The festival returns to a host of venues throughout County Laois from November 6-9 with an inspiring and engaging programme of readings, workshops, films, panel discussions and live music. This year we are delighted to welcome one of the world’s greatest living poets, Paul Muldoon, to Portlaoise to perform alongside the masterful musical talents of Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh and Brendan Begley.

Other festival highlights this year include an evening with the inspirational duo Eleanor Mills and Barbara Scully who chat about empowerment of women in midlife and a wonderful night of words and music with writer Niall Williams and musician Mike Hanrahan.

This year’s One County One Book is Kevin Curran’s Youth, a book handpicked to strongly resonate with our school and community based groups. Portlaoise based spoken word poet Dagogo Hart curates a special evening of spoken word and Rick O’Shea steers a conversation with two of Ireland’s most interesting female voices.

Whether you are a lover of books or music, enjoy thought provoking conversations or are an aspiring writer there is so much on offer at this year’s Leaves festival. We look forward to welcoming you to Laois to join us on this exhilarating journey of literary and musical celebration.