KILDORRERY
Munster. North Cork. Ballyhoura.
NEWSLETTER
Events, activities and classes in Kildorrery
KILDORRERY CHRISTMAS MARKET SAT 6 & SUN 7 Dec 11am-5pm
Over a dozen fab stalls on both days this year, including christmas decorations and cards, baked goods, jams, skincare, jewellery, knitwear, wood craft and fresh food options of crepes and pizza! Visit https://www.facebook.com/kildorrery for more details.
Santa's Visit to Kildorrery
Santa's visit to Kildorrery on 5th, 6th and 7th of December is FULLY BOOKED. Thank you all for such a fantastic response! We hope you enjoy your visit with Santa, Mrs Claus and the hardworking, gift-giving Elves. They are looking forward to seeing all of you again this year! Who knows? The reindeer might make an appearance too!
Christmas Night of Music
A night of music and song with the Cork Garda Male Voice Choir, along with Trad band "Uilleann Ceoil" and our local musicians "Éistigí" will be held in the Store on Sunday the 14th of December @ 8pm.
Admissions €20, book at the Community Office or Noreen 087 647 0837 (after 6pm). Refreshments and raffle on the night. We hope to see you all for what is sure to be a great night.
Floral Arrangement Demo
On Thursday December the 18th we will be holding a Christmas Floral demonstration in the Community Hall at 7.30pm. Christina Bailey will host on the night.
There will be a raffle for the arrangements, hampers and centre table arrangements. Teas and Coffees will be served. Tickets are available at Thornhills. All are welcome.
MASS TIMES CHRISTMAS EVE
St. Bartholomew's Church, Kildorrery @ 6.00 p.m.
St. Mologa's Church, Sraharla @ 8.00 p.m.
MASS TIMES CHRISTMAS DAY
St. Mologa's Church, Sraharla @ 9.30a.m.
St Bartholomew's Church, Kildorrery @ 11.00 a.m.

KILDORRERY HISTORICAL SOCIETY would like to wish you and yours a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2026!
Chairperson : Catherine Fitzgerald & Mary O’Connell
Secretary: Nora Curtin
Treasurer: Brenda Hennessy
President: Tom Condon
We meet every first Thursday of the month at No 10 Oaklawn at 8pm and various topics are discussed. We also go on historical trips and we are very lucky to have our own historian Christy Roche, who is a power of information and has written his book on the Canadian experience.
We are always looking for new members, so come join us or follow our Facebook page: groups/kildorreryhistory. This page is open to anyone to share stories of Kildorrery and the surrounding areas.
We would also like to remember our members that have passed away during the year. May they rest in peace.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” ~ Einstein
KILDORRERY CRAFT & CHAT GROUP
...meet up each Thursday afternoon at 2pm at No. 10 Oaklawn to work on creative and thrifty projects, sourcing recycling materials from charity shops, nature walks or preloved household items and making blankets for The Blankets of Hope Cork for cancer patients. Contact the Community Office if interested.
KILDORRERY COMMUNITY BINGO
Every Friday night at 8pm in The Store Hall, Creamery Yard, with lots of cash prizes. Kildorrery Bingo is a joint venture between the Community Development and Kildorrery GAA, with all proceeds going towards their projects. New volunteers always welcome. Contact us if you would like to help.
KILDORRERY COMMUNITY LOTTO
Jackpot details are on our parish Facebook page. Tickets cost €2 and are on sale in all local outlets and in the Community Office. Draws are held every Thursday in the Community Office at 4pm. Results in usual outlets, on Facebook: Kildorrery and Kildorrery Community WhatsApp. Contact the office to sign up to the WhatsApp group.
KILDORRERY GAA LOTTO
Jackpot details are on our Facebook: Kildorrery GAA. Tickets are on sale in all local outlets and online at smartlotto.ie/kildorrery. Draws take place fortnightly on Mondays in the GAA Clubrooms. Results in local outlets, on Kildorrery GAA website and Facebook: kdygaa.
SUGRADH KILDORRERY PRESCHOOL & AFTERSCHOOL
Preschool enrolments for September 2026-2027 are currently being accepted. Free Preschool spaces available through the ECCE scheme for children aged 2.8 years and up. Afterschool places available for children from Juniors infants up to 6th class. Collections from Kildorrery NS, Supervised homework time and a Snack are included. Email: Sugradhkildorrery@hotmail.com
ZUMBA KIDS CLASSES
Zumba kids is back! Classes return the week of Sep 15th in Mitchelstown, Mallow, Fermoy and Kildorrery. €5 per class. To book, contact Tracy on 086 172 3880 or via Facebook: tracymcdonaldmovezumba or Instagram: Move Zumba. (Pls quote which class location you are interested in.
JD STEPS DANCE SCHOOL
Dance classes Thursdays in Kildorrery. Modern and musical theatre dance styles taught. Students take part in shows and competitions. For ages 4 years and up. New students always welcome! Contact Julie 087 666 7256 / Facebook: JDSteps.
PILATES CLASSES KILDORRERY
Pilates is back in The Parish Hall every Monday night starting 15 Sep 2025. Basic at 6.30pm, Intermediate at 7.30pm and Men's only at 8.30pm. €10 per class, all abilities welcome. Enter via church yard door. Contact Joanne on 086 1774017.
HISTORY
Heritage and Community
CLUBS
Keeping busy and connected
HANDS ON HEARTS LET'S BUILD KILDORRERY TOGETHER
Whether you've lived here all your life, or you're one of Kildorrery's newest neighbours, there's something we all share: a love for this little village perched between the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains.
From our proud history (yes, we gave the world Cow & Gate!) to modern gems like the Thatch & Thyme, Kildorrery has always punched above its weight.
But here's the thing: villages don't run on magic. The Christmas Market doesn't pop up out of nowhere, the Bingo tables don't set themselves, and the Village Park didn't appear thanks to a sprinkle of fairy dust. They all exist because local people rolled up their sleeves, pitched in, and brought them to life.
WHY WE NEED YOU
Small rural communities like ours can't just sit back and wait for government or councils to provide everything anymore. If we want great facilities, buzzing events, and a thriving, future-proofed village, we need to make it happen. That means pride of place, a sense of ownership, and working together.
The Kildorrery Community Development, going strong for over 35 years, has already delivered some incredible projects of which below are just a few:
Built Oaklawn, a social housing development
Turned The Old Store into a thriving community hub
Created the Village Park and lit walkway
Secured land and developed a much-needed Community Car Park
Purchased and restored the thatch building on Main Street, now home to the Community Office and Thatch & Thyme Restaurant
Built a Community Garden
Supported TidyTowns with landscaping and upkeep projects
Children's Playground and further development of a new playground in the Village Park
Provided an umbrella for groups like TidyTowns, Drama, Bingo etc.
Organised festivals, cottage markets, bingo in conjunction with the GAA, the Lotto and much more!
But the list isn't finished. The work continues and that's where new faces, fresh ideas, and extra energy are vital.
YOUR SKILLS, OUR FUTURE
Community development isn't about having the right tool shed or a degree in engineering - it's about people. No matter how big or small your contribution, every effort helps keep Kildorrery thriving. Everyone has something to offer:
If you're… A great communicator
You could help with...Flyers, social media, chatting to councils, businesses
If you're…Good with numbers
You could help with... Grant applications, budgets, fundraising
If you're…Creative or handy
You could help with... Painting, designing layouts, light maintenance
If you're…A natural organiser
You could help with... Planning events, coordinating volunteers
If you're… Just happy to show up
You could help with... Moving stuff, tidying up, serving tea, cheering on the team
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Getting involved isn't just about ticking boxes, it's about making your mark. Here's what you'll gain:
Social Connection - Meet your neighbours, make new friends, and feel part of something bigger.
Real Impact - Turn your ideas into actual projects and watch them take shape.
Pride Of Place - Protect our heritage while ensuring Kildorrery keeps pace with modern needs.
Legacy - Leave something lasting for your children, grandchildren, and future generations.
Fun! - There's laughter, camaraderie and that unbeatable feeling when you walk through the village and say, "I helped make that happen."
WHAT'S NEXT?
It's really simple. Just stop saying, "Someone should do something about that" and start asking yourself "How can l help?" and turn up at the next Community Development meeting. Listen in, see what's happening, and if a project excites you, jump in!
You don't need to give endless hours. Even a little time here and there can mean the difference between an idea gathering dust or a project becoming reality. So let's keep Kildorrery buzzing, beautiful, and full of life. Let's build, plant, paint, laugh, organise, and celebrate together.
BE THE CHANGE. ENJOY THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT!







