Patrick Kavanagh Weekend 2023

The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in association with the Patrick Kavanagh Society and SoFFt PRODUCTIONS are delighted to announce this years Kavanagh Weekend 2023 will take place over three days between Friday Sept 29th and Sunday 1st Oct.

Events and activities will take place in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and Round Tower Church.  This years keynote address will be delivered by poet Thomas McCarthy.

We are delighted to restore the festival to a three day event after a challenging few years for all of us.  Special guests for this year include podcast sensation Blindboy and musician Lisa O’Neill, two extraordinary artists who need no introduction.  Tickets for their events are already onsale and you can purchase yours at the links directly below or through our box office 042 9378560.

As well as our traditional keynote address and Kavanagh Poetry Award Announcement on the Friday evening, we will host the Blindboy live PODCAST, acclaimed folk artist Lisa O’Neill in concert, Patrick McCabe’s unique tribute to Brendan Behan, a screening of acclaimed film Baggotonia by Alan Gilsenan, new work by artist Theresa Kelly, various workshops and guided bus tours amongst a diverse programme of events. The award winning Kavanagh experience will also be available from 10am until 3pm.each day.

• TICKETS ONSALE FOR BLINDBOY  (NOW SOLD OUT) AND LISA O’NEILL NOW
• TICKETS ONSALE FOR OPENING NIGHT (KEYNOTE ADDRESS, POETRY AWARD) NOW
• WEEKEND & DAY PASS TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM BOX OFFICE ONLY 042 9378560.

A Kavanagh Weekend ticket pass is available for €50.  For this you will have full access to each of the events in the Round Tower Church, the opening night event in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and entry to the Kavanagh experience over the weekend. Tickets for Blindboy and Lisa O’Neill are not included with the weekend pass. All events in Round Tower church €10 with exception of Childrens Illustration workshop @ €5. Day Pass for round tower church also available. Contact box office for details 042 9378560.

The annual Patrick Kavanagh graveside commemoration will take place on Sunday afternoon 1st October at 3pm.

The Programme for 2023

FRIDAY 29th Sept

7pm – Opening Event in Patrick Kavanagh Centre.  Featuring annual keynote address from poet Thomas McCarthy and the announcement of the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award winner for 2023.
10pm – Maija Sofia live at Round Tower Church

SATURDAY 30th Sept

ROUND TOWER CHURCH
12pm – DIY Publishing Workshop with Brass Neck Press followed by panel discussion
3.45pm – Screening of Baggotonia followed by conversation between the films director Alan Gilsenan (Yellow Asylum Films) and fellow filmmaker Pat Collins (Harvest Films)
6pm – The Holy Hour: A Requiem for Brendan Behan by Patrick McCabe followed by public interview with the author hosted by journalist Frank McNally.

PATRICK KAVANAGH CENTRE
8pm – Blindboy Live PODCAST (SOLD OUT)

SUNDAY 1st Oct

ROUND TOWER CHURCH
12pm –  The Holy Hour: A Requiem for Brendan Behan by Patrick McCabe
1.30pm – Art Journaling Workshop for Kids (5+) with Karen Harte
3.30pm – Shifting Identities: New Writing from the North of Ireland moderated by Moyra Donaldson and featuring the poets Scott McKendry and Linda McKenna.
5.30pm – Swallow Your Pride Art MacCooey with introduction from Una Walsh.  Reading of new play inspired by the South Armagh bardic poet, who died 250 years ago, by Shane Mac AnBhaird.

PATRICK KAVANAGH CENTRE
8pm – LISA O’NEILL live featuring support from Rhob Cunningham

There will also be guided bus tours and and an exhibition of new work from Theresa Kelly.  For more information contact our box office 042 9378560.

This years Kavanagh Weekend festival is produced by the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in collaboration with SoFFt Productions.  The festival is supported by Creative Monaghan and Monaghan County Council through the offices of Arts and Tourism.