Kilkee Civic Trust to kick off 2023 summer talks series

This week sees Kilkee Civic Trust (KCT) launch their popular summer talks series for 2023.

The first of nine scheduled talks will take place this Wednesday July 5 at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee.

‘Pilotage on the Shannon: The Story of the Near Past, Present and Future of the Shannon Pilots’ will see maritime pilot and proud Clare man Patrick Galvin discuss the history of pilots on the estuary, along with his own experiences, and potential developments and evolution of shipping on the Shannon Estuary. The talk will begin at 8pm.

Every week since August 2002 there has been a weekly evening lecture on some aspect of life in Kilkee or its wider hinterland. The talks have encompassed such divergent topics as; historical monuments, personal reminiscences of Kilkee natives, wildlife of the area which encompasses birds and dolphins, local historical incidences, Arts in Focus, which is primarily a showcase of local artists and craftsmen, natural history such as geology, and many others. A unique feature of these talks is that they are free to the public and the speakers have given their time freely.

Also taking place this week at Cultúrlann Sweeney is the annual KCT Arts in Focus evening, on Friday July 7. 

The annual gala concert will take place from 7.30pm and will feature performances by singer/songwriters Aoibhinn Boyle and Alex Harvey, the Horseshoe Bay Singers and Corca Baiscinn Grupa Ceoil. 

Also featured on the night will be a display of Ukrainian arts and crafts, and Ukrainian singing and dancing.

Admission to all KCT talks & Arts In Focus events are free of charge. A donation box will be available at each event, to assist with defraying essential and necessary expenses.