The latest string to Kilkeny’s Night Time Economy plan will get plucked on Thursday this week with the rollout of the first of two Café Lates dates in Kilkenny city centre.
November last year saw a similar initiative, ‘Coffee House Lates’ run in Cork with independent cafes staying open late for a series of free events ranging from coffee tasting to live music, comedy, art and more. Now, Kilkenny’s taking a leaf out of Cork’s book with six cafés hosting a variety of events this Thursday evening from 6pm.
Café Lates is supporting those participating with grants ranging €350-€750 to host an event or experience, offering an alternative to the pub culture that’s family-friendly and accessible to locals and tourists alike. If it catches on, maybe we’ll see more cafés open their doors later throughout the year. While there have been calls for cafés around the wider county to be facilitated, the initial selection are all within short walking distance from The Parade.
Innovative and cultural events were sought and for the pilot run, Tower & Castle, The Book and Coffee Shop, Wild Flower Café, The Chocolate Garden Café, The Cookie Co-Op and Wild Tails will all be taking part. So whats happening and when?
Cafe Lates – Participating Cafés in Kilkenny City
Tapas & Music @ Tower & Castle
John Street, 6-9pm
Enjoy a relaxing evening filled with delicious tapas and live acoustic music
Brazilian Classical Music @ The Book and Coffee Show
William Street, 6-8pm
An evening of music (classical guitar and piano) and song with the acclaimed Brazilian classical musician and composer Jonathan Campedelli.
Frankenstein Bolts @ Wild Flower Café
Butler Gallery, 6-8pm
Immerse yourself in a vibrant nighttime cafe culture and enjoy some of Olivia’s tasty treats whilst being encapsulated by the melodic sounds of Frankenstein Bolts.
Chocolate Making at The Chocolate Garden Café
High Street, 6.30-8.30pm
Indulge in a chocolate tasting and making workshop. Embark on a journey of discovery around Cocoa, Chocolate-making and its place in Irish popular culture. Attendees will have the chance to create their own box of Chocolates, combining high-quality Irish dairy ingredients with a variety of chocolate fillings and decorative toppings. Booking required.
Beats & Board Games @ The Cookie Co-Op
Friary Street, 7-9pm
Local DJ Eddie B is on duty to spin some vinyl and set the tone for good times to be had while playing all of your favourite retro board games and card games. Add in the best baked sweet and savoury bits as well as coffees, herbal teas, kombucha and cacao,and it guarantees to be a great night of mingling, fun and maybe the odd bit of healthy competitiveness.
Pottery Painting @ Wild Tails
Canal Square, 7-9pm
Come along to Wild Tails Café for a great night of coffee and creativity.
The Happy Pottery will be taking you through a unique pottery painting workshop. During the workshop, you will choose from a range of mugs to create your own special piece. Pinterest boards at the ready!
Café Lates: Part 2
There’s one more confirmed date for Café Lates, so if you can’t make anything this Thursday, pencil 29 May into your diary.
Café Lates is an initiative of Kilkenny County Council, through Kilkenny’s Night Time Economy Scheme, backed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
