400 Years of Kirkistown Castle

TheEventsPros were recently approached by Ards & North Down Borough Council to provide additional support for the preparation of, and on the day with European Heritage Open Day celebrating Kirkistown Castles 400th Anniversary.

The event was originally scheduled for the 10th of September but was postponed due to the sad passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

TheEventsPros leapt to action once an alternative date had been agreed and re-arranged all aspects of the celebration on behalf and ANDBC.

Kirkistown Castle which celebrated it’s 400th birthday in 2022

With entertainment for young and old alike there was something for everyone. Members of the public got a chance to try their hand at traditional woodworking or rope-making. Were engrossed in re-enactments from Valhalla Street Theatre and traditional swordsmanship from the Medieval Combat Group.

In Conjunction with DfC’s Historic Environment Division (HED) will facilitate visits inside the Castle where you can find out more about this historic building with traditional tales and storytelling provided by Willie Drennan and Janice Witherspoon.

Musical interludes were be provided by the atmospheric trio of musicians Seefin, the talented members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Ards CCE) and none other than the Kirkistown’s own Pipe Band.

Targeting c600 visitors on the day, the delivery team were delighted when the counters ticked over 1000 members of the public visiting shortly before the celebration closed for the day.