Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway.
A committee of residents in south Wicklow has been set up to push for movement on the stalled Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway.
The move comes after a public meeting at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely, where members of the public and local elected representatives expressed their views about the importance of the project not being subject to any further prolonged delays.
Anthony Murphy, who chaired the meeting, reminded all present of the Greenway’s potential — linking towns, encouraging tourism, and providing safe, scenic connections for walkers and cyclists.
Tinahely Show 2025.
Despite the threat of Storm Floris, record crowds flocked to the Tinahely Agricultural Show on Monday to sample a jam-packed schedule of agricultural exhibitions, musical entertainment, competitions, craft displays, and novelty events.
This year’s festivities saw the return of fan favourites, including the IFA Food Village, dog and baby shows, a funfair, pony games, quilt displays, vintage vehicles, sheep shearing, sheaf tossing, machinery displays, home industries, a business arcade, junior crafts, poultry displays, equestrian events, tractor pulling, and much more.
Thanks to everyone who came to the launch of Two x Two. The exhibition features the work of Artists, Libby Hendrick, Ruth Fenton, Paddy Burton and Eoin O’Malley who work alongside tutor/facilitator Orla Callaghan in the services of Kare in Baltinglass and Ardeen Cheshire Home in Shillelagh.
Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
The Arts Council / An Chomhairle EalaíonWicklow County Arts Office
Runs until August 3rd, during gallery opening hours.
Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely
The Coffee Morning for Palestine in the Courthouse, Tinahely was a huge success! €2,243 was raised for The Emergency Appeal (TEA) collective who partner with Palestinians on the ground in Gaza and displaced Palestinians in Cairo.
The organisers would like to thank the many, many people who brought cakes (so many kind, delicious contributions, all of which were enjoyed! Not a crumb left!). To Ger, Sasha and everyone who helped serve teas and coffees when there were so many more people than we were expecting and we needed all hands on deck. And of course to everyone who came, donated, signed petitions, showed solidarity over a cup of coffee and slice of cake.
They would also like to thank everyone who contributed prizes to the raffle : Murphy’s Butchers, Centra Tinahely, Rathwood, O’Connors Bar and Lounge, First Batch Bakery, Chambers Gala, Coogan Hardware and Agri, Eva Lynch Designs, D’Lish, and Orla Pilates.
The annual Tinahely Agricultural Show launch in Tinahely.
Scheduled for Monday, 4th August, and held in Fairwood Park, Tinahely, this event promises a fantastic day out for the whole family.
The show features the best in agricultural exhibitions, musical entertainment, competitions, craft displays, and novelty events, creating a vibrant blend of tradition and fun that has made it one of Ireland’s most popular agricultural shows.
Artist Joe Farrell has launched his latest exhibition at the Courthouse Art Centre, Tinahely, which remains open to the public until Saturday, July 5.
His These Memories Can’t Wait exhibition opened in the Courthouse Arts Centre on Sunday, June 15.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the works, he said: “I have always been interested in the potential for paint and lens to observe, describe and understand the world in different ways. My paintings address the fragile, fugitive qualities of memory by recapturing and distilling my experiences in more than twenty countries over almost five decades.
Thank you to everyone for attending the opening of Elis Taves’ exhibition Water Colour. A special thank you to the Brazilian ambassador, Flavio Macieira for attending.
The Arts Council / An Chomhairle EalaíonElis Taves O’Sullivan
Water Colour runs until June 8th in gallery hours.
There was a great turnout last night for West Wicklow Historical Society’s
Lecture, on ‘Tom Kehoe of Knockananna: the Man from Two Counties’ at The Courthouse Arts Centre.
Christopher Power gave an excellent detailed talk on Tom Kehoe’s life. It was lovely to see several generations of Tommy Kehoe’s family in attendance.
(Tom Kehoe, from Knockananna, was prominent in the War of Independence and the Civil War. He was killed in action in Cork in September 1922, weeks before his 24th birthday) #westwicklowhistoricalsociety
Wicklow County Council Tidy Towns Sustainable Development Awards 2024
Congratulations to our Tidy Towns Volunteers on receiving seven prestigious awards.
Tree Award, Built Environment Award, Circular Economy Award, Landscaping Award, Main Street Award for Medium Towns, Water Conservation Award and Waste Minimisation Award.
Tinahely Tidy Towns AGM will take place on Tues 4th March in the Courthouse, Tinahely at 8.30 pm – 9 PM. (CHANGE OF TIME FROM 7 PM) Please come along hear about what we have done in the last year, how we spend the funding we receive, and give your input to our AGM. We do this work voluntarily, for our community and to make Tinahely a better place to live, so we would love to see you there!
Please come along to the Tidy Towns AGM on 4th March if you can. We need your input and value your support. Thanks!
Thanks to everyone who came along Terence White’s ‘The Locals’ at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely yesterday. Thanks to everyone for coming along. Thanks also to Garrett Keogh for launching the collection, to Kieran O’Toole for commissioning me, and to The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon for funding my residency. Special thanks to everyone featured in my photographs.
“Congratulations to Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely on their hugely successful relaunch on January 26th. It is invigorating to see the pride and passion that the local community in Tinahely have in this truly unique building which offers such a special space for so many groups in the area.”
These improvements were funded by the Pobal Community Centre Investment Fund and the Department of Rural and Community Development and Wicklow County Council. The renovations include a new heating system, increased toilet facilities, comprehensive rewiring, and several aesthetic enhancements to the fantastic facility.
Check out www.courthousearts.ie to see all of the upcoming shows and to book tickets.
Goal Mile 2025.
We are pleased to announce that the 10th Tinahely GOAL Mile (not the 9th as previously published!) has so far raised a fantastic €702 through online registrations and on the day donations. Thank you for your ongoing support of GOAL Global’s humanitarian work across the world.
Thank you to Sam and Colin Horan, from Murphy’s Hotel Tinahely, for their ongoing generosity in hosting the event and providing refreshments afterwards. Special thanks also to Maeve Tallon and other members of Tinahely Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCÉ) for organising the musical entertainment. It was a true community event.
Coffee morning raises €1,500 for Tinahely Christmas lights and New Year’s Day fireworks
A fantastic sense of community spirit and Christmas cheer was on display when the Tinahely Christmas Lights Committee held their annual coffee morning at the Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre.
One of two fundraisers to cover the cost of the south Wicklow village’s Christmas lights and New Year’s Day fireworks display, the joyous morning saw community members dig deep to raise a whopping €1,500, adding to the €2,400 raised at a table quiz earlier this year.
A firm festive favourite, the big switch-on of the lights drew huge crowds, with around 350 children invited to visit Santa at his grotto in a local business, which had offered to use its premises as renovations are ongoing in the courthouse.
Community members from across southwest Wicklow didn’t let Storm Darragh dampen their spirits as they flocked to Murphy’s Hotel for the Tinahely senior citizens’ Christmas party.
Hosted by Tinahely ICA, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, the annual event saw Murphy’s staff pull out all the stops, working around a power outage to serve a sumptuous meal for 63 guests.
Funded by donations from local businesses and groups, the joyous afternoon was hailed as a huge success, with Tinahely ICA president Helen McDonnell thanking all who made it possible.
Speaking after the party, Tinahely ICA’s Mary O’Connor said: “From the warming and very welcome mulled wine at the start, to the delicious main courses and desserts and the huge raffle at the end, the day was filled with lively chats and lots of laughter – everything went amazingly well.
“We were going to have entertainment, and though there was no electricity, guests got a sing-song going and we had our raffle, with everyone getting two gifts.
“We want to thank everyone that supported and sponsored it,” she added.
“Through the year, people contribute towards the party, from GAA clubs to the Tinahely Show society, with smaller businesses contributing raffle prizes.
“A huge thanks to all the sponsors and, in particular, Murphy’s for an amazing day in very difficult circumstances.”
Tom and Sadie Mordaunt with Madge Kenny at the Tinahely Senior Citizens Party in Murphy’s Hotel. Photo: Joe Byrne.
Voiley Binnings, Harry Binnings, Laura Binnings, Jean Binnings, Bridget Weeks and Bridie Maher at the Tinahely Senior Citizens Party in Murphy’s Hotel. Photo: Joe Byrne
Eileen Doran and Vivial Murray at the Tinahely Senior Citizens Party in Murphy’s Hotel. Photo: Joe Byrne.
Dinny Quigley, Peter Redmond and Michael Fitzgerald playing some music at the fundraiser for Dogs for the Disabled in Murphy’s Hotel, Tinahely. Photo: Joe Byrne.
The event was organised by Michael Corbett.
Our amazing artist Lar Griffin’s Art completed our wonderful biodiversity mural in Tinahely. Thanks to everyone who supported this project; Wicklow County Arts Office and to the people in our community, and to Tinahely Community Projects who donated to our gofundme to get it finished. A special thank you to Seamus Monaghan for the scaffolding, without which we couldn’t have completed the project. Thank you to Geoffrey at Tinahely Pharmacy for the wall space, and thank you to John, Anthony and Lucy from Tinahely Tidy Towns for organising this beautiful addition to the town.
Bridie Maher, Ada Lacey, Patricia Tyrrell, Eileen McDonald, Olive Cook and Florence Dagg at the celebrations in the Market Square, Tinahely to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tinahely guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). Photo: Joe Byrne
Johnny Hannon and Bruce Copeland at the celebrations in the Market Square, Tinahely to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tinahely guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). Photo: Joe Byrne
Culture Night at Tinahely Library
Culture Night at Tinahely Library: Writer Sylvia Cullen reading her trilogy of short stories.
Some of Culture Night audience members at Tinahely Library
Culture Night at Tinahely Library: Bruce Copeland, Shannon Perry and Sylvia Cullen with The Book of Tomnafinnoge
Tinahely Show, August Bank Holiday Monday.
The rain held off, there was lots to do and see. Another great day out at the Annual Tinahely Show. Dating back to 1935, the historic agricultural show attracts over 20,000 visitors annually and has steadily grown to become one of the largest and most celebrated agricultural shows in Ireland.
SVP’s Fairgreen Resource Centre Gardening Group in Tinahely are over the moon after they won a commendation in the Postcard Garden section at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom for their entry, which focused on the need for recognition and protection of bogs.
Established just a year ago, the gardening group has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of volunteer tutor and horticulturist Evelyn Byrne.
Despite stiff competition from many other community and school groups, the group’s application for a place at Bloom was successful, clinching a coveted spot in the beloved Postcard Gardens section. Measuring 2m x 3m, the Postcard Gardens are one of the most popular visitor attractions at the festival each year and this year, ‘Ode to an Irish Bog’, the inspirational garden created by the SVP Group, won a commendation and generated lots of interest from visitors and fellow exhibitors.
Highlighting the diversity of flora, fauna and wildlife to be found in Irish bogs ,and how they form an intrinsic part of the Irish landscape and our national heritage, the garden channelled the SVP Group’s belief that climate change and the threat to biodiversity is something which each of us can address even in a small way. Members of the group were at Phoenix Park in Dublin each day over the June bank holiday weekend to answer questions and provide information on how anyone could recreate it in their gardens, community spaces or on wasteland or similar wetlands.
“A wealth of plant life ranging from bog cotton, water lilies, blueberries, cranberries and a variety of grasses and mosses thrive in our bogs creating a varied landscape inhabited by hares, otters, frogs and a myriad of insect life, as well as being the hunting grounds for peregrine falcons, merlins, plovers and hen harriers to name but a few,” an SVP Group spokesperson said.
“Having dismantled the bog at the end of Bloom, the group plans to recreate the garden on the grounds of the Fairgreen Resource Centre where the community, local schools and fellow gardeners will be invited to come along and see what can be achieved.
“If anyone would like further information on how to create a bog garden of whatever size in their own gardens or on their land, they can contact us by email at fairgreenresourcecentre@gmail.com.”
Breaking News – I am delighted to see that €198,000 has been granted for the development of a new Hill Walking Trail in Tinahely. I have worked with local landowners and our walking committee to grow this sustainable tourism industry.
Thanks is also due to them and to our wonderful outdoor recreation team in County Wicklow Partnership and Wicklow County Council.
A huge thank you to Seamus Monaghan, Paddy Byrne and Declan Monaghan for creating another new stone flowerbed at the Shrubwell in Tinahely today! Can’t wait to get it planted up!
What an amazing turnout we had today for the Tinahely Spring Clean! Thank you to everyone who took part. 43 bags of rubbish collected today!
Many thanks to D’lish Coffee Shop for refreshments for our Tidy Towns Volunteers.
Great turnout and atmosphere as usual at the annual Daffodil Day Coffee morning in Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre. Well done to all the bakers and volunteers and thanks again for a great display for a greater cause!
What a fantastic night for Tinahely at the 2023 Wicklow Tidy Towns Sustainable Development awards!
We won 9 awards in total, including The Trees Award, The Circular Economy Award, The Landscaping Award, The Built Environment Award, Water Conservation Award, Main Street Award, Schools Biodiversity Award, Climate Change Award and Local Champion Award. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for making Tinahely a great place to live!
All of us in Tinahely Community Projects are devastated at the loss of our friend Damien Murphy on January 8th. Damo was a massive support for all our work and was passionate about the commercial and social development of the town which he loved so well. There are not enough words to express how much Damo was loved by us all. Our prayers and thoughts are with Karolina, Khloe, Christian and all the Murphy family.
Tinahely Choir Christmas Carols.
A great turnout on Wednesday at The Courthouse for our Christmas Carols & Coffee fundraiser for KARE Tinahely.
Tinahely Christmas Lights Coffee Morning Fundraiser.
