Artful Parks is the brainchild of Brian Gorman, rooted in his inter-generational involvement of the midland bogs, a journey which has evolved from peat harvesting to restoration and conservation.  

Turbary Writes is an acknowledgement and celebration of this journey, like Artful Parks itself, a work in progress, which continues to evolve for the benefit of the bog and the landscape and the sanctuary it provides to a vast array of species. It is a journey that embraces transition for the benefit of restoring the bogland and in its regeneration so too is the promise and potential regeneration and sustainability for bog families; the surrounding villages and towns and their communities.

 Turbary Writes will take place at Artful Parks at Clonaghadoo, Geashill on the Laois/Offaly border as part of Heritage Week 2026. All are welcome to this free event on Saturday, August 22 from 7pm to 9pm. Brian Gorman will introduce the concept and vision for Artful Parks in an opening 30-minute talk & tour. This will be followed by a series of performances of song, stories and spoken word, grounded in a love of the land and the landscape, nature and those who nurture this next chapter of the bogs as they champion a Heritage at Risk for future generations to enjoy, explore and educate themselves of this invaluable ecology and environmental wonderland that are our midlands Bogs.

Note is an outdoor event on peatland terrain and those attending are advised to dress appropriately. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.