Featured Events in County Kildare in January, 2024 (June Updated)

The Balto Rolling Sessions 2023/24 are all set to make a splash this winter. Pool sessions have been booked and are ready to roll at K Leisure in Athy. The sessions will take place in two time slots: 5-6 pm and 6-7 pm. The first session is specifically designed for juniors and seniors who are interested in learning to roll, focusing on paddlers with L1-2 skills. The second session is for more advanced paddlers with L3 ability and above, allowing them to work independently on their own learning requirements. Although there won't be any formal instruction during the pool sessions, experienced members will be available to offer assistance if needed. Safety is a top priority during the Balto Rolling Sessions. All participants are required to wear helmets at all times. Additionally, freestylers are restricted to the deep end of the pool to avoid any potential hazards to other paddlers. It is important to arrive at the pool on time to allow for unloading and changing, with a start time of 5:00 pm for the first session and 6:00 pm for the second session. Please note that the carpark closes promptly at 7:15 pm, so a swift exit is necessary. These sessions are exclusively for members of Balto KC. Non-members must receive approval from the committee in advance and hold a current CI member number. Any bookings that do not comply with these rules will be canceled and refunded. Please be aware that no credits can be carried over for missed sessions, and refunds are only possible up to one week before the session. The Balto KC's constitution, code of conduct, and safeguarding policies apply to all pool sessions. Join us for the Balto Rolling Sessions 2023/24 and take your paddling skills to the next level.

Experience the art of Krav Maga at our Maynooth club's adult self-defense class. Join us for a trial class to get a taste of this powerful form of self-defense, and if you're hooked, continue your training with our weekly classes. Beginners are more than welcome to join! This class is exclusively for adults aged 18 and above, giving you the chance to try training with us and experience Krav Maga before committing to a membership. Our classes are suitable for both men and women. In fact, we offer a dedicated curriculum for women called "Stay Away," which supplements our main curriculum. All three of our instructors are certified to teach this program. No prior martial arts experience is necessary. Krav Maga is a unique discipline that will tap into your existing skills, should you have any. Fitness level is not a barrier to joining our classes. Our sessions are designed to challenge participants regardless of their fitness levels. When attending your first class, wear comfortable workout clothes such as a t-shirt, tracksuit, and trainers. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water and a small towel. A typical class consists of a rigorous warm-up, games and drills to prepare you for the lesson, partner work for specific techniques, and finishing drills to practice what you've learned. At the beginning, no special equipment is required, but over time we recommend investing in a good gum shield for safety. Our prepaid model offers great flexibility. A pack of four classes costs €50, and each time you attend a class, one class is deducted from your pack. We'll remind you to purchase more classes when you're running low. This system has proven effective, especially for those with shift work schedules. While we don't currently offer women-only classes, our mixed classes provide a unique advantage. Training with individuals of different sizes and strengths enhances the effectiveness of the learning experience. For individuals interested in progression, we offer optional level tests. We typically hold 1-2 gradings per year, providing a great challenge for those who want to push themselves. Ranks range from Practitioner 1-5, Graduate 1-5, to Expert 1-5. Join us at Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich in Maynooth and empower yourself with the art of Krav Maga. Book your spot now for our upcoming class on 9th January 2024, with tickets priced at €12.50. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable self-defense skills in a supportive and empowering environment.

Don't miss out on the captivating event, 'Whispers of Resilience' Panel Discourse and Artistic Exploration, hosted by First Fortnight. This thought-provoking exploration, guided by visual artist Lucina Russell, promises to delve into profound themes that will leave you truly inspired. Join artist Rosemary Noonan, Lauren Hamilton with her evocative insights, and Dr. Afif Khuffash, who will provide a societal lens on the topic of 'Breastfeeding Stigma through Art.' Dr. Philomena McCarthy will add psychological depth to the vibrant discussion. This dynamic dialogue allows you to witness firsthand the impact of art on society and the human psyche. Mark your calendars for January 10, 2024, and head to No. 8 Gallery and Framing in Kildare, where this extraordinary event will take place. Admission is free, so don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in art and engage with these visionary minds.

The High Performance GAA Seminar is set to feature insightful presentations from some of the most renowned and accomplished coaches in the GAA. This event, which will take place on January 13, 2024, at the Naas GAA venue on Sallins Road in Naas, promises to be a valuable gathering for GAA enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field. With a focus on high-performance strategies and techniques, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights from the experiences of these seasoned coaches. Moreover, by attending this seminar, participants will not only enhance their understanding of the game but also contribute to a charitable cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Barretstown, allowing attendees to make a positive impact while expanding their knowledge. With a ticket price of €35, this seminar offers an affordable opportunity to learn from some of the most respected figures in the GAA coaching community. Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable knowledge and support a great cause.

Introducing "Herself," a captivating drama featuring the talented Clare Dunne. This empowering story follows a determined young mother as she takes control of her own destiny. Join us for a reception at 7.30pm, followed by the screening of the film at 8pm. Clare Dunne takes center stage in this heartwrenching tale of a Dublin cleaner escaping domestic abuse. With a focus on female empowerment, the film explores the themes of self-help and the fight against a callous bureaucracy. It is a compelling drama that will leave you both moved and inspired. "Herself" has received critical acclaim, winning the Human Rights Film Award and the Michael Dwyer Discovery Award at the Dublin International Film Festival 2020, as well as the Best Script for Film at the Irish Film and Television Awards 2020. Writer-star Clare Dunne shines in this irresistible drama, capturing the emotional essence of the story with gusto. Set in Ireland and the UK, this 97-minute film is rated 15A. Don't miss out on this mesmerizing cinematic experience. Join us at Town Hall Kilcullen in Kildare on January 30, 2024, at an affordable ticket price of €6.34. Experience the power of "Herself" and be moved by its profound message.

The KCC Pool Session in Athy offers an exciting and enjoyable canoeing experience in warm waters. This training session is exclusively available for club members who wish to enhance their skills in the pool at K Leisure Athy. Participants are required to meet at Kilcullen Canoe Club at 4pm, where they will have the opportunity to select their desired boats, helmets, paddles, and spray decks. Afterward, the equipment will be loaded onto their vehicles for transport to Athy. At 5pm, the pool session begins and lasts for one hour, providing ample time for practice and improvement. Once the session concludes, the boats are loaded back up and returned to the club. It is the responsibility of participants to ensure that the equipment they use is promptly returned to the club and properly signed back in. The KCC Pool Session Athy is an excellent opportunity to enjoy canoeing while refining your skills in a safe and controlled environment. Join us on January 13, 2024, at K Leisure Athy for an unforgettable adventure. Tickets are available at a price range of €6.34 to €11.70.

Experience the ultimate Dinosaur Show Live! An incredible, family-friendly spectacle featuring the most lifelike dinosaurs you will ever encounter. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through time as you meet a cast of astonishing animatronic creatures, brought to life with cutting-edge technology and award-winning puppetry. Step into the world of the extraordinary Professor, who will transport you back a staggering 65 million years. Prepare to be enchanted by Archie, the mischievous anklysaurus, and be delighted by Bluey, the playful yet mysterious velociraptor. But that's not all - you'll also come face to face with a full-size Triceratops, making this an unmissable event. Dinosaur Show Live! is a must-see experience that guarantees endless photo opportunities. Immerse yourself in the thrill and wonder of these ancient giants, and capture memories that will last a lifetime. Join us in Naas at The Westgrove Hotel on January 20, 2024, for an unforgettable adventure. Tickets for this extraordinary event range from €15 to €45. Don't miss out on this remarkable opportunity to witness the wonders of the prehistoric world. Book your tickets now and prepare for a journey like no other.