Features
Walt Disney’s business in Kilkenny
By Niamh Holohan Kilkenny city and county oozes charisma and magical enchantment. The castle boasts native fairytalesque allure. There are so many global links that trace their heritage back to Ireland. I was partially raised on the fables and fairytales that Walt Disney reimagined and created. I have had a Disney fever ever since and …
Theatrical brilliance as Lake produce Gem
Review by Tom Dayton. Photos Pat Shortall When I was a young buck, studying journalism at UCG, I spent many happy hours in my spare time playing rugby. As luck would have it, I played for the University, and later, got a few run-outs with the B team, wearing the Green of Connaught. My number …
Burning Down the House, My House
By Kathryn Ashill Open daily from Thursday to Saturday, 11.30am to 5.30pm until Saturday 29 August The Tea Houses Bateman Quay Kilkenny Kath’s House is Burning! Kath’s House is Burning! Send the Engines! Send the Engines! Burning Down the House, My House is an exhibition that explores Welsh artist Kathryn Ashill’s recent experiences of having …
Thomastown festival hits all the right notes
Photos jbsphotoskilkenny There was wonderful art on display around Thomastown, thanks to the excellent work of ‘Thomastown Creative Arts Festival (TCAF). It was also good to note a production of The Quiet Land by Lake Productions over a two night period. ( review to follow) The festival was formally opened by Senator Malcolm Noonan in …
Happiness abounds, as Art brings joy and colour to Kilkenny
Photos: jbsphotoskilkenny At the time of the opening of the Kilkenny Arts Festival, I sat in the majestic gardens of Rothe House, and was treated to some beautiful music complements of Lucia Mac Partlin and Maria Ryan. This event was one of many performances under the umbrella of the ever-popular ‘Secret Garden Music Series’. The …
From Lisnafunchin National school to the Mens shed
The song “Two Little Boys” (originally titled “When We Were Two Little Boys”) was written by lyricist Edward Madden and composer Theodore F. Morse in 1903. This song is a celebration of loyalty and friendship. With that in mind we focus on two members of Kilkenny Men’s Shed, Shem Muldowney and Micheal Bergin. When they …
Local teen Sam Cummins set to represent Ireland at European Championships
From August 20th to 23rd, Waterford will host the U17 Inline Hockey European Championships, with Inline Hockey Ireland & SETU Arena welcoming national teams from Slovenia, Italy, France, Czechia, Great Britain, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ireland. Among those proudly representing Ireland will be local teenager Sam Cummins, who has once again earned selection to the national squad …
Newpark Community gathers for outdoor Mass
The Upper Green in Newpark was filled with song and prayer last Wednesday evening as neighbours and friends gathered for a special outdoor community Mass. Chief celebrant Monsignor Dan Carroll was joined by Fr. Paul Kasu, Fr. Noel McGrath, and Monsignor Michael Ryan to concelebrate the moving and inclusive Mass. The ceremony drew families from …
The Canal walk the canal that was never finished
The Kilkenny Observer welcomes John Comerford from Kilkenny tours who will bring us on trip to visit various locations in Kilkenny city and county. We hope to bring you a piece of history on the first Friday of each month. To give the full history on each location would take up too many column inches, …
Squeaky Door Collective to exhibit during AKA Festival
Kilkenny’s newest artist collective are putting together an exciting show for the first weekend of AKA Festival 2026. Join Squeaky Door Collective for their opening launch on Friday 7th August between 4-7pm to meet the artists. The exhibition will run from 10-6pm Friday to Sunday, 7th-9th August. Situated in the beautifully lit Saint Patrick’s Community …
