President Catherine Connolly visits Kildare today

President Catherine Connolly will officially re-open the historic Round Tower at St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town on Friday following the completion of significant conservation works.

The event, hosted by St Brigid’s Cathedral will welcome approximately 200 invited guests, including representatives from local and national government, heritage organisations, clergy, architects, conservation specialists, volunteers and community stakeholders connected with the preservation of the landmark structure.

The ceremony will begin at 11:00am in St Brigid’s Cathedral and will include speeches from Cathaoirleach, Cllr Carmel Kelly and conservation architect, Silvia Mambriani, as well as musical performances from organist Ella Fallon, Newbridge Gospel Choir and St Patrick’s National School Choir. Following these, the President will proceed to officially cut the ribbon at the Round Tower in the Cathedral grounds.

A special new exhibition on the history of the Round Tower will also be on view in the cathedral, which will include two original Round Tower Visitor’s Books from 1874 and 1882.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dean Isobel Jackson of St Brigid’s Cathedral said:

“The re-opening of the 900 year old Round Tower marks a hugely important moment not only for St Brigid’s Cathedral, but for the wider heritage and community life of Kildare Town. We are honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly to mark this significant occasion and to celebrate the remarkable work undertaken to preserve this historic treasure for future generations.” 

Conservation work started in 2022 and was supported primarily through the Irish Government’s Community Monuments Fund, through the National Monuments Service and administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

Grants of €352,000 were awarded by the Community Monuments Fund and €35,000 by Kildare County Council to assist with the tower’s conservation and long-term care ahead of the Brigid 1500 commemorations.

While funded by the State, the preservation work continues to be coordinated locally by the Round Tower committee and the Select Vestry at St Brigid’s Cathedral. The works were technically managed by 7L architects.

The Round Tower is one of Kildare’s most important historic and cultural landmarks and forms part of the rich ecclesiastical heritage associated with St Brigid and the medieval monastic settlement at Kildare.

While in Kildare on Friday, President Connolly will also pay a visit to the Newbridge Family Resource Centre.