VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Kildare’s From Malt to Vault exhibition at Ardclough Village Centre

The From Malt to Vault exhibition at Ardclough Village Centre in Ardclough, County Kildare, offers a fascinating exploration of the life and legacy of Arthur Guinness, founder of the iconic Guinness brewery. Located in a lush rural setting along the Grand Canal, this interpretive centre is a key stop on the Arthur’s Way heritage trail, celebrating the origins of Ireland’s most famous brewing family.

Housed in the former Ardclough National School (1949–2013), it tells the story of Arthur Guinness, who was born in nearby Celbridge in 1725 and founded the Guinness brewery in 1759. The exhibit traces his journey from local brewing roots to securing a 9,000-year lease at Saint James’s Gate in Dublin, transforming Irish brewing with his focus on black porter. It highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, his role as a trader and employer, and his connection to Kildare’s malting barley from the Liffey basin.

Interactive and Multimedia Elements: The exhibition features a blend of display boards, touchscreen interactive displays, and a short video about the nearby Oughterard Graveyard, where Arthur Guinness and family members are buried. A holographic projection of Arthur Guinness, introduced in 2021, uses layered graphics for an immersive effect, bringing his story to life.
Historical Context: Visitors learn about brewing in medieval Ireland, including the role of women (like Arthur’s maternal ancestors) who brewed ale for local monasteries and farm workers. The exhibit covers the transformation of weak rural ales through imported hops and Arthur’s pivotal decision to specialise in porter, reshaping Irish brewing history.
Connection to Oughterard Graveyard: The centre serves as a precursor to visiting Arthur’s final resting place at Oughterard Graveyard, a 6th-century cemetery 4–5 minutes away by car. The graveyard, set atop a hill with views of Kildare’s landscape and the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, features a ruined castle, round tower, and Guinness family tombs, offering a poignant historical extension to the visit.

Ardclough Village Centre:

Multicultural Hub: The centre, a not-for-profit community facility, is more than just a museum. It hosts exhibitions, speaker series, and social events, fostering cultural engagement in rural Kildare. Past events include art exhibitions (e.g., Sean Curran’s watercolour display in 2023) and creative writing nights, adding vibrancy to the visitor experience.
Equine Heritage: The centre also showcases Ardclough’s equestrian legacy through the Four Horses of the Ardclough-alypse exhibition, celebrating famous racehorses like The Tetrarch, Star Appeal, Mill House, and Kicking King, reflecting the area’s long association with horse racing.
Community Initiatives: Other features include a historical photo exhibition, holographs, and a high stone (Ard Cloch) honoring local history, emphasizing the community’s pride in its heritage.

Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail:

The centre is a key stop on the 16 km Arthur’s Way trail, which connects sites linked to the Guinness family, including Celbridge (Arthur’s childhood home), Leixlip (site of his first brewery), and Oughterard Graveyard. The trail, suitable for walking (3–3.5 hours) or cycling (1–1.5 hours), offers a scenic journey through Kildare’s northeast, complementing the exhibition.
Support for Ireland’s Ancient East: The centre aligns with the national Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative, promoting Kildare’s historical and cultural attractions.

Practical Details:

Location and Access: Located at Ardclough Village Centre, W23 HR68, the centre is easily accessible, Located along the Grand Canal and near Henry Bridge. It’s a short drive from Celbridge and Naas, making it a convenient stop on a Kildare day trip.
The centre operates by appointment on weekdays and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors should confirm hours in advance, as schedules may vary.
Pre-booking is recommended, especially for guided tours, which offer deeper insights into the exhibits and local history.
Facilities: The centre is accessible, with parking available. Its rural setting and proximity to the Grand Canal towpath make it ideal for combining with walks or visits to nearby attractions like Castletown House or Saint Wolstan’s ruins.
Guided Tours and Events: Guided tours provide detailed narratives about Arthur Guinness and the region’s history. The centre’s event calendar includes cultural activities like art exhibitions and talks, enhancing the visitor experience.

What’s New:

Ardclough Rural Settlement Renewal Master Plan, launched in March 2024 by Kildare County Council, aims to enhance Ardclough’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and visit, with a focus on tourism, culture, and heritage. Key objectives include improving the Village Green to integrate with the Ardclough Village Centre, enhancing pedestrian safety at Henry Bridge with connectivity to the Grand Canal towpath, and creating a more legible streetscape with traffic calming. These improvements, funded under the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will enhance the visitor experience by making the centre more accessible and visually appealing.
Community and Cultural Events: The centre’s role as a multicultural hub continues to grow, with plans for ongoing exhibitions and events. Each month sees new art displays, speaker series, or heritage-focused activities, further diversifying the visitor experience. The tercentenary of Arthur Guinness’s birth was celebrated with cultural events.
Sustainability and Tourism Promotion: The Master Plan emphasizes sustainability and biodiversity, aligning with national tourism goals. Enhancements to the area’s amenities and environment may include upgraded facilities at the centre, such as improved signage or community garden features, making it more inviting for tourists.
Increased Visibility: The centre’s recognition through the Master Plan and its integration into Ireland’s Ancient East and Arthur’s Way initiatives may boost visitor numbers, leading to expanded programming or interpretive content to accommodate growing interest.

Online reviews

Limited Scope of Exhibition: The From Malt to Vault exhibition is described as a “fascinating little exhibition,” suggesting it is concise and focused. Visitors expecting a large-scale museum like the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin may find it modest, but its charm lies in its community-driven, intimate approach. It’s best viewed as a prelude to visiting Oughterard Graveyard.
Accessibility and Information: The cash-only policy at some heritage sites in Kildare (e.g., Carrowmore) may apply here, so visitors should bring cash. Additionally, the centre’s reliance on volunteer support and appointment-based weekday access may require planning to avoid disappointment.
Narrative Perspective: The exhibition celebrates Arthur Guinness’s achievements but may present a polished narrative, emphasising his entrepreneurial success and local pride. Visitors interested in a critical perspective on the Guinness family’s role in Irish history (e.g., their support for the colonial regime, their status as Anglo-Irish landlords or the socio-economic context of 18th-century brewing) should look elsewhere.
Ongoing Development: The Master Plan’s implementation may involve construction or landscaping work, affecting access to the Village Green or nearby areas. Visitors should check www.ardcloughvc.com or contact the centre for updates on any disruptions.

The From Malt to Vault exhibition at Ardclough Village Centre offers a concise yet engaging dive into Arthur Guinness’s life, from his Kildare roots to his brewing legacy, enhanced by interactive displays, a holographic projection, and ties to the scenic Arthur’s Way trail. The centre’s role as a community and cultural hub adds depth, with equine exhibits and local events complementing the Guinness story., visitors can expect an improved experience due to the Ardclough Rural Settlement Renewal Master Plan, which enhances accessibility, amenities, and tourism infrastructure. For the latest details on hours, events, or bookings, visit www.ardcloughvc.com