Kilkenny

We believe that our towns have so much to offer, from their rich, buried histories to the shops that line their streets.

Have you ever thought about what it means to live a fulfilling life? I mean, it's a goal that most of us aspire to achieve, right? And to achieve that goal, we need to invest in our own self-growth. It might sound like a daunting task, but trust me, it's worth it.

Self-growth is a truly remarkable journey that is all about unlocking our full potential. It means striving to enhance our mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. At the center of it all is self-awareness. That's the key to everything.

Self-awareness is about being in touch with our inner selves. It's about having an accurate perception of our strengths, weaknesses, values, and emotions. When we lack self-awareness, we tend to be driven by external factors like other people's opinions, societal norms, or our own biases. And that can really hold us back.

Think about it: if we're not aware of our fears, doubts, or beliefs, we might engage in self-limiting behaviours. We might become avoidant or perfectionistic, or we might spend all our time trying to please others. And all of that can be really detrimental to our mental health.

So, why do some people struggle with self-awareness? Well, for a simple reason, it requires introspection and reflection. And that can be uncomfortable or challenging for some. Plus, a lot of us have been socialised to prioritise external validation over self-validation. We're taught to conform to societal norms, even if they don't align with our own values or interests.

But here's the thing: investing in self-growth and building self-awareness is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Sure, it might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but the end result? A fulfilling life that's truly our own. And isn't that worth a little bit of unease?

Given the undeniable benefits of such endeavours, let's discuss the steps needed to achieve them.

Recognise Your Limitations and Overcome Them

Self-growth is all about pushing beyond our limits and stepping out of our comfort zones. However, it would be impossible to take this journey without first acknowledging our limitations. Self-awareness helps us identify our fears, insecurities, and weaknesses. Once identified, we can design a plan to overcome them. For instance, if we struggle with public speaking, we can take classes or join public speaking groups to refine our skills.

Challenge Your Beliefs and Embrace Change

Self-awareness is not only about recognising our limitations but also recognising our beliefs and the impact they have on our lives. Often, our beliefs create biased opinions and limit our experiences, allowing self-awareness to challenge our beliefs and embrace change. An excellent way to challenge our beliefs is through learning from other cultures or communities, books, and taking courses. In addition, we can also engage in reflective practices that allow us to gain new perspectives.

Be Mindful of Your Emotions and Control Your Thoughts

Emotions are a significant part of our daily lives, and as humans, we are susceptible to experiencing various emotions. Self-awareness allows us to be present in the moment, acknowledge our emotions, and control our thoughts effectively. It helps us to avoid being overwhelmed by our emotions, make rational decisions, and foster positive mental health. A great way to be mindful of our emotions is through daily meditation practices.

Build Strong Relationships and Foster Connections.

Self-awareness helps us to understand our personalities and communication styles, allowing us to build strong relationships with others. When we understand ourselves, we are better able to understand others and develop meaningful connections. Building strong relationships is vital to our well-being, and it can contribute to our overall happiness.

Take time to focus on ourself by practicing self-care routines, including exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and spending quality time with loved ones. Self-care promotes self-growth by encouraging self-awareness, which helps us to prioritise our mental wellness.

Digging a way to self-growth and self-awareness can be a rocky road, I’ve no doubt about it. However, with perseverance, we can gain a lot by committing to our personal development. Living a life that is purposeful and true to ourselves is a reward in itself, but there is so much more to gain. In today's fast-paced world, knowing oneself and cultivating self-awareness is more important than ever. By setting achievable goals, improving communication, and building resilience, we can achieve personal and professional success. It's definitely worth investing in becoming the best version of ourselves, believe me!

Have you ever thought about what it means to live a fulfilling life? I mean, it's a goal that most of us aspire to achieve, right? And to achieve that goal, we need to invest in our own self-growth. It might sound like a daunting task, but trust me, it's worth it.
Self-growth is a truly remarkable journey that is all about unlocking our full potential. It means striving to enhance our mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. At the center of it all is self-awareness. That's the key to everything.
Self-awareness is about being in touch with our inner selves. It's about having an accurate perception of our strengths, weaknesses, values, and emotions. When we lack self-awareness, we tend to be driven by external factors like other people's opinions, societal norms, or our own biases. And that can really hold us back.
Think about it: if we're not aware of our fears, doubts, or beliefs, we might engage in self-limiting behaviours. We might become avoidant or perfectionistic, or we might spend all our time trying to please others. And all of that can be really detrimental to our mental health.
So, why do some people struggle with self-awareness? Well, for a simple reason, it requires introspection and reflection. And that can be uncomfortable or challenging for some. Plus, a lot of us have been socialised to prioritise external validation over self-validation. We're taught to conform to societal norms, even if they don't align with our own values or interests.
But here's the thing: investing in self-growth and building self-awareness is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Sure, it might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but the end result? A fulfilling life that's truly our own. And isn't that worth a little bit of unease?
Given the undeniable benefits of such endeavours, let's discuss the steps needed to achieve them.
Recognise Your Limitations and Overcome Them
Self-growth is all about pushing beyond our limits and stepping out of our comfort zones. However, it would be impossible to take this journey without first acknowledging our limitations. Self-awareness helps us identify our fears, insecurities, and weaknesses. Once identified, we can design a plan to overcome them. For instance, if we struggle with public speaking, we can take classes or join public speaking groups to refine our skills.

Challenge Your Beliefs and Embrace Change
Self-awareness is not only about recognising our limitations but also recognising our beliefs and the impact they have on our lives. Often, our beliefs create biased opinions and limit our experiences, allowing self-awareness to challenge our beliefs and embrace change. An excellent way to challenge our beliefs is through learning from other cultures or communities, books, and taking courses. In addition, we can also engage in reflective practices that allow us to gain new perspectives.

Be Mindful of Your Emotions and Control Your Thoughts
Emotions are a significant part of our daily lives, and as humans, we are susceptible to experiencing various emotions. Self-awareness allows us to be present in the moment, acknowledge our emotions, and control our thoughts effectively. It helps us to avoid being overwhelmed by our emotions, make rational decisions, and foster positive mental health. A great way to be mindful of our emotions is through daily meditation practices.

Build Strong Relationships and Foster Connections.
Self-awareness helps us to understand our personalities and communication styles, allowing us to build strong relationships with others. When we understand ourselves, we are better able to understand others and develop meaningful connections. Building strong relationships is vital to our well-being, and it can contribute to our overall happiness.

Take Time for Ourself
Take time to focus on ourself by practicing self-care routines, including exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and spending quality time with loved ones. Self-care promotes self-growth by encouraging self-awareness, which helps us to prioritise our mental wellness.
Digging a way to self-growth and self-awareness can be a rocky road, I’ve no doubt about it. However, with perseverance, we can gain a lot by committing to our personal development. Living a life that is purposeful and true to ourselves is a reward in itself, but there is so much more to gain. In today's fast-paced world, knowing oneself and cultivating self-awareness is more important than ever. By setting achievable goals, improving communication, and building resilience, we can achieve personal and professional success. It's definitely worth investing in becoming the best version of ourselves, believe me!

A Fulfilling Life: Elevate Life Through Self-Awareness

The St. Patrick's bank holiday has just wrapped up, and wasn't it a great time? Between the parades, wearing our finest green attire, and enjoying a few pints, we all had a wonderful time celebrating our Irish heritage. And let's not forget the Six Nations Rugby Championship finale, where our boys in green claimed the Grand Slam with a triumphant victory over England! It's no wonder that the atmosphere in town was electric, with so many reasons to raise a glass in celebration.

Now, it's only natural that after all the fun, some of us might be feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as we start a new week. Overindulging in food, drink, and spending can leave us feeling out of sorts, but don't let it weigh you down. You're not alone in feeling this way, and there are plenty of ways to get back on track after a big celebration.

First and foremost, don't beat yourself up about enjoying the festivities. It's all part of the craic, and what's life without a bit of fun now and then? Instead of feeling guilty, let's focus on taking positive steps forward to help us feel our best again.

Rehydrate and eat well: After a weekend of indulgence, it's essential to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water. Focus on eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your body and help it recover.

Get adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough rest to help your body recover and reset your sleep patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Set a budget and review your finances: If you overspent during the celebrations, take some time to review your finances, make adjustments, and create a budget for the upcoming weeks. This will help you regain control of your spending and alleviate any financial stress.

Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices or meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Set aside some time each day to practice mindfulness, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Connect with friends and family: Sharing your experiences and feelings with loved ones can help you process the events of the weekend and provide you with the support needed to bounce back. Get out for a walk with a pal, you always feel that bit better after a good walk. 

Set realistic goals: Establish achievable short-term goals that will help you get back on track. Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less daunting and more attainable.

Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression after the holiday, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support to help you navigate through this challenging time.

Feeling a little off-balance after a weekend of merrymaking is quite normal, and with some dedication and self-love, you'll be back to your usual self soon enough. Be patient with yourself and take positive steps to look after your overall well-being.

About the Author: Lígia Hamada | B.A. (Hons), M.A. (Psych.), M.Ps.S.I.

Lígia has been working in Ireland as a psychologist on our team since 2021. Her therapeutic approach is based on the belief that each individual has within themselves the potential for healthy development and growth. She works with the Xplore Content Team to create 

The St. Patrick's bank holiday has just wrapped up, and wasn't it a great time? Between the parades, wearing our finest green attire, and enjoying a few pints, we all had a wonderful time celebrating our Irish heritage. And let's not forget the Six Nations Rugby Championship finale, where our boys in green claimed the Grand Slam with a triumphant victory over England! It's no wonder that the atmosphere in town was electric, with so many reasons to raise a glass in celebration.
Now, it's only natural that after all the fun, some of us might be feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as we start a new week. Overindulging in food, drink, and spending can leave us feeling out of sorts, but don't let it weigh you down. You're not alone in feeling this way, and there are plenty of ways to get back on track after a big celebration.
First and foremost, don't beat yourself up about enjoying the festivities. It's all part of the craic, and what's life without a bit of fun now and then? Instead of feeling guilty, let's focus on taking positive steps forward to help us feel our best again.
Rehydrate and eat well: After a weekend of indulgence, it's essential to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water. Focus on eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your body and help it recover.
Get adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough rest to help your body recover and reset your sleep patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Set a budget and review your finances: If you overspent during the celebrations, take some time to review your finances, make adjustments, and create a budget for the upcoming weeks. This will help you regain control of your spending and alleviate any financial stress.
Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices or meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Set aside some time each day to practice mindfulness, even if it's just for a few minutes.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/9ecb61b5-3066-4e1c-9f0d-f9f5f4c76bc5.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Connect with friends and family: Sharing your experiences and feelings with loved ones can help you process the events of the weekend and provide you with the support needed to bounce back. Get out for a walk with a pal, you always feel that bit better after a good walk.&nbsp;
Set realistic goals: Establish achievable short-term goals that will help you get back on track. Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less daunting and more attainable.
Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression after the holiday, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support to help you navigate through this challenging time.
Feeling a little off-balance after a weekend of merrymaking is quite normal, and with some dedication and self-love, you'll be back to your usual self soon enough. Be patient with yourself and take positive steps to look after your overall well-being.
About the Author: Lígia Hamada | B.A. (Hons), M.A. (Psych.), M.Ps.S.I.
Lígia has been working in Ireland as a psychologist on our team since 2021. Her therapeutic approach is based on the belief that each individual has within themselves the potential for healthy development and growth. She works with the Xplore Content Team to create&nbsp;

How to Get Back on Track After St. Patrick's Bank Holiday

Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups of people. It is the concept of giving everyone what they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity recognises that not everyone starts from the same place, and that some groups may need more support to achieve their full potential.

Equity is often contrasted with equality, which means treating everyone the same regardless of their differences. While equality is an important value, it does not always lead to fairness or justice. For example, if the Department of Education provides the same resources to all schools, regardless of their needs, then the schools that serve disadvantaged communities may not receive enough support to provide a high-quality education to their students. In this case, equity would require providing additional resources to the schools that need them most, even if it means giving them more than other schools.

Equity is important in many areas of society, including education, healthcare, and employment. For example, in education, equity means ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their race, gender,  income, or background. This may require providing additional resources to schools that serve disadvantaged communities, such as funding for teacher training, instructional materials, and support services.

In employment, equity means ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunities for employment and advancement, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics. This may require creating policies and practices that address discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and pay.

Achieving equity requires recognising and addressing systemic barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. These barriers may include discrimination, bias, and unequal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and employment. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves policy changes, cultural shifts, and individual actions.

International Women’s Day is a day that celebrates women’s achievements, and it’s a day that has been celebrated for over a century. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year, and it is a day to recognise the accomplishments of women in the country, as well as to highlight the challenges that still exist for women in Ireland and around the world.

The International Women’s Day 2023 theme is ‘Embracing Equity’, it seeks to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" - and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive. For more information in #EmbracingEquity visit HERE.

Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups of people. It is the concept of giving everyone what they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity recognises that not everyone starts from the same place, and that some groups may need more support to achieve their full potential.

Equity is often contrasted with equality, which means treating everyone the same regardless of their differences. While equality is an important value, it does not always lead to fairness or justice. For example, if the Department of Education provides the same resources to all schools, regardless of their needs, then the schools that serve disadvantaged communities may not receive enough support to provide a high-quality education to their students. In this case, equity would require providing additional resources to the schools that need them most, even if it means giving them more than other schools.

Equity is important in many areas of society, including education, healthcare, and employment. For example, in education, equity means ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their race, gender, income, or background. This may require providing additional resources to schools that serve disadvantaged communities, such as funding for teacher training, instructional materials, and support services.

In employment, equity means ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunities for employment and advancement, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics. This may require creating policies and practices that address discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and pay.

Achieving equity requires recognising and addressing systemic barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. These barriers may include discrimination, bias, and unequal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and employment. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves policy changes, cultural shifts, and individual actions.

International Women’s Day is a day that celebrates women’s achievements, and it’s a day that has been celebrated for over a century. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year, and it is a day to recognise the accomplishments of women in the country, as well as to highlight the challenges that still exist for women in Ireland and around the world.

The International Women’s Day 2023 theme is ‘Embracing Equity’, it seeks to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" - and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive. For more information in #EmbracingEquity visit HERE.

Embracing Equity. International Women’s Day 2023.

ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL KILKENNY 2023 AT A GLANCE

Everything you need to know about this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny taking place from 15 – 19 March 2023. 

Last year saw us host our biggest St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny ever with six days of events! It was a huge success, and we were delighted to welcome over 100,000 people to the city for the festival. This year we’re looking forward to another great event, with 5-days of festival fun and entertainment in the medieval Kilkenny city in Ireland’s Ancient East. 

There is a fantastic line-up of events for all ages.  You can expect live traditional Irish music, American marching bands, a Festival  Market, carnival rides, workshops, family activities and street entertainment. Plus the main event the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th!  With some special events still to be announced make sure to follow SPFKK on social media to get involved and keep up to date!

On this page you can find out the latest St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny news and essential insights to help you plan your 2023 festival. While the Your Visit page will help you plan your trip to Kilkenny. We’re so excited for St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2023 and we can’t wait to see you there!

Welcome to Kilkenny

We believe that our towns have so much to offer, from their rich, buried histories to the shops that line their streets.

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Discover the past with self-guided tours exploring history. Interactive audio and turn-by-turn directions bringing the past to life