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Seriously, though—it’s a question I, as a poet, ask all the time. It’s 2023. What place does this genre have in the world of writing—and the world in general?
Join me as I walk through some of the why, what, and how of both reading and writing poetry. (Yes, we’ll be writing together!) And just so you know, an undying adoration of poetry is not required for you to have a good time.
TICKETS: €10.00 (inc fees) or pay on the door
Come join us as we launch our 2023 festival!
Special guests
Wine and Cheese Reception.
ALL WELCOME!
FREE EVENT
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THE MINDFUL CYCLE: Challenging the traditional narrative of menstrual cycles through period education and body literacy’ – Paula Byrne
Paula is a holistic wellness educator with 16 years teaching experience. She is dedicated to holding space for others to allow them to enhance their own wellbeing and knowledge. She endeavours to cultivate a more holistic approach to daily life by supporting others to form habits that nourish the mind, body and spirit.
TICKETS BY DONATION HERE
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Brian’s presentation is around the founding principles which were applied to the laying out by the de Vesci family of the ‘new town’ of Abbeyleix starting with the orderly construction of the first 100 homes in the 1790-1800 period. These principles were extraordinarily forward sighted for that time and included education, devotion food production and sustainable circular economic elements that were ahead of their time. TICKETS: €5.00 ON DOOR
TICKETS: €5.00 ON DOOR
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about the lost ancient Irish poetic practice of Imbas Forosnai. Imbas Forosnai means 'Inspiration that Illuminates'. It is comparable to the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, the Platonic concept of gnosis, and contemporary flow-state.
Drawing knowledge from ancient manuscripts, analysis from modern academia, and wisdom from our embodied experience, participants will learn how to work with Imbas Forosnai to enhance creativity and support well-being.
Participants will be taken on a journey of Imbas-infused poetry across the aeons and will also have the opportunity to create their own Imbas poetry. As was the way in times of old, this immersive experience will take place outdoors (covered if raining), facilitating the connection to Earth and Sky that will bring forth optimum Imbas Draoícht (magic)!
A heart-opening experience awaits that will not only bring you to the heart of ancient Ireland but also to the heart of your own infinite intelligence, intuition, and inspiration.
TICKETS €55.00 (inc fees)You know the feeling: you’re staring at the blank screen or blank piece of paper—and your brain’s completely blank as well. It’s writer’s block. The good news is it happens to us all—it’s honestly part of the creative process.
But that doesn’t mean you give up. It means you block that writer’s block. Get ready to learn how in this interactive talk.
TICKETS €20.00 (inc fees) or on the door
A reclusive Booker prize winner is murdered at a literary festival in a small Irish town. Early summer in Glendara and the town's literary festival, Glenfest, is about to begin with Phyllis Kettle, the bookshop owner, at the helm. The big news is that Gavin Featherstone, the peninsula's bestselling but reclusive writer, has been persuaded to take part. An eager crowd awaits his first public appearance in ten years. Unexpectedly charming, he is about to read from his new memoir when he collapses and dies on stage. Ben discovers that she holds Featherstone's will at the office, drafted by her predecessor. But just as it is confirmed that the author's death was murder, his assistant appears in Ben's office, brandishing a very different will. Ben and Molloy are thrown into an investigation where they are pitted against a killer who has nothing left to lose. And although working together, there are secrets Ben is keeping from Molloy. But does he have secrets of his own? FREE EVENT.
Ireland's Rebel Son (O’Brien Press, 2022) tells a thrilling tale of passion, courage and determination. Michael Collins became a hero: a soldier, a freedom-fighter, a ghost: Ireland’s Rebel Son. In life, in death, a legend.
Join author Mario Corrigan and illustrator David Butler to find out all about their creative process and of course, the legendary Michael Collins. In this illustrated talk, the authors will discuss what made them create a graphic novel? Why Michael Collins? There will be plenty of room for questions and interaction in this lively session, which explores one of the most dramatic periods in Irish history and how to write about it!
TICKETS: €8.00 (inc fees) or pay on the doorRandom Acts of Optimism in Writing
How do you keep writing when you think it makes no difference or that you won’t ever succeed in being published? How do you create the time, headspace and enthusiasm to write alongside very real difficulties or just general busyness – work, caring commitments and the rest of your life? Having raised four children and then returned to work, Alison talks about her long road to traditional publication. Since 2009, her blog Head above Water has explored ways of finding confidence, persistence, creativity and writing verve alongside the challenges of life.
Celebrating the upcoming launch of her debut short story collection Random Acts of Optimism, Alison explores leaps of faith both in her story’s characters and in her own writing endeavours and she recalls the wonder and consolation of books sent out to library patrons when the world had closed down.
TICKETS: €15.00 (inc fees) or pay on the door
John MacKenna - A reading with music based around John’s memoir of this thirty-year friendship with Leonard Cohen. Music by Katie Jacques and Angela Keogh.
TICKETS €15.00 (inc fees) or pay on the door
'Where Old Ghosts Meet’ is a short play on the life of Patrick Kavanagh, developed in association with Geoff Rose and performed as a ‘rehearsed reading’ in numerous venues over the past four years. Jimmy looks forward to performing this piece, once again, at The Power of Words Festival.
TICKETS €10.00 on the door
Ben is currently touring his poetry performance installation Lifting the Gate which premiered at Smock Alley Theatre in 2023 and will take it to the Cultural Centre Irlandais in Paris this June 2023.
Lily plays with the band Lifts and is currently recording and performing around the country.
TICKETS: €15.00 (inc fees) or pay on the door)
FREE EVENT
TICKETS BY DONATION
We're very grateful to all our volunteers, supporters & sponsors.
TICKETS: DONATION BASED
Learn how to bring your own lived experiences to the page, find your authentic voice, and explore the craft of writing a compelling narrative based on your own memories. In a nurturing and supportive environment, you will begin your memoir or explore the possibility of starting one. This workshop will focus on themes, language, vision, and authenticity. It will be facilitated by Sheila Forsey, an Irish Times best-selling historical fiction writer. Sheila is also an experienced creative writing tutor and a graduate of NUI Maynooth. Currently, she is undertaking postgraduate studies in Kilkenny City's prestigious Design and Craft Council of Ireland through Trinity College Dublin.
TICKETS: €50.00 (inc fees)
Have you ever said ..."I write poems/draw/paint/sing/dance/make things...BUT..." - Then this workshop is for you.
If you have any level of creative anxiety, procrastination, creative blocks, imposter syndrome, overwhelm or you're just looking to approach your work in new and creative ways, this workshop will help you
In this 3 hour, in-person workshop, embodiment coach David Delaney will explore a whole body approach to the creative process, helping you to create your own embodied toolkit for your work.
You'll learn specific techniques to enter into a more supported relationship with your body and your creative self , and gain skills to access your body's wisdom and strength through life's transitions and challenges. TICKETS: €50.00 (inc fees)
The town of Abbeyleix has always had a unique experience of the landed estate. Consistently ahead of their time, seven generations of the De Vesci family strove to improve the lives of their tenantry, creating not only employment but a swathe of innovative measures which enhanced every aspect of their lives. In an intimate conversation with the 7th viscount, Lord Thomas De Vesci, we discuss the pioneering role played by the ladies of the De Vesci estate in the provision of education, alms, housing and employment.
TICKETS: €5.00 (on the door)
TICKETS: €15.00 (inc fees) or on door
FREE EVENT
*Evening show now fully booked.Waitlist here
TICKETS €25.00
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