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17 Dec 2025
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17 Dec 2025
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Popular Kildare music festival ‘Bluebells and Buskers’ to return for 2025. FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY
The popular annual music mini festival known as "Bluebells and Buskers" will return next month.
Originally established in 2013, the first iteration of the festival was held in Killinthomas Woods in County Kildare as a tribute to the memory of the late Jimmy O'Loughlin, the father of Kildare Fianna Fáil politicians Fiona and Brian O'Loughlin.
The event, whilst being free of charge, raises money for the RYARC Community Centre in Rathangan and pays for the insurance, light and heating for the service, as well as other local charities.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 "Bluebells and Buskers", the main organiser of the event, councillor Brian O'Loughlin, said: "We are looking forward to another super event this year and we have a great line up of 20 different musical offerings.
"Over the years, we raised over €100,000 for the RYARC Community Centre."
He added: "More importantly though, it’s an opportunity for people and families to gather in our lovely woods and enjoy nature and culture. The money is raised through €5 parking (Thanks to the Judge and Brouder families) and tea / coffee stall and BBQ."
Senator for Kildare South Fiona O'Loughlin, also had this to say about the upcoming festival: "It's incredible to think that 12 years later, we are looking forward to gathering together once again to celebrate our wonderful Killinthomas Woods, great entertainment and also to remember those who are no longer with us.
"We are very lucky to have the help of our local Scouts who manage the giant BBQ, the women’s shed who are helping with the tea and cake stall, the men’s shed for their help with parking and marshalling, the Kildare Civil Defence and of course our wonderful musicians and entertainers."
She further said: "Thank you to Kildare County Council, local gardai, Lullymore Heritage Centre and Coillte for their help and support. We can always do with more help, so please contact Brian on 087 245 3021 if you would like to be involved.
Food will be served from 1pm and musicians will start playing from 2pm.
Car parking charge will be €5 per car.
The event will take place in Killinthomas Woods on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
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