exhibition
- Date: Monday 2nd June. 10:30 - 2pm
- Venue: The Slip Hall, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- DROP IN - FREE ENTRY
Come along and support young artists in your local town. A space for young people to exhibit their artwork to the community of Celbridge. For all ages and all ranges of artwork, from paintings to photographs to handmade jewellery.
Pop in to feel the inspiration!
Purple Lama Market - Sunday AND Monday
- Dates: Sunday 1st June 11 - 5pm and Monday 2nd June 11-2pm.
- Venue: Grounds of Christchurch, Celbridge, W23 TD37
- DROP BY - FREE ENTRY
Kildrought House, on Celbridge Main Street, is open for tours during the festival weekend. Tours last for approximately 1.5 hours and will show the beautiful interior and gardens of this historic building and will hear its wonderful stories. The maximum number of people for each tour is 12. To book phone: 087 616 8651 or 01 627 1206.
Book early for all festival events!
Interview with Paul Lynch: 'The Prophet Song'
SUSO Choir
Funded by Kildare County Council and Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District Local Property Tax.
With thanks to all Municipal District Councillors for grant funding.
A warm thanks to sponsors Celbridge Tidy Towns.
