Programme of Festival Events

Tuesday May 27th - June 2nd 2025

Location: Celbridge, Co. Kildare.
More events are being added so check back regularly.

Exhibition of Paintings of Celbridge Abbey

Come along to view a wonderful exhibition of new paintings of Celbridge Abbey by the Abbey Art Group, Celbridge. The launch of the exhibition will be celebrated with a reception.

Discussion with Paul Lynch. Winner of the Booker Prize 2023 for 'The Prophet Song'

We are delighted to welcome Paul Lynch to Celbridge for an interview and discussion about his book ‘The Prophet Song’. Martina O’Reilly will interview Paul and pose questions that will be collated in advance from attendees.

Musical Drama: 'Jonathan Swift; Savage Indignation'

The life of Jonathan Swift is told through interviews, drama and music. This short musical written by Gerry Mullins is based on letters and poetry by Jonathan Swift and his lady friends Stella and Vanessa. Savage Indignation describes what happens in Swift’s life when Stella and Vanessa find out about each other. Presented by Gerry Mullins, the unique show features an interview with Swift expert Dr Brendan Twomey.

Swift's Salon

In the decade between 1724 and 1734, Jonathan Swift hosted writer’s evenings in Dublin. In Swift’s Salon we are encouring the sharing of new writing interspersed with music in a homage to Swift.

Book Launch: Stories about Vanessa and Celbridge

This book features a series of stories based on research on Vanessa, her life in Celbridge, and how the community viewed her at the time. The event will host readings of a selection of stories. The book will be available to purchase. Reception to follow.

Local History Talk about Celbridge Abbey

Local Historian Eamon Burke will host a talk about the history and intruiging stories of Celbridge Abbey.

An Imagined Response

Over the course of two hours participants will read two of Jonathan Swift’s letters, as well as Vanessa’s letter to Stella, and write a response to whichever inspires them most. The workshop will be held at the Acre Project, and facilitated by Artist in Residence, Krystal Sweedman. Writers and those who have always wanted to write are very welcome.

Screening of Swift's 'Drapier's Letters' documentary

Come along to a viewing of new public education video about Swift’s ‘Drapier’s Letters’. This video provides a narrative of the extraordinary resistance of Ireland to the imposition of what was seen as an inferior coinage known as by the British, known as ‘Wood’s halfpence’ . The ‘Drapier’s Letters’ is the collective name for a series of seven pamphlets written between 1724 and 1725 by Jonathan Swift, to arouse public opinion in Ireland against the copper coinage. The story is told by three experts on Swift and his time, Dr. Brendan Twomey, Professor Ivar McGrath, and Professor Moyra Hasslet.
The video is produced by Blake and Bailey Productions, with a Kildare Heritage Grant.

Tickets will be available in early April.

Kildrought House, on Celbridge Main Street, is open for tours during the festival weekend. Tours last for approximately 1.5 hours and will show the beautiful interior and gardens of this historic building and will hear its wonderful stories. The maximum number of people for each tour is 12. To book phone: 087 616 8651 or 01 627 1206 from the 20th May.

Book early for all festival events!

Interview with Paul Lynch: 'The Prophet Song'

Musical: 'Savage Indignation '

Funded by Kildare County Council, Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District Local Property Tax and sponsorship from Intel.