Cloak on the Moat returns to Kildare this Bank Holiday Money
Cloak on the Moat 2025 Photo: Aisling Hyland
ON BANK Holiday Monday, all roads will lead to the 13th century heritage site of the Moat of Ardscull near Kilmead for the fourth annual ‘Cloak on the Moat’.
Taking place on 2 February 2026, at 12 noon, fantastic local acts on the day will include Athy Comhaltas, Joseph Gorman, Paul Linehan, Molly Doyle, Aaron O Rourke, Local children’s choir, Village Voices, Colm Flynn, Kilmead set dancers and Kilmead figure dancers, for the event which will last for approximately an hour and a half.
Since 2023, alongside the establishment of a new bank holiday celebrating Brigid and Kildare, Cloak on the Moat has been growing and growing.
This free, family-friendly event has something for everyone; music, folklore, dance, face-painting and the much loved ‘Best dressed competition’.
This year, there will be a prize for best dressed Brigid along with best dressed Chieftain/warrior which will include adult and child categories. This is an environmentally friendly event so homemade costumes are encouraged along with bringing your reusable cup for the coffee van.
The event will kick off at an earlier time of 12pm this year. Attendees are advised to wrap up as it is an outdoor event, and are also warned that there will be no toilet facilities available.
Foldable chairs are encouraged and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Organisers are anticipating the largest crowd yet this year so attendees are advised to arrive early from 11.15am onwards to secure parking in the adjoining field through the entrance of the Moat.
Visitors are also asked to respect the grounds, which are maintained by Kilmead Tidy Towns, and are asked to please ensure that children are not pulling or walking on flowers, and to not leave behind any litter.
The Cloak on the Moat 2026 committee thanked their sponsors Kildare County Council (Spirit of Brigid initiative), Naas Oil, Jonny Tallon, Michael Dunne Haulage, Roche Group, Lily O’Briens, Newbridge Silverware, Beauty Box Ballitore, Young World Pre-school, Ballindrum Farm BnB and Liffey Barbers Kilcullen.
