Programme

10am

Billy Keane

OUR LAND, OUR STORY BY THE LISTOWEL VISUAL ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE

A powerful collaborative exhibition uniting local artists, poets, and writers.

10am

Jimmy Deenihan & Vincent Carmody.

Listowel’s Living Legacy: A Stroll Through Song, Story & History

A literary and Historical walking tour of Listowel, including poetry readings and performances of a selection of the iconic songs of the town.

11am

Knight of Kerry: Adrian FitzGerald

The Papers of Maurice Fitzgerald Volumes I and II

Disillusioned Unionist & Rejected Emancipationist

12pm

Dic Walsh

Dic Walsh Stage Reading – Rud in Eashnamh

Ger moves to the Gaeltacht to make a film about his brother, who died by suicide 10 years earlier. As he learns about struggles in the local fishing industry and his brother’s role as a fisheries inspector, Ger begins to suspect the community of foul play.

1pm

Jimmy Murphy

The John B. Keane Memorial Lecture, with Jimmy Murphy

This lecture will be an annual event with the inaugural focus on John B. Keane himself and his profound contribution to Irish theatre and literature. 

1:30pm

Kelly Copper & Pavol Liska

The County Exchange

The County Exchange is a residency that brings experimental performance makers from both Ireland and New York to Listowel for two weeks with a return week in New York hosted by the Irish Arts Center. 

3pm

Mark Granier, Peter Sirr & Enda Wyley 

Trio of Poets featuring Mark Granier, Peter Sirr and Enda Wyley

A sumptuous poetic treat with three well-established poets.

4:30pm

Roisin Meaney & Sophie Grenham

Searching for Home with Róisín Meaney

Roisin Meaney talks to Sophie Grenham about her new novel Moving On, structured around her protagonist’s relocations.

5:30pm

Paul McVeigh, Andrew Meehan & Carol Drinkwater

Stories That Stay with Paul McVeigh, Andrew Meehan & Carol Drinkwater

6:30pm

Cauvery Madhavan & Patrick Holloway

From Beara to Brazil: How the search for belonging shapes our stories with Cauvery Madhavan & Patrick Holloway

Cauvery Madhavan and Patrick Holloway introduce their new novels discussing the shared themes of personal identity and the search for a sense of belonging.

7:30pm

John O’Donnell & Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama & John O’Donnell

John O’Donnell and Pádraig Ó Tuama weave rich, intricate poetry that examines the human condition. They read from their recent works and discuss the loss, healing, and the transformative power of language that resonates through their poems.

8pm

Listowel Rambling House

Join us for Listowel Rambling House where stories are shared, music is played, and everyone’s welcome. This much-loved evening celebrates Irish culture through live traditional music, storytelling, and the kind of humour that brings people together.  It’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the joy of a good yarn or a lively tune. Bring a friend, bring the family, or come as you are for a night that honours the old ways and keeps them alive.

8pm

Athea Drama Group

Sharon’s Grave

This deeply lyrical folk play, set on an Atlantic headland at the mercy of wind and rain, tells the tale of Trassie Conlee’s fight to protect both herself and her brother Neelus from the menace of her ruthless cousin Deezie Conlee, one of Keane’s most extraordinary theatrical creations. The devious and menacing paraplegic Deezie has locked her sights on inheriting a farm at all costs, leading to tragedy.

9pm

Seán Lyons

Poets’ Corner with Seán Lyons

Chancers, charmers, and chanters are all welcome. Bring your read and unread poems for this open mic poetry session!

9:30pm

Niall Williams & Mike Hanrahan

Words and Music of Clare with Niall Williams & Mike Hanrahan

Words and Music of Clare Booker-nominated author Niall Williams and acclaimed musician Mike Hanrahan come together for an unforgettable evening of readings and music.