Heritage Week 2025

Exploring Our Foundations: Celebrating Heritage Week with Kilkenny County Council Library Service

Heritage Week 2025 invites us to reflect on the foundations of our identity, not just in stone and structure, but in the stories, landscapes, and cultural practices that have shaped who we are. Across our Kilkenny library branches, a series of engaging events will bring this theme to life, offering opportunities for people to connect with Kilkenny’s rich and layered heritage.

Some Jewels from The Charters and Civic Records of Kilkenny with state archaeologist Cóilín Ó Drisceoil -For centuries housed in the City Archive at the Tholsel, these records now digitised on the Kilkenny Library Digital Archive. This talk will highlight the wealth of material available and explore what the records reveal about daily life in the town and its colourful characters.

Mayfair Library - Tuesday 19th August @ 6pm Places are limited please phone 056 7794174 or email Mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie

James Stephens 1825- 1901 - Life and Legacy -Local Historian, Larry Scallan, a retired military officer with years of service and expertise will deliver two talks on the life and legacy of James Stephens. Attendees will learn about the life of James Stevens on the 200th anniversary of his birth;

Loughboy Library on Tuesday 19th August @ 11 am. Places are limited please phone 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie
Mayfair Library on Tuesday 26th August @6pm - Places are limited please phone 056 7794174 or email Mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie

“James Stephens, A barracks and building - A national identity” Guided tour of the military barracks by retired military officer Larry Scallan. Those attending the tour can dive into Ireland’s rich military heritage with a guided tour of the barracks to explore this historic site and uncover the fascinating stories of Ireland’s Defence Forces and their contributions to the nation’s history.

James Stephens Military Barracks on Saturday 16th August @ 11am. Places are limited. To book a place please phone 087 3875753

Lady Louisa Tighe of the Woodstock Estate - These talks by John Kirwan, historian, genealogist, author give an insight into the life of Lady Louisa who married William Frederick Fownes Tighe 200 years ago in 1825. Her legacy and will provide an enthralling backdrop for a historical narrative based on original research and primary sources.

Graiguenamanagh Library on Tuesday 19th August @ 6pm. Places are limited please phone 056 7794178 or email graiguenamanagh@kilkennylibrary.ie
Thomastown Library on Wednesday 20th August @ 6pm. Places are limited please phone 056 7794331 or email thomastown@kilkennylibrary.ie
Mayfair Library Saturday 23rd August @ 11am. Places are limited please phone 056 7794174 or email Mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie

British and Irish Newspaper Archive Workshop - Explore the Past with Digital Tools: A Workshop by Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Local Studies Team. Join the staff of the Local Studies team for an engaging and hands-on workshop exploring the rich world of digital newspaper archives. Discover how to access and navigate historical newspapers online, uncover local stories, trace family histories, and bring the past to life through digital research tools.

Ferrybank Library on Wednesday 20th August @11 am.
Castlecomer Library on Thursday 21st August@11am.
Urlingford Library on Friday 22nd August @11am.
Places are limited please phone 056 7794160 or email lstudies@kilkennylibrary.ie

Citizen Science Workshop Discover the world of 3D scanning and printing in this hands-on workshop. Using the free Kiri App, participants will scan historical objects at a nearby heritage site and bring them to life in the Maker Space.

Mayfair Library on Thursday, 20 August from 2–4pm.
Basic smartphone app skills required.
Booking essential: Call 056 7794174 or email Mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie

The Screech of the Banshee and the Songs of the Mná Chaointe”, a powerful talk exploring Irish death rituals and the cultural role of keening women in

Loughboy Library on Friday, 15 August @ 6.15pm –
Booking essential: Call 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie

Traditional Irish Stories Families and young audiences are invited to enjoy traditional Irish stories passed down through generations.

Graiguenamanagh Library on Tuesday, 19th August @ 11am.
No booking required – just come along!

Each of these events reflects the Heritage Week theme by uncovering the layers of meaning in our customs, technologies, and tales. Whether through digital innovation, ancient rituals, or storytelling, we are invited to explore the foundations that continue to shape us today.