Sligo based storyteller, visual artist and illustrator Wayne O’ Connor brings his storytelling workshop to Laois children. His use of imagery is inspired by an interest in mythology, fantasy and science fiction games, film and literature. Wayne works predominantly in pen and ink. “His shows are very energetic and he tends to go a bit crazy, which children love”.

A bi-lingual performance in which Manchán bakes bread while offering insights into the wonders of the Irish language. A celebration of language, land and local Irish food, with freshly baked sourdough for the audience to slice and spread with butter they churn themselves. (Irish not essential to enjoy).

Supported by Creative Ireland Laois, as part of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Laois County Council.

National Theatre Live presents:

“The course of true love never did run smooth…”

Sit back in Dunamaise and enjoy, as the audience in London follow the action on foot through a theatre transformed into a forest – a dream world of flying fairies and moonlight revels, in this gloriously immersive staging of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy. Starring: Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones).

The Laois Writers Group are hosting the launch of Arthur Broomfield’s new poetry book, ‘The Giant’s Footsteps in the Rock of Dunamaise’. Arthur will be joined on the evening by Ballyfin sean nós singer Paddy Fitzpatrick. Paddy’s ballads are honest and beautiful depictions of life in the Slieve Blooms.

Written & directed by Iseult Golden & David Horan Cast: Sarah Morris, Stephen Jones, Will O’Connell. A parent-teacher meeting goes very wrong in this funny, heartbreaking and beautifully observed new play about learning difficulties: in school, in life, wherever.

Sligo based storyteller, visual artist, and illustrator Wayne O’ Connor 2nd workshop brings alive the anarchic work of everyone’s favourite author, Roald Dahl. This event combines high energy storytelling, live drawing and audience participation. Guaranteed to send pupils and teachers home laughing.

Award winning poet, teacher and children’s author Enda Wyley will pay a visit to a number of Laois schools on Friday 8th November. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to hear from a highly regarded contemporary writer and to inspire their work.

An evening where the written word comes alive, aloud and off the pages. Joseph O’Connor, Christine Dwyer Hickey in conversation with Dermot Bolger will chat about the challenges of writing fiction that brings in the lives of real people. Joseph O’Connor will read from his new book Shadowplay. This is a humorous retelling of Bram Stoker’s life. In the novel our hero is involved in a love triangle with two giants of the Victorian stage. Christine Dwyer Hickey will also read from her latest novel. The Narrow Land tells the story of ten year old Michael who forges an unlikely friendship with the artists Jo and Edward Hopper. Her writing shows a deep understanding of human weakness, longing and regret. Sibéal Ní Chasaide will bring her unique haunting contemporary sean-nós music to this wonderful evening.

Enda Wyley is an award-winning Irish poet, teacher and children’s author. She has published five collections of poetry and her work has been widely broadcast and anthologised.
In this workshop discover ways to make your poems succeed through the power of imagery.

What would you do to survive? What sacrifices would you endure for a better life? Would you swim a vast river? Would you trek across a desert or float through a malarial rainforest?
How about breaking out of a slave plantation? Boarding a leaky ship? Escaping a siege? Outlanders offers a glimpse into the lives of the displaced, not through screen or newsfeed, but through the very eyes of those who survived.

In a rare public conversation with Dermot Bolger, John Minihan, one of Ireland’s most distinguished living photographers, especially noted for his portraits of writers (Beckett in a Paris Café), artists (Francis Bacon), and celebrities (Princess Diana) presents his fascinating slideshow of his world famous photographs. This is a must for lovers of literature and photography.

The great John Sheahan in conversation with Dermot Bolger and prose by Niamh Boyce. Legendary John Sheahan, violinist, last surviving member of the original Dubliners, acclaimed composer and poet will read from his novel Fiddle Dreams and entertain with some of his incredible tunes. If we are lucky we’ll hear ‘The Marino Waltz’!

Niamh Boyce, award winning novelist and poet, will read from her latest novel Her Kind. Enjoy an eclectic mix of chat, novel excerpts, poetry readings, nostalgic stories and well-loved tunes. The intimate & cosy setting of the 18th Century St Peter’s Church is the perfect backdrop for this truly special event of the Leaves Festival.

Join Christine Dwyer Hickey, one of Ireland’s most beloved writers, in an informal workshop to chat about aspects of writing your novel. Christine will work with you to delve into your concerns, it may be regarding the plot, characters, dialogue and location. An immersive workshop for any budding novelist.

As part of the Young Curators exhibition families are invited to “Inspired Storytelling”. Families will be encouraged to tell tall tales from their imagination, sparked by the artworks on display.

Ballintubbert Gardens and House in collaboration with St Bridget’s Church welcome you to the closing event of the Leaves Festival. Join us in celebrating the characters who once called Ballintubbert home. Enjoy music and readings in the church where Poet Laureate Cecil Day Lewis’s father once ministered, led by short story writer, playwright and novelist John MacKenna. Return to Ballintubbert House to enjoy supper and an atmospheric evening of literary discussions with John MacKenna and special guests.