Celebrating Inclusion in Kildare: A Festival for Everyone
On Sunday, 11th May 2025, the Curragh Racecourse—one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues—will host something refreshingly different. The Kildare Inclusivity Festival invites individuals, families, and community groups to come together for a day dedicated to inclusion, accessibility, and celebration.
Running from 11am to 4pm, this free event is open to all and will spotlight the richness of disabled communities through a series of interactive, engaging, and family-friendly activities.
A Day of Connection and Visibility
With performances and exhibitions, the festival is designed to be as participatory as it is celebratory. It’s about creating a welcoming space where people can connect, feel seen, and be part of something bigger.
One of the key features of the day will be the Ability Games, a new initiative that puts focus on participation and community spirit. It’s not just about sport—it’s about visibility, confidence, and fun.
Our very own Para National Champion 2024, Heather Lemmon and her Connemara mare Freya will be giving a dressage demo, showcasing how dressage can be adapted and enjoyed by riders of all abilities. Go say hello, watch them in action, and learn more about the joy of working in harmony with horses.
Why Events Like This Matter
- Inclusion doesn’t happen by default. It’s created - through intention, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge old ways of thinking. Holding a festival like this at a venue so steeped in tradition sends a clear message: that inclusion belongs everywhere, including in the spaces we often think of as exclusive.
It’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of representation. When inclusion is celebrated publicly, it helps dismantle stigma and builds stronger, more connected communities.
Who’s Behind the Festival?
The event is powered by a collective of passionate local groups including CKAN (County Kildare Access Network), Kildare Sports Partnership, Barretstown, Kildare County Council, and NUA. These organisations are driving real change, and the festival is just one example of how community-led action can open doors.
Kildare Inclusivity Festival
Sunday 11th May 2025 | 11am – 4pm
The Curragh Racecourse
Free Entry – Everyone Welcome
Whether you’re part of the disability community, an ally, or simply curious, this is your invitation to come along, be present, and experience a powerful celebration of inclusion.
