On Thursday November 21 we will join the rest of Europe in opening the first bottles of the 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau. Just a few weeks ago they were grapes on the vine but now they are fermented and treated with loving care to form the (usually) delightful Beaujolais Nouveau wine. You can taste it along with some cheese and bread and enjoy a fascinating presentation on “The challenges facing wine producers” by Horticulturalist Tanguy De Toulgoet. Admission is €5 for members and our students and €10 for non members. It all starts at 8.00 pm on Thursday 21st November. Soyez la!

Well, we at the Alliance Francaise Kilkenny don’t share the idea that French Language is “useless” but this is a very interesting article in the LA Review of Books on learning French and the difficulties involved and the benefits to be gained. A somewhat wry view of the process (and a very American-centric one!) but interesting nonetheless. You can read it yourself at: https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-useless-french-language-and-why-we-learn-it/#!

While you are sweltering in the Heatwave (la canicule in French) remember that July 14 sees the National Feast of France when we celebrate Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and the fact that you are Citizen of the Republic and not subject of some King. So, to celebrate this (not that we need much excuse to celebrate) the Alliance Francaise of Kilkenny are gathering in Beaujolais Wine Bar (at the back of Daniel Bollard’s Pub in Kieran St.) at 8.30pm on Saturday 14th July to meet and mingle. The cost is €5 for which you get a plate of mixed cold meats and cheese, and should you wish to, you can treat yourself to some of the extensive wine and beer selections. Our President will say a few words of welcome and we’ll see how the evening pans out.

Now we know that you might prefer dancing on some village square in France on that day, but if you can’t do that, the next best thing is Beaujolais on Saturday night. And with this heatwave you’ll think you are in France. So come along if you are interested.

A reminder also that the Coin Francais continues every Thursday in the Club House Hotel from 11.00 to 13.00

Keep this date for your diary: Tuesday 4th September ( 19.00 to 21.00 in the Club House Hotel also) which is the enrolment night for our next term.

Celebrate Bastille Day in Kilkenny!

So, enjoy la canicule and Bonne Fete!

We normally have a Dinner for our May Cultural Evening to mark the end of our academic year and this year it is a very special one. For this year we are celebrating 70 years of Alliance Francaise activities in Kilkenny.

To mark this occasion we are having a gala evening in the River Court Hotel, John St., Kilkenny on Saturday 19th May 2018. Your evening will begin at 7.00pm with a Cocktail Reception on the Terrace (or the Riverview Bistro), overlooking the iconic Kilkenny Castle, we then adjourn to the Pembroke Suite for a delightful four course dinner.

We follow that with entertainment from the famous Irish Tenor Patrick Rafter who with his wife and accompanist Maura will provide an experience of French Arias and Songs.

Then it will be music in the Irish Tradition from Na Gerailtig featuring Mary Fitzgerald (Vocals and Guitar) and Áine Fitzgerald (Vocals, Concertina and Tin Whistle).

It promises to be a memorable evening of good company, fine food and superb entertainment . The Dress Code is “Cocktail”, and the cost a mere bagatelle at €40.

So  if you are interested in coming please let us know (email info@afkilkenny.org) and follow up on the other events that Saturday: the Royal Wedding (hats optional) or the FA Cup Final (scarves and jerseys optional) and make your way to THE event of the 19th May, on a balmy early summer evening as the sun sets on Kilkenny Castle…
Tell us that you will be there along with your partners or guests to celebrate 70 years of the Alliance Francaise in Kilkenny.

Let us know by 1st May, we need to know the numbers!