Community Events Archive

Grave Rubbing Experience at Kilkea Castle

Grave Rubbing Experience at Kilkea Castle

Grave Rubbing Experience at Kilkea Castle

Try a grave rubbing experience at Kilkea Castle.

Reveal the past by marking out prints from intricate details on the monuments and headstones of the Fitzgerald family cemetery at Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare.

Artist and designer Angelina Foster uses gravestone rubbing to bring the past up close, introducing you to dramatic stories and legends as you trace Ireland’s traditions and symbols. This fun and absorbing activity will give you an appreciation of past craftsmanship and the stories buried in Ireland's Ancient East. It can also offer a wonderful way to explore and record family history and create unique genealogical records.

Kilkea was the seat of the Fitzgerald dynasty for hundreds of years. Join us to explore the pet’s cemetery and explore the old church graveyard, while we recount stories of monkeys, mermaids, evil eyes, wizard Earls, and the Silken Thomas’ table.

Learn a skill that will last a lifetime and make beautiful prints you can bring home with you. You will see these ancient carvings in new light as we make impressions with a variation of oriental and Awagami papers using different rubbing techniques.

To minimise waste and avoid the use of single use plastic, participants are asked to bring their own gloves. Alternatively, you can purchase a pair of Marigolds from the organiser.

All other materials are provided.

Date: 09 October 2020
Duration: 2pm - 4pm
Location: Kilkea Castle, Co. Kildare (please arrive in time for the workshop to begin promptly at 11). We will meet at the main Castle entrance. 
Directions: Available here on the Kilkea Castle website.
Parking: Parking is available in the main car park.

Please note

  • Some standing and crouching is required. Please indicate any accessibility requirements at the booking stage and I will be happy to accommodate them where possible. Whilst you will wear gloves, your hands and clothes may get a little marked. This is an outdoor event with uneven ground, so please dress accordingly.
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the maximum number of places at this workshop is 10. Angelina’s ArtVentures has undergone appropriate training with F????ilte Ireland and is committed to the COVID-19 Safety Charter.
  • Please supply the following details for contact tracing & to ensure we can get started promptly (on the checkout page under special instruction): Your name, phone number and where you are from.
  • Participants will need to sign a standard disclaimer in relation to COVID-19 regulations and a personal injury waiver.

About Angelina Foster

As an artist and printmaker, I am inspired by words, stories, and symbols from Ireland’s past. My hands-on, creative workshops feature ancient skills including printing, book-making, book-binding, and grave-rubbing.

Each artistic experience gives the chance to explore your own creativity and be inspired by traditional stories and techniques. I run my workshops at characterful locations throughout Ireland’s Ancient East. And my creative workshops can be tailored for different age groups, themes and interests. 

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