The Leaves Festival 2022 brings the best of Irish writing and music to Co Laois this November at Dunamaise Arts Centre and aa number of Laois Libraries. 

The festival is delighted to welcome Claire Keegan as its 1st festival length writer in residence. Her Booker Prize shortlisted novel Small Things Like These has had an extraordinary public reception since publication and Claire will join us for a public event as well as a series of workshops across the community.

Join Mary Dorcey, Jean O’Brien, Rita Kelly and Louise C. Callaghan for an evening of poetry celebrating 40 years of Salmon Publishing.

Carmel Ui Cheallaigh eighth book and the fourth in her Irish Centenary History series tells the story of Irish suffragette and activist, Anna Haslam.  

Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board is proud to present World of Words, a collection of short stories by ten featured authors from Laois and Offaly that is the culmination of a creative writing journey started almost a year ago in the aftermath of lockdown.

Has your child lost their love of reading? Join Book Doctor Becky Long from Children’s Books Ireland for this talk for parents, full of tips and helpful information to encourage your child to rediscover the magic of reading.

In addition, Laois natives Pat Boran and Rory O’Connell;  music from Harpanno & Alannah Murray; Rónán Hession in conversation with Claire O’Brien; and an intimate afternoon of spoken word and song sharing with local poet, Laura Murphy.

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