We are delighted to announce that the SACC, in conjunction with the IPF (Irish Photographic Federation), will be hosting the Celtic Challenge competition this year.  The Celtic Challenge is an annual international photographic competition between federations from celtic nations.  The competition travels between countries and Ireland through the SACC finds itself once again in a position to host it this year.

The competition itself will be held in the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny City on Saturday, September 19th 2015 and we have organising a full weekend of activities as we look forward to welcoming visitors to beautiful Kilkenny and surrounding area. Take a look at this gallery from when we hosted the competition in 2013 in Cork!

The full schedule is outlined below, followed by the booking form. We’d be delighted to see you for any or all of the weekend, so book your spot now! Viewing the judging of the competition itself is free of charge! The competition features ten colour prints, ten monochrome prints and ten projected images from each federation. The federation receiving the highest overall score is announced as the winner!

Any questions or queries, please send them to us via the contact page on our website and we’d be delighted to respond!

• Friday, September 18th
  Join us for a visit to the Hook Head peninsula in Co Wexford which is approx 75 mins drive from Kilkenny. There one can visit one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, dating back some 800 years. The area is also home to the historic Dunbrody and Tintern abbeys. The day will also include a stop for lunch and a visit to the pretty village of Inistiogue in Co Kilkenny and to the Woodstock Estate and Gardens.  Cost is €30. For those wishing to avail of the guided tour, please note this costs €6 extra – payable directly to the Visitor Centre at Hook Head.
• Saturday, September 19th
  A morning tour of Kilkenny city’s highlights including Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and Rothe House and Gardens. Cost is €15.
  On Saturday afternoon we will have the judging of the images while on Saturday evening we will have a dinner in the Pembroke Hotel. Viewing of judging is free of charge. Dinner costs €30.
• Sunday, September 20th
  Free time for those who wish to explore Kilkenny further. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for suggestions!

Bookings close on Friday September 4th 2015!