Kells Christmas Lights

26/02/2026

Right Kells… we’ve been up to something.

You know how the Christmas Lights Switch On has become our night. The street packed. The buzz. The countdown. The roar when the lights hit.

Well.

We’ve been working on a proposal to build something around it.

Nollaig.

Not just one evening, but a build up across the town. A few days where there’s a bit of life on the streets, something happening, people coming in, bumping into each other, saying “What’s going on here?” in the best possible way.

We kept thinking about the old Heritage Festival. The atmosphere. The pride. The town alive. That feeling that Kells was doing something FUN!

That’s the energy.

Only this time with a Christmas twist.

Music. Community events. Things for kids. Things for adults. Reasons to wander up the street. Reasons to stay a little longer. A lift for the whole town heading into Christmas.

This is still in proposal stage, and we’re building it carefully. But we wanted to let you know the vision.

Something that includes the whole of Kells.
Every age.
Every corner.
Every bit of the town that makes it what it is.

More to come soon.

For now, just know we’re thinking bigger.

Nollaig is coming.

(Keep an eye out for our float in the Kells Paddy's day Parade ☘️)

20/01/2026

We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Jim Kiernan last night.

Jim was Kells. A familiar face, and someone who genuinely cared about this town and the people in it. For many, he was simply Jim from Kiernan’s Footwear on Cross Street, a place that has been part of the town for generations and where so many conversations, laughs and stories were shared over the years.

He was one of the original members of the Kells Christmas Lights Committee and, over the years, along with his wife Mary, they gave their time to many committees and local efforts, always with the same quiet determination to see Kells thrive. He believed strongly in supporting local and in backing the traders who keep the town going.

Jim put huge effort into the promotion of trading in Kells and was heavily involved in the Kells Shopping Vouchers, helping to encourage people to shop local and support their own. He was also a long-standing supporter of the Kells Chamber of Commerce and countless other initiatives, often working behind the scenes, never looking for recognition.

Alongside all of this, Jim shared a deep love of music and travel with his wife Mary. They loved heading off to new places together, enjoying good music and good company, but Kells was always home. That warmth, curiosity and appreciation for people was something you felt whenever you met Jim, whether it was in the shop, at a meeting, or just passing on the street.

Kells has lost one of its own. A true gentleman, a supporter of the town, and a man who quietly helped shape the community we have today.

Our thoughts are with Mary, his family, and all in Kells who knew and loved Jim. He will be deeply missed, and his contribution to this town will not be forgotten.

16/01/2026

14/01/2026

A quick clarification, because Christmas doesn’t include interrogation. 🎄

It’s come to our attention that some local businesses have been approached and questioned about whether they’ve sponsored the Christmas lights. Let’s clear this up once and for all.

If a thank-you post hasn’t gone up yet, or if a name isn’t visible on GoFundMe, that does not mean a business hasn’t contributed. Many donations are given directly to committee members, in cash, or through other offline methods. All contributions are recorded, appreciated, and absolutely none are “missed.”

We are a fully volunteer committee, juggling full-time jobs, families, and real life (shocking, we know) — not a 24/7 social media department. Thank-you posts can occasionally be delayed, but support is never forgotten.

What’s not okay is businesses being made to feel uncomfortable or put on the spot over something that is entirely voluntary. Supporting the lights is a choice, not an obligation, and certainly not something anyone should be called out on by third parties.

If anyone feels strongly about how things are being managed, we’re always open to new committee members. Extra help is welcome. Extra commentary without involvement… less so.

Thank you to every business and individual who supports the Christmas lights and helps keep Kells bright — without the drama ✨

11/01/2026

🚧 ROAD CLOSURES – (SUN 11TH-MON 12TH) CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMING DOWN 🚧 (PLEASE SHARE)

Right lads, quick one.

The Christmas lights are being taken down tonight & tomorrow, with road closures from 7 p.m.

And yes, of course it’s lashing rain and blowing a gale — because the lights wouldn’t come down quietly, would they? The lads will be up on Cherry pickers in weather that would make you question your life choices, so a bit of patience is very much appreciated.

The closures will be short and managed, and only in place while the work is going on.

If you’re heading through town or parked nearby, give yourself a minute, follow the signage, and resist the urge to ask “will it be much longer?” every 30 seconds.

Also, before the messages start rolling in, there are still a few businesses who supported the lights that we haven’t thanked yet.
Those posts will be going up over the next week — nobody’s been forgotten, we’re just working our way through it.

Thanks a million for your understanding and for letting the town shine as long as it did.

Kells Christmas Committee 🎄✨

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

29/11/2025

🚜💙 Before You Head Into Kells Tomorrow… 💙🚛

Why not start your day with something truly special?

Carnaross GFC is hosting a Tractor & Truck Run tomorrow at 11 a.m.
All in support of a very brave little hero, Lorcán, and the incredible community rallying around him.

It’s a brilliant family morning — engines, colour, excitement, and neighbours coming together for a great cause.
Registration is from 10 a.m., and it’s only €30 per vehicle if you want to join the run.

So if you’re passing through before the Kells Christmas Market and Switch-On, pop out, show your support, give a wave, and enjoy the buzz.

Community spirit at its finest — Carnaross style. 💙🚜✨

29/11/2025

🚧 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE — PLEASE SHARE 🚧

A tiny announcement from your friendly neighbourhood Christmas Committee:

Farrell Street will be closed from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow
— not because we’re drunk with power, but because we’re turning it into a full festive wonderland. 🎄🎄🎄

Diversions will be in place via Newmarket Street and Suffolk Street.
You’ll be absolutely fine… unless you trust Google Maps too much, in which case may God help us all.

And a gentle reminder:
If your car is parked on Farrell Street and you need to go anywhere, please move it before 2 p.m.
We’d hate for you to realise too late and end up starring in an impromptu episode of “How Am I Getting Out?”

If you’re coming to the market, the entertainment, the amusements, or the big switch-on itself, give yourself a few extra minutes.
If you’re just popping into town, don’t be alarmed by the music, the lights, or the sudden appearance of Santa on a fire engine — all perfectly normal Kells behaviour.

Thanks a million for your patience and your sense of humour.
Sure where else would you get it? 🎄✨

29/11/2025

🌧️✨ WEATHER OR NO WEATHER — KELLS IS HAPPENING TOMORROW ✨🌧️

Alright lads, let’s call a spade a spade — we can’t control the weather.
If it rains… it rains. We’ve all been baptised by it at this stage.
So tonight, for anyone feeling hopeful, stick the Child of Prague out and give him a nod. Couldn’t hurt.

Tomorrow?
Wrap up warm. Bring the umbrellas.
And get yourselves down to Farrell Street and Kelly’s Yard for something we rarely get in Kells —
a full Christmas market, live entertainment, food, music, lights, and even amusement rides!
When does Kells ever get a day like this? Exactly. So don’t be sitting at home letting the weather bully you.

Browse the stalls, support the vendors, try the mulled mead or mulled wine, let the kids dance, have a nose at the amusements — make a day of it.

And just a quick note — some businesses who kindly donated haven’t had their individual posts go up yet.
Don’t panic. Their posts are coming throughout the week, and every single one of them will be displayed on the screen on the truck tomorrow.

And if you only want to brave the elements for the big moment?
The magic happens between 4.30 and 4.45 p.m., all going well.
Santa will arrive, the lights will (hopefully) behave themselves, and we’ll light up the town together.

Our town. Our people. Our tradition.
See you in the glow — rain, shine, or whatever Ireland decides.

29/11/2025

Now, lads… I know far too many of us are still roaming the town with socks, so worn, the toes are practically waving at passers-by.
Consider this your sign from above — or at least from Paul’s Menswear.

This Sunday, the 30th, buy any pair of casual shoes, and you’ll receive a FREE pair of Happy Socks.
Yes, free. Yes, colourful. Yes, a blessed upgrade from the threadbare tragedies hiding in your boots.

They're open 1pm to 5pm, ready to rescue you!

📍 Paul’s Menswear, Kells
👞 Fresh shoes + 🎁 Free happy socks = A public service, really.