The Power Of Words Festival 2023

FRIDAY 18TH AUGUST.

WHY POETRY?– JESSA SEXTON
3.00 P.M. – 5.00 P.M.
VENUE: HERITAGE HOUSE

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

FESTIVAL LAUNCH
7.00 P.M. - 8.00 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

Come join us as we launch our 2023 festival!

Special guests

Wine and Cheese Reception.  

ALL WELCOME!

OPEN MIC - YOU ARE INVITED TO COME SHARE A STORY, POEM, JOKE OR SONG!
8.30 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

FREE EVENT

SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST

EXCLUSIVE DAY PASS AVAILABLE HERE

HERITAGE WALK/TALK
TIME: 10 A.M.
VENUE: TO BE CONFIRMED

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FICTION WRITING 
WITH HELEN MOORHOUSE
TIME:   9.30 A.M. – 12.30 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE
Feel the fear and write it down.
The workshop focuses on creating tension in storytelling. Whether you write thrillers, horror, action, or simply want to add a little threat to your tale, let's explore how to incorporate peril, menace, and danger into your work - and see where it takes you. We will ask questions such as: Can there be resolution? How does it drive the story? How do we set it up, and how do we take the reader along for the ride?
Mood, atmosphere, tension, and terror - let's take a deep breath and enter the dark!

TICKETS €50.00 (inc fees)

SCONES & STORIES - OPEN MIC
TIME: 11.00 A.M. – 12.00 NOON
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE
TICKETS: FREE

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11.30 A.M. – 12.30 P.M.
VENUE: HERITAGE  HOUSE

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

AN HOUR WITH DR. ARTHUR BROOMFIELD
TIME: 12.00 noon - 1.00 p.m.
VENUE: abbeyleix library 

Free Event
Kindly Sponsored by 
LAOIS LIBRARY SERVICES

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ABBEYLEIX, PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE – WITH BRIAN MAHER
TIME: 12.45 P.M. – 1.45 P.M.
VENUE:   HERITAGE HOUSE

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

JUDY RHATIGAN, JEAN TUOMEY AND MARTHA WOODCOCK
TIME: 1.00 P.M. – 2.00 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE
Reading from their Debut collections which will be available to purchase

TICKETS: €5.00 ON DOOR

IMBAS FOROSNAI
AN IMMERSIVE WORKSHOP WITH LAURA MURPHY
2.15 P.M. – 5.15 P.M. 
VENUE: ABBEYLEIX HOUSE & FARM
Full INFO HERE

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)

block writers block
AN interactive talk wITH jessa sexton
Time:2.15 P.M. – 5.15 P.M. 
VENUE: heritage house

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

'death writes' book launch – WITH andrea carter
TIME: 2.20 p.m. - 3.20 p.m.
VENUE:   preston house

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.

michael collins: illustrated talk WITH DAVID BUTLER AND MARIO CORRIGAN
TIME: 2.30 P.M. - 3.30 P.M
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

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 door

IN CONVERSATION: 
ALISON WELLS AND NOELLE O CONNELL
TIME: 3.40P.M. - 4.40 P.M.
VENUE:PRESTON HOUSE

Random 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 mac kenna, angela keogh & katie jacques
time: 5.00 P.M. – 6.00 P.M.
VENUE:   preston house

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
 with jimmy rhatigan
time: 6.15 p.m.-  7.15 p.M
VENUE:   tbc -  Keep check on Facebook/Instagram for confirmation of venue.’
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!

'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

'lifting the gate'
 performance poet ben mac caoilte and violinist lily brodie hayes
 time: 7.30 p.m. -8.15 pm. 
VENUE:   preston house

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)

OPEN MIC - YOU ARE INVITED TO COME SHARE A STORY, POEM, JOKE OR SONG!
8.30 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

FREE EVENT

80's disco with david butler - fancy dress optional!
Time: from 9.30P.M.
VENUE: morrissey's

TICKETS BY DONATION

THANK YOU ABBEYLEIX!

We're very grateful to all our volunteers, supporters & sponsors. 

SUNDAY 20TH AUGUST

ECHO UNDER THE ARCH
 – A  LITTLE WALK AND EARLY MORNING MAGIC!
9.00 A.M.
VENUE: MEET AT ST. MICHAEL’S & ALL ANGELS CHURCH

TICKETS: DONATION BASED

MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP 
WITH SHEILA FORSEY
10.00 A.M. – 1.00 P.M. 
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

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)

**EVENT CANCELLED**
EMBODIED CREATIVITY
with DAVID DELANEY
10.00A.M. – 1.00 P.M.
VENUE: HERITAGE HOUSE

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)

IN CONVERSATION:
LORD TOM DE VESCI & KAREN PHELAN
TIME: 12.00 P.M. – 1.00 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

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)

THE WRITER AND EDITOR RELATIONSHIP: A CONVERSATIONAL INTERVIEW – ROSEMARY HILLIARD AND JESSA SEXTON
TIME: 1.30 P.M. – 2.30 P.M.
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE

TICKETS: €15.00 (inc fees) or on door

THE living poets society 
award presentation to john spillane
TIME: 3.00 p.m. - 4.00p.m.
VENUE: abbeyleix community garden

FREE EVENT
*Evening show now fully booked.Waitlist here


in concert: john spillane
TIME: - 7.00 p.m. (DOORS OPEN 6.30 P.M.)
VENUE: PRESTON HOUSE
**SOLD OUT**

TICKETS €25.00

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