April in Ireland welcomes the first bluebells, the first wildflower to bloom in Spring. April is a significant month for Ireland gaining its independence from British rule. In 1916, the Easter Rising , a seminal moment in modern Irish history, helped pave the way to our nation's independence in 1922. On  April 18th 1949, the Republic of Ireland Act ended the country’s status as a British dominion and severed Commonwealth ties.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can browse the full list of volunteer opportunities through our website www.volunteercarlow.ie . You can contact us on 059 9173033.

Regards,

Helen, Natasha and Sinéad

Carlow Volunteer Centre

Browse trainings offered by Volunteer Ireland on their website www.volunteer.ie/training.

If your organisation needs help involving volunteers, please contact us. We offer full guidance on the process of involving and managing volunteers for the benefit of your community or voluntary group.

Board Games Saturday happens every Saturday Morning from 10am to 12:30pm in Bagenalstown Library.

Tullow Road Youth Project has a Multi-Activity Drop-In on Thursdays from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. It is €2 per session and is aimed at 10 to 12 year olds. 48 John Sweeney Park R93 WN12. Contact Brid on 085 7897279 or Ciara on 085 8571372 for more information.

Our Community Integration Craft Mornings will start on Thursday, April 3rd at 10:30am in the Carlow Volunteer Centre Office. Volunteers will be knitting/crocheting purple hearts for Signacare Nursing Home, and knitting/crocheting lengths for Bagenalstown in Bloom this June. Contact us for more information.

Our Chess & Draughts Club continues in Carlow Volunteer Centre on Thursdays from 10:30 to 12:30pm. This club is suitable for beginners and improvers, and is open to all who want to play chess or draughts in a social setting. Please contact Sinéad on sinead@volunteercarlow. ie for more information or to book.

Our Thursday Morning Crafts is back! Starting April 3rd, join us from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Thursdays as we make Purple Hearts for Signacare, and knit or crochet for Bagenalstown in Bloom. All materials will be provided. 

Tinryland Community Hub id inviting all those interested to go along to their public meeting on Thursday, April 10th at 7pm in the Tinryland Parish Hall.

County Carlow Heritage Seminar 2025 takes place on Saturday, April 12th from 9:30am to 3:30pm in The Woodford Dolmen Hotel. This event will include a diverse selection of presentations by prefessional, community groups and private individuals, all of whom were involved directly in heritage projects in 2024. Book a place at the FREE event HERE.

The second Climate Café takes place in Waterlilies in Tullow on Tuesday, April 22nd from 7pm to 9pm to celebrate Earth Day 2025. The aim of the café is to create a space for an all-inclusive informal space on topic related challenges to chat and act with others within the community. 

The Pan Celtic International Festival is returning to Carlow on Tuesday, April 22nd to Saturday, April 26th. All information about the events taking place can be found on their website www.panceltic.ie . Tickets for selected events such as concerts and competitions are now available, also on the website.