Leaves festival celebrates writing and music in Laois
The Leaves Festival returns with three vibrant days of literary and musical events across Laois. From 5th to 7th November 2026, acclaimed authors and musicians will gather to inspire and engage audiences countywide.
Source:
Laois County Council
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Leaves Festival of Writing and Music is set to enliven Laois from 5th to 7th November 2026, offering a rich programme of talks, workshops, and performances at venues throughout the county.
Highlights include a conversation with Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, authors of the bestselling Aisling series, and events featuring Garrett Carr discussing this year’s One County One Book, The Boy from the Sea, alongside debut novelist Neil Tully. Dublin author Dermot Bolger will engage in dialogue with Carlo Gébler, while an evening celebrating Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union will feature international author Nina George and Irish writer Hugo Hamilton.
Musical contributions come from Méav, blending traditional Irish, classical, and folk songs, and Laois native Tríona Marshall, a renowned harpist. Rock enthusiasts can look forward to Dónal Gallagher discussing his biography of brother Rory Gallagher with Ann Marie Kelly. The festival proudly showcases local talent including Portlaoise-born novelist Helen Cullen. Tickets and full programme details are available at www.leavesfestival.ie and www.dunamaise.ie, with bookings also through Dunamaise Box Office (Tel: 057 8663355) and the Laois Libraries booking page. The event is presented by Laois Arts Office, Laois County Library Service, and Dunamaise Arts Centre, supported by Laois County Council, the Arts Council, Creative Ireland Laois, Culture 2026, Laois Tourism and Laois Chamber Alliance.
Highlights include a conversation with Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, authors of the bestselling Aisling series, and events featuring Garrett Carr discussing this year’s One County One Book, The Boy from the Sea, alongside debut novelist Neil Tully. Dublin author Dermot Bolger will engage in dialogue with Carlo Gébler, while an evening celebrating Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union will feature international author Nina George and Irish writer Hugo Hamilton.
Musical contributions come from Méav, blending traditional Irish, classical, and folk songs, and Laois native Tríona Marshall, a renowned harpist. Rock enthusiasts can look forward to Dónal Gallagher discussing his biography of brother Rory Gallagher with Ann Marie Kelly. The festival proudly showcases local talent including Portlaoise-born novelist Helen Cullen. Tickets and full programme details are available at www.leavesfestival.ie and www.dunamaise.ie, with bookings also through Dunamaise Box Office (Tel: 057 8663355) and the Laois Libraries booking page. The event is presented by Laois Arts Office, Laois County Library Service, and Dunamaise Arts Centre, supported by Laois County Council, the Arts Council, Creative Ireland Laois, Culture 2026, Laois Tourism and Laois Chamber Alliance.
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