10/05/2026
A joy in the Abbey Meadow as we launched the Callan Open Doors programme!
Check out our full online programme here: thepowerhousecallan.ie
Keep an eye out for the printed programme in Callan and towns and villages around the county.
The programme kicks off in The Powerhouse on Thursday 21 May with PechaKucha Callan and the official opening of Susanne Horsch’s immersive exhibition of large inflatable textile sculptures.
On Friday 22, schools and community centres host a number of creative workshops, including Trickster’s collaboration with Bunscoil McAuley Rice, whose newly created Resident Guardian puppet will take its first steps into the Abbey Meadow. The day wraps up with outdoor theatre and a lively trad session at Fennelly’s.
Saturday 23 continues last year’s successful workshop trail, with Callan’s arts organisations and outdoor spaces humming with free drop-in workshops. The trail features events and workshops including Colour Field’s Weedy Inks at Workhouse Union, American folk music at Mount Carmel, plein-air sketching in the Moat Field, L’Arche Cafe, Macra Hall, KCAT Arts Centre, and harp with Ruth Lydon.
Music lovers can look forward to an energetic evening with The Muskeg Collective from Alaska at Fennelly’s of Callan, and a double bill of Mongolian and Irish traditional music at The Powerhouse, featuring Nømads, Eva Carroll, and Méabh Mulligan—presented by Lus na Tine.
Sunday 24 focuses on ecology and biodiversity, featuring a creative nature programme at Westcourt Living & Growing as part of its two-day annual Plant Sale—a chance to visit this community-led heritage walled garden, a true hidden gem. Contribute to 100 Moments of Care, a growing installation by artist Luke Casserly. Join Zoe Rush for a sound walk that transports participants to the uplands of the Di**le Peninsula. The festival concludes with a Super Special Supper, a long-table feast at The Powerhouse.
We are delighted to partner with so many local community and arts organisations and are grateful for the enthusiasm of all artists and creatives involved. With funding support from The Arts Council, Kilkenny County Council, Creative Ireland Kilkenny, a community sponsorship award from St Canice’s Credit Union and the generosity of businesses and individuals in Callan who responded to our fundraising call. We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us make our four-day programme happen.
