Garden of Light at the grounds of Kilkenny Design and Craft Centre

Garden of Light and #MadeLocal Craft exhibits 1 December – 10 January 2020
Garden of Light runs from 4pm to 8pm [to 8.45pm Thurs – Sun until 20 Dec]
Craft Studios and Kilkenny Design Centre open daily from 10am
Made in Kilkenny Showcase and Curious Treasures exhibition displayed in windows.
FREE – Family Friendly
@NDCGallery @DCCIreland #KilkennyLights

As dusk falls each evening, something special happens … snowflakes begin to fall and Castle Yard is transformed into a winter wonderland. 2020 was a difficult year for all, especially those who lost family members or friends, Garden of Light has been created as a place to reflect and remember. Supported by Kilkenny County County Council, CE Colette Byrne commented, ‘we wanted to create a space where people of all ages might experience some solace in our civic space, and hope this little spark of magic, brings peace, hope and joy to all who vist the Castle Yard this festive season’.

The Castle Yard is Kilkenny’s best-kept secret, adjacent to Kilkenny Castle, a gorgeous historic courtyard filled with craft workshops, National Design & Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre. Open to the visitors daily, this year it is extra special – festooned with lights, reindeer and all things Christmas with stunning craft displays, including showcases by outstanding local makers, Made in Kilkenny collective and the DCCI Ceramics Skills Course. National Design & Craft Gallery present a luscious exhibition Curious Treasures in its’ picture windows onto the courtyard, with all work available for sale ndcg.ie/visit/collect. CE Rosemary Steen of Design Crafts Council Ireland described the exhibitions as ‘a wonderful opportunity to promote local and national craft makers and the new DCCI Made Local campaign’ .

Drop in for some window browsing, choose a craft gift, or treat yourself a warming hot chocolate from Kilkenny Design Centre and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Garden of Light at Castle Yard is produced by Design & Crafts Council in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council with Kilkenny Civic Trust, Kilkenny Design Centre and Castle Yard Studios.

www.ndcg.ie/visit/Christmas

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness expressed his delight in seeing this project coming together and said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in getting this wonderful initiative up and running symbolising HOPE as we move to a New Year and it is a place where we can take a moment to remember the people we have lost in 2020.”

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr. John Coonan commented: “This Garden of Light will be an inspiration to all who visit it. People can take a break from Christmas Shopping and use this space to relax and reflect on what has been a very difficult year and look forward with hope to brighter times in 2021.”

Curious Treasures at National Design & Craft Gallery

Makers exhibiting: