Kinsale Arts Weekend – arts, culture and music by the sea – will take place from Thursday, July 18th to Sunday, July 21st. Visitors can expect a wide-ranging programme filled with live music, visual art, theatre, literature, dance and family events.
“It is a real community event, run by a voluntary committee, with everyone rowing in to make it a success”, says Kinsale Arts Weekend chairperson Anna Mulcahy.
“The weekend really is about providing a platform for local talent so people are encouraged to read their poetry, share their music and showcase their artistic talent. Last year there was a great atmosphere around town for the busking competition on the streets and people enjoyed dropping into local cafés and restaurants to hear poetry, short stories and music. The whole community gets involved and there will be great mix of readings and photography exhibitions and portrait demonstrations in the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels and other new found spaces. It is all about getting creative and celebrating the arts”.
World-renowned furniture designer Joseph Walsh opens his studios every year especially for Kinsale Arts Weekend and there will be tours so visitors can view his stunning wooden designs. His converted barn studio which is located a few miles outside Kinsale town is not normally open to the public, making this a rare treat.
The acclaimed poet and Oxford academic, Bernard O’Donoghue will be reading from his work as will the award-winning Cork poet with an international reputation, Leanne O’Sullivan. Renowned photographer Mike Brown will be showing his new work and there will be art on display throughout the town. The wonderful Eve O’Mahony (Best Actress Galway Fringe 2018) will be performing Brigid Cleary, an intriguing one-woman show describing the bizarre life and events which led to the death of an unfortunate Irish woman in 1895. The Lord Kingsale will host Strolling Through Ulysses! a comic jaunt through James Joyce’s famous novel, written and performed by Robert Gogan.
Clodagh Finn will talk about her book A Time to Risk All, the incredible untold story of Cork born Mary Elmes, the Irish “Oskar Schindler” who saved hundreds of children from Nazi concentration camps.
Cork’s very own band Ghost Planes will be taking to the stage among many others and expect some great theatre from Kinsale’s Rampart Players.
Audiences will also be treated to a film by acclaimed poet Adam Wyeth on the life of much-loved Kinsale poet Desmond O’Grady.
Ireland’s first Marie Kondo certified ‘decluttering’ consultant Vera Keohane, who lives just outside Kinsale, will demonstrate how easy it all is.
Children are invited to creative writing workshops and quizzes and children’s art will decorate the windows of local businesses.
Harpist Marina Cassidy will do a special talk/recital again this year at the Methodist Church on the history of the Harp and explain why it is a national emblem. History tours will take place at Charles Fort, James Fort and St. Multose Church.
There is something for everyone at Kinsale Arts Weekend 2019! Have a look at the wonderful programme now available at https://www.kinsaleartsweekend.com/ and see for yourself!