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Monday 9am - 5am Tuesday 9am - 5am Wednesday 9am - 5am Thursday 9am - 5am Friday 9am - 5am

Laois Arts

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Laois Arts has been to the forefront in arts development throughout the county

06/11/2026

05/11/2026

🎸 Any Rory Gallagher fans?

Join us tomorrow, Friday 6 November, for Edged in Blue, a special Leaves Festival event featuring Dónal Gallagher in conversation with Ann Marie Kelly.

Hear the stories behind the music, the memories and the life of one of Ireland’s greatest guitar legends, as Dónal discusses his new biography of his brother, Rory Gallagher.

Friday 6 November | 6pm
Tickets €15 (including booking fee)

Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of music memories and great conversation!

Find out more: https://www.leavesfestival.ie/

04/11/2026

Stories, poetry, music and fresh perspectives fill Saturday 7 November at Leaves Festival!

Start with children’s stories and crafts with Niamh Donnellan, a writers’ workshop with Dermot Bolger, or Louise Nealon in conversation with Helen Carroll.

Our afternoon programme features Lisa Fingleton and Edel Heeran, Translating Ireland with Sinéad Mac Aodha and Helen Cullen, and the Turf Speak poetry showcase with WeAreGriot and local poets.

Join us at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland that evening for Carlo Gébler in conversation with Dermot Bolger at 6.30pm. A Celebration of European Literature follows at 8.30pm with Helen Cullen, Nina George and Hugo Hamilton, with music from Tríona Marshall.

Take a look at Saturday’s schedule and join us for a day of creativity!

Leaves Festival of Writing & Music

03/11/2026

📚 A day for readers, writers and music lovers at Leaves Festival on Friday 6 November!

Get closer to the craft of writing with Garrett Carr’s workshops, and join Val Troy, Faith Hogan and Ruth O’Leary for Women’s Voices in Commercial Fiction at Mountmellick Library.

At 6pm, Dónal Gallagher joins Ann Marie Kelly for Edged in Blue at Kavanagh’s. Then, at 8pm, Garrett Carr and Neil Tully discuss Challenges in an Emerging Ireland with Helena Mulkerns at Dunamaise Arts Centre, with music from Méav.

Explore Friday’s schedule and choose your festival highlights!

Leaves Festival of Writing & Music

02/11/2026

Join us for the opening day of Leaves Festival of Writing & Music on Thursday 5 November!

Our Thursday programme welcomes Garrett Carr for One County One Book events in Mountmellick and Portlaoise, followed by an evening of author conversation and theatre.

Aisling authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen join Sinéad Cuddihy at Portlaoise Library at 6.30pm, while Elizabeth Moynihan’s comedy drama Happiness Then comes to Dunamaise Arts Centre at 8pm.

Take a look at Thursday’s schedule and plan your festival visit!

Leaves Festival of Writing & Music

22/10/2026

21/10/2026

LEAVES Event Spotlight – Garrett Carr: One County, One Book

Get ready for LEAVES! We’re getting the LEAVES Festival of Writing and Music 2026 started with our One County, One Book author, Garrett Carr.

Throughout the day, Garrett will lead workshops and discussions centred on his compelling novel, The Boy from the Sea, engaging with local schools, readers, writers’ groups and book clubs.

Venues: Mountmellick Library and Portlaoise Library
Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026

LEAVES Festival of Writing and Music 2026
5–7 November 2026
Visit the LEAVES Festival Website for booking info.

Laois County Council Laois Libraries Laois Tourism Creative Ireland Laois Laois Arts Dunamaise Arts Centre

21/10/2026

Leaves Festival of Writing and Music returns to Laois from 5th - 7th November 2026 bringing three full days of talks, workshops and performances to venues throughout the county.

Amongst the events this year, Laois will host best-selling Aisling series authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen in conversation. The One County One Book is the compelling 'The Boy from the Sea 'and author Garrett Carr will take part in a number of events, including a conversation with debut novelist Neil Tully, author of The Visit.

Other events taking place include Dermot Bolger in conversation with Carlo Gébler and a special evening marking Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union will be celebrated in the company of international author Nina George alongside Irish writer Hugo Hamilton. We are also delighted to welcome musical artist and singer Méav to Leaves with her own unique blend of traditional Irish, classical, and folk songs.

As always, Leaves will proudly showcase our homegrown Laois talent with Portlaoise born novelist, Helen Cullen taking centre stage across the weekend and renowned harpist Tríona Marshall.

Leaves Festival of Writing & Music

18/09/2026

Unfortunately, the Community Culture Night event in Ballylinan, scheduled for this evening at 7.30pm, has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

We apologise for any disappointment and thank everyone for their understanding.

Address

Áras An Chontae
Port Laoise

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5am
Tuesday	9am - 5am
Wednesday	9am - 5am
Thursday	9am - 5am
Friday	9am - 5am

Telephone

+353578664109

Website

https://laois.ie/live/community-and-culture

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