2 December 2014

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (2 December 2014) launched the programme of Christmas events at Kilkenny Castle.

Speaking this morning, the Minister said: "I am delighted to be at Kilkenny Castle to launch an exciting programme of Christmas events. My Office has adopted a Victorian Christmas theme to showcase many of the historical features of this iconic and historic site".

The programme of free events includes:· The opening of a newly created "Children's Nursery" where visitors can explore the hidden world of privileged children from the Victorian era. · Many musical treats including festive carol-singing performances. Other musical performances including "A Classical Christmas" lunchtime recital are also sure to delight. · Festive fun for children including "The Magical Christmas Magic Show" and "Music for Tots" is guaranteed to entertain. · A giant illuminated Christmas Tree in the Courtyard. The Castle's Period rooms are beautifully decorated with Victorian-style furnishings and seasonal tableware.

Minister Harris added: "It comes as no surprise that Kilkenny Castle is a major visitor attraction with a quarter of a million visitors expected by the end of 2014, an increase of 8% on last year. I am very proud that the Office of Public Work's operational and tourism programme has generated this all-time record number of visitors. I also wish to announce that RTE, in association with OPW, will broadcast it's flagship Christmas TV show from Kilkenny Castle this year. The show titled "Christmas Carols from Kilkenny Castle" will highlight the Picture Gallery and many of the Period Rooms. I am confident this show will further boost Kilkenny Castle as visitor destination".

The Minister concluded: "I have the great honour of switching on the lights on the beautiful Christmas tree today. Kilkenny Castle is such an iconic image of the city and I am sure that everyone will thoroughly enjoy the magical lights and festive atmosphere in the coming days and weeks".

-Ends-

For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Harris please contact Colette Davis (OPW Press Officer) - 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Note to Editors:

Kilkenny Castle Christmas Programme:

• The opening of our newly created "Children's Nursery". From Christmas 2014 visitors can explore the hidden world of privileged children, one of nursery maids, governesses, and tutors has been re-created from photographs and archives. Young and old will have the opportunity to explore and experience the nursery as originally intended, whilst playing with replica Victorian toys, a Victorian Rocking Horse, Noah's Ark, Card games, Battle of Waterloo Chess set, as well as reproduction optical toys.
• Festive carol-singing performances in The Long Gallery by choirs including the Unity Singers, St. Canice's Cathedral Choir, (weather permitting there will be an outdoor choral performance to end both Sunday afternoons at the wonderful Christmas tree in the Castle's Courtyard).
• Music performances will include "aMuse String Ensemble" and "Whirlwind " (a woodwind quartet), Violinist Alison Comerford, and Guitarist David Callanan
• The Soprano Muireana Mulrooney will perform with a piano accompaniment by Pianist Anna Callanan
• 'Christmas Stories for Children', 'The Magical Christmas Magic Show' and "Music for Tots" will provide lots of festive fun for the kiddies
• On Thursday, 18th December, "A Classical Christmas" lunchtime recital at The Picture Gallery will feature Eoin O'Callahan on Piano, Siobhan Oliver- Soprano and Ryan Morgan- Tenor
• There will be a giant illuminated Christmas Tree in the Courtyard· Christmas themed decoration throughout the Castle’s Period rooms, with a particular highlight being the presentation of the ornate Dining Room with its Victorian-style furnishings and seasonal tableware.
• RTÉ flagship programme 'Christmas Carols from Kilkenny Castle' will air on Christmas Eve at 6.15pm and repeated on Christmas morning.

Please visit http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/ or download our free App for a full list of events this Christmas at Kilkenny Castle and do come along and join us for some festive fun.