“Lightfest” – Carlow’s partnership for a festive family experience

“Lightfest” – Carlow’s partnership for a festive family experience in 2022

A new partnership between communities and Carlow County Council and its Local Enterprise Office is bringing the skies of County Carlow to life over the Christmas period with a series of “Lightfest” activities.

Launching the programme, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue said “We in Carlow County Council are delighted to support the communities of County Carlow during the festive period and I am delighted to launch this programme. In particular I would like to compliment the community and business groups who are hosting a variety of magical events for all during the 2022 festivities.” Cllr O’Donoghue continued to say “I look forward to everybody attending the kick off County event in our County Town where Mayor Phelan will countdown the fire works and in tandem light the Christmas Lights with support from Music from the Backline”. 

Cllr O’Donoghue added “we understand that Christmas is an important time for families and wish everybody a safe, happy and healthy Christmas. I would encourage all to support our local business community in the run up to Christmas”.

In tandem with this programme Carlow County Council is investing over €120,000 in Festive Lighting Upgrades for Tullow, Bagenalstown and Carlow Town to bring their systems up to date in terms of energy efficiency. 

Explaining the “Lightfest” Programme, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said “we are delighted in 2022 to be working with Develop Tullow, Bagenalstown Chamber of Commerce, Carlow County Chamber of Commerce, Carlow Tourism, Bagenalstown Improvement Group, Eist, Scatts, Rathvilly GAA, Rathvilly Tidy Towns & Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG to bring about a series of events for all the family.”

The planned events include:

Lightfest – Carlow Town – Launch Event

Christmas family fun night with Santa in the Carlow Town Hall, Car Park, Carlow Town. The event is starting on Saturday 26th November at 5:00pm with music and Food & Drink stands for all the family (Gates Open at 4pm) Joined by the Eist walk at 6pm for the arrival of Santa and a fantastic fireworks display bringing the River Barrow to life. This is a free event, but tickets are required and are available on Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festive-family-experience-music-fireworks-event-tickets-465582418547

Tickets are limited

-Rathvilly

Wonderful arts crafts & gift stalls in Rathvilly GAA on Saturday 3rd December from 5.00pm to 7.00pm with fun for all the family.  The evening will end with a fabulous firework display. Everyone is more than welcome to join. This is a free event.

(20+) Rathvilly GAA Club | Carlow | Facebook

-Tullow

Christmas family fun night with Santa and Mrs Claus in Brother Leo Park on Saturday 3rd December from 4.00pm to 6.30pm. Lots of local talent including singers and dancers to keep you entertained, refreshments available. The evening will end with a fabulous firework display. This is a free event. Everyone welcome.

(20+) Develop Tullow Association Limited | Facebook

-Bagenalstown

Christmas community fireworks display with music, cartoon characters and fireworks in McGrath Park on 11th December from 6:00pm-7.30pm. This is a free event. Everyone is more than welcome to join.

(20+) Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Business & Tourism | Facebook

-Student Exchange at the Exchange

A weeklong event run in the Exchange in Potato Market in Carlow Town Centre showcasing student business ideas as a part of the Student Enterprise Awards programme.

(20+) County Carlow - A Festive Family Experience | Facebook

 -Santa at the Exchange

‘Santa at the Exchange’ is coming to the Exchange in Potato Market in Carlow Town Centre on 4th – 8th December. Kids ages 0-12 can meet the Santa, have fun on the bouncing castles, play family games and get their face painted! Tickets for the event are available on eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-at-the-exchange-potato-market-carlow-tickets-458360397287

 -Food Drink and Craft Fair

 On Thursday 15th December, the Local Enterprise Office is delighted to host a Food, Drink & Craft Fair in the Exchange between 6pm – 9pm. Local vendors will display a variety of handmade goods. Visit to get the last bit of your Christmas shopping done and don’t forget to use the hashtag #shoplocalshopcarlow. If you’re an exhibitor and would like to book a stall you can do it at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Stall-Booking-for-Carlow-Exchange-%E2%80%93-Christmas-Food-Drink-Craft-Fair.html

 Kieran concluding by saying “Christmas is all about community and the coming together of people to share experiences. County Carlow has so much to offer people of all ages during the festive period and we are delighted to once again support our business community and community groups in putting together ‘County Carlow – A Festive Family Experience’. It is my belief that County Carlow provides its residents and visitors with an authentic experience with everything from events in Big Houses, Santa Experiences in the award winning Arboretum , Retail Experiences in our Towns & Villages supporting thousands of local jobs and amazing culture in the form of choirs and crafts which is waiting for us all to experience during Christmas 2022”

For further information log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/CarlowChristmas  or by calling 059-9129783