Join Us!
The Kildare Inclusivity Festival is a free event, and all members of the community are encouraged and invited to attend.
Date: Sunday, 11th May 2025
Location: The Curragh Racecourse
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Festival Highlights
Attendees can enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities, including:
• Family Fun Zone – Packed with engaging activities for children and families.
• Exhibition Stands & Service Provider Zone – Showcasing local services, supports, and organizations.
• Inclusive Sports Zone – Come and experience adaptive and inclusive sports.
• Barretstown Magic Moments – an opportunity for families to experience the Magic of Barretstown with fun therapeutic programs for all ages.
• Live Entertainment – A vibrant lineup of music acts, a magic and puppet show, and funfair games.
• Artisan Food & Craft Market – Featuring local food producers and craftspeople.
• Nua Healthcare Services’ ‘Ultimate Obstacle Course’— a fun and inclusive physical challenge designed for individuals, as well as their carers, siblings, family members, and advocates, to participate in, as groups or individually.
Official Launch at the Curragh Racecourse on the 16th March
Kildare County Council are continuously working to break down barriers and contribute to positive change for people living with disability in County Kildare. In collaboration with the County Kildare Access Network (CKAN) and partners Nua Healthcare Services, Kildare Sports Partnership, Barretstown, and The Curragh Racecourse, we are proud to announce the official launch of the first ever Kildare Inclusivity Festival – a landmark event celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the boundless potential of people of all abilities.
The Kildare Inclusivity Festival will take place on Sunday, 11th May 2025, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Curragh Racecourse. This free community event aims to break down barriers and foster a culture of inclusion by celebrating the limitless potential of individuals of all abilities through engaging activities, live performances, and meaningful community interactions.
Speaking to Michael Hurley, Access Officer at Kildare County Council and Chairperson of County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), he said; “We are thrilled to introduce this festival as a platform to showcase ability, break down barriers, and bring people together in a truly inclusive environment – We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, engagement, and celebration.”
Kildare County Council remains dedicated to creating opportunities that promote inclusivity and accessibility for all. The Kildare Inclusivity Festival represents a significant step toward fostering unity, respect, and celebration within the community.
A Collaborative Commitment to Inclusion in Kildare
As Kildare County Council introduces this unique and innovative inclusion festival, many partner organisations have joined them to support the event. JJ Carey, Nua Healthcare’s Director of Supported Living Service, said “We at Nua Healthcare Services are thrilled to support the Kildare Inclusivity Festival, in what promises to be a wonderful celebration of diversity and community. This event is a testament to the power of inclusion and connection in Kildare, and we look forward to joining everyone on May 11th for what promises to be an inspiring and enjoyable day.”
While Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager, The Curragh, commented “The Curragh is delighted to be the host venue for the inaugural Inclusivity Festival. We are fully committed to working collaboratively with all partners as part of our focus to engage with the community and we are very pleased to support this exciting initiative as inclusivity is one of the principal core values of the racecourse.”
John Doran, Community Sport Development Officer at Kildare Sports Partnership adds; “At KSP, we strive to increase participation in physical activity and sport for everyone in County Kildare and we are delighted to have the opportunity to support Kildare County Council at this amazing inclusion festival”
Paula Conlan from the Barretstown team explains, “At Barretstown we offer free therapeutic programs for children and their families living with a serious illness. We are very excited to support this event and are looking forward to bringing the Magic of Barretstown to the Curragh on the 11th May”.
For any queries or questions you may have about the Festival, please contact the Access Officer for Kildare, Michael Hurley, by email to accessofficer@kildarecoco.ie
Pictured above: Members of the organising committee including representatives from CKAN, Kildare County Council and Nua Healthcare at the official launch of the Kildare Inclusivity Festival at The Curragh Racecourse on the 16th of March 2025.