Kilrush.ie

Writer's Roundtable for Irish Book Week
2024-10-26 17:00 - 18:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Celebrate Irish Book Week with our panel of authors and educators, and join the conversation to gain some inspiration!
Tickets for this event are by Pay-As-You-Can Donation at geektickets.ie

A facilitated panel discussion and Q&A with experienced, award-winning local writers, all of whom also work to educate and support and encourage other writers. Hear about their writing processes, routes to publication, and how they overcome the obstacles to creativity that we so often put in our own way. The closing Q&A session will give you an opportunity to ask practical questions to help with your own writing journey.
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
Sarah is a writer, teacher and researcher. Her fiction for children and young adults has won / been shortlisted for several literary prizes including The Calderdale Prize, Scotland’s Red Book Award, The Waterstones’ Prize for Children’s Literature and The Irish Book Awards. Her creative work has been adapted for the stage and translated into over twenty languages. Sarah is a recent winner of the London Magazine’s annual award for short fiction with her story entitled Matamoros, July 1846 set during the Mexican-American War. She’s recently been shortlisted for the Frances Browne Poetry Prize 2024. She’s a member of the University of Limerick’s creative writing team, a lifelong literacy advocate and she works actively with communities to promote and support creative writing. Her academic research includes a focus on the writing process and how creative and academic writers go about the complex, often challenging task of putting their work on paper.
Grainne O’Brien
Gráinne is a writer and bookseller based in Limerick, Ireland where she lives with her husband and two cats. She is the founder of Rontu Literary Service, a service dedicated to supporting writers of fiction for children as they seek publication of their manuscripts, and one of the founders of Silver Apples Magazine, an online literary magazine entering its tenth year. She completed an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick in 2018 and received an Irish Arts Council Agility Award in 2021 and 2022. She was named a Bookshop Hero by The Bookseller Magazine in 2022. She writes for children and adults and loves weaving traditional stories into the modern world. The O’Brien Press published her first book, A Limerick Fairytale. Her verse novel, Solo, is due out in Spring 2025, published by Little Island Press.
Madge O’Callaghan
Madge is an author and poet based in Kilbane, East Clare. She holds an MA (Hons.) in Creative Writing from DCU and has a background working in the field of youth mental health, using creative approaches to address social justice issues.
In 2016, she achieved Gold at the World Festival of Radio in New York for her radio documentary, “My Uncle Jack.” Her play “MASKS” was featured in First Fortnight (Mental Health Arts Programme) 2015.
Madge is an affiliate of Amherst Writers and Artists and facilitates writing workshops that create a safe space for people who just want to write, regardless of their level of education. In 2023, she curated an anthology of poetry and prose by members of the Shannon Amherst Writer’s Group, titled “Write, So…”, which was launched at the Sean Lemass Library by author Donal Ryan.
Currently, Madge is working with primary school children on “Broadford Myths and Legends’, due to be launched in September 2024.
This event is part of Sound Out 2024, a celebration of spoken word, story and song in Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Leave No Stone Unturned - (An Exploration In Songwriting)
2024-10-26 12:30 - 17:00 | Vandeleur Gardens and Visitor Centre, Feagarroge, Kilrush, V15 E735
A Song-writing and Creativity Workshop with Ennis Singer-Songwriter and Artist, Laura Mulcahy

Join renowned creator, performer and educator, Laura Mulcahy, for an afternoon of deep creativity and learning.
Exploring The Following:
Song Structure
Lyrical Expression
Music / Melody
Self-Critique
Storytelling
Listening
Who Am I? (Artistic Identity)
Artistic Integrity
The workshop will take place at Vandeleur Gardens and Visitor Centre, in the room above the café.
There will be a half hour break at 2:30p.m. for tea/coffee/refreshments etc.
Maximum number of participants – 10.
Praise for Laura Mulcahy;
‘…one of the most exciting talents to have emerged from Ireland in the past decade.’ – Folking.com
A wonderful artist, musician and writer from County Clare… remarkable musician and lyricist.’ Fiachna Ó Braonáin, RTÉ Radio One
‘The refined, personal nature of Mulcahy’s songs have earned her a growing fanbase,’ – Hot Press Magazine
‘Ireland’s most iconoclastic contemporary singer’ – Bernard Clarke, RTÉ Lyric FM
‘… absolutely stopped me in my tracks,’ – Deb Grant, BBC Radio 6 Music
‘Absolutely inspiring music…’ – Eoin O’Neill, Clare FM
This event is part of Sound Out 2024, a celebration of spoken word, story and song in Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Open Mic Social hosted by Sarah Clancy
2024-10-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Sarah Clancy is a poet and community worker, best known in Co. Clare as the coordinator of Clare PPN. She holds an MA in public advocacy and activism, as well as diplomas in European human rights law and community development practice.
As a performance poet, Sarah has won the Cúirt International Festival of Literature Grand Slam Championships and has twice been runner up in the North Beach Nights Grand Slam. Along with fellow Galway poet Elaine Feeney she released a poetry CD called Cinderella Backwards in 2013.
Sarah has published three collections of poetry: Stacey and the Mechanical Bull (Lapwing Press, 2011), Thanks for Nothing, Hippies (Salmon Poetry, 2012), and The Truth and Other Stories (Salmon Poetry, 2014).
The monthly open mic social at Banner Books Kilrush is a free event, open to all.
For lovers of poetry, flash fiction and any kind of creative writing. Come to read from your own work or to share a favourite piece by another writer, or come to listen and support.
Tea, coffee, and treats provided.
This is a free event, but there will be a ‘Tip Jar’ if you would like to donate towards expenses.
This month’s open mic social is part of our celebrations for Irish Book Week.
It also marks the beginning of Sound Out 2024, a celebration of spoken word, story and song in Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Kilrush Farmer's Market
2024-10-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-17 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-10 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-03 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-26 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-19 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-12 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-05 09:00 - 14:00 and 2 more dates | The Square, Kilrush, The Square, Kilrush, Co. Clare
Support local businesses by shopping the Kilrush Farmer’s Market. Held every Thursday from 9am-2pm.

Book Launch; 'Love in a Self-Serving World' with Leonard Skinner
2024-10-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Leonard Skinner is an author, educator, and doctoral researcher in philosophy at Galway University. In his new book, he takes us on a journey far from the shores of conventional wisdom, revealing the intrinsic power of love that lies within each of us.
Fresh from TEDx Tralee, Leonard will be sharing his talk ‘How Many True Loves Are Out There for You?’ and exploring the philosophy of love through an ethical lens.
Also from TEDx Tralee;
Animism in Northern Europe with Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen
Rune holds a PhD in History of Religions. His current work focuses on recovering traditional ecological knowledge, connections to the land and kinship with the greater community of beings.
Following their talks, join Leonard and Rune for a Q&A and discussion around how we love each other, and the world around us.
Both authors will have signed copies of their books available.
A free event, tea/coffee served, all welcome.
For enquiries text/WhatsApp Silverwood Events on 089 244 0068

Cosy Concert with Ger Wolfe
2024-10-12 19:00 - 20:30
A gentle and consistent voice on the Irish folk-roots scene, singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe has a subtle way of weaving his magical music into the heart of the listener.
Creating ‘carefully crafted vignettes of song’ to all who come to listen (Irish Times), including his well-loved ode to innocence ‘The Curra Road’ – a ‘classic of grace and simplicity which should become a folk standard’ (The Boston Globe).
Drawing from the wells of traditional and contemporary folk, Ger plays spirited and heartfelt music, all at once lyrical, melodic and poetic. Prepare to be bedazzled by his unmistakable voice and inimitable guitar playing.
What Other People Say About Ger Wolfe;
“Ger has an utterly original approach to his craft…his songs have a lyrical, timeless quality, pandering to neither fad nor fashion…a rare and unique creative talent” (Paul Dromey, The Examiner)
“Ger Wolfe’s songs always raise my spirits” (Christy Moore)
“The poetic soul of Ireland” (John Spillane)
“Ger Wolfe has his own unique accent, his own special voice that takes us to the heart of the song” (Philip King)
This is the latest in a series of acoustic concerts, featuring local artists and held in the intimate setting of Banner Books, Kilrush. These events are run on a voluntary basis, with flexible ticket pricing to make them accessible and fair to audiences and performers alike.

Gardener's Get-together with Seed and Plant Swap
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00
After the summer break, our social sharing space for gardeners is back! This month we’ll be talking about how to gather and save your own seeds from your garden, and how to save wildflower seeds without doing any harm. We’ll head out for a short walk, too, to see what we can find.
*Chat with other gardeners over tea and cakes. If you’re an experienced gardener, share your tips. If you’re new to gardening, learn a few tricks.
*Our lovely venue, Banner Books, are offering a whopping 10% discount on all gardening books at the event!
*We’ll have tables outside for plants and seeds, so bring your extras to share, and take something new home with you… because you can never have enough plants.
You can also keep in touch with Kilrush area gardener’s in our new Facebook group, at the link below.

Open Mic Social with Madge O'Callaghan
2024-09-27 18:30 - 20:30
Our monthly open mic social at our Kilrush shop is a free event, open to all.
For lovers of poetry, flash fiction and any kind of creative writing. Come to read from your own work or to share a favourite piece by another writer, or come to listen and support.
Tea, coffee, and treats provided.
This is a free event, but there will be a ‘Tip Jar’ if you would like to donate towards expenses.
Madge O’Callaghan is an author and poet based in Kilbane, East Clare. She holds an MA (Hons.) in Creative Writing from DCU and has a background working in the field of youth mental health, using creative approaches to address social justice issues.
In 2016, she achieved Gold at the World Festival of Radio in New York for her radio documentary, “My Uncle Jack.” Her play “MASKS” was featured in First Fortnight (Mental Health Arts Programme) 2015.
Madge is an affiliate of Amherst Writers and Artists and facilitates writing workshops that create a safe space for people who just want to write, regardless of their level of education. In 2023, she curated an anthology of poetry and prose by members of the Shannon Amherst Writer’s Group, titled “Write, So…”, which was launched at the Sean Lemass Library by author Donal Ryan.
Currently, Madge is working with primary school children on “Broadford Myths and Legends’, due to be launched in September 2024.

Harvest Day at Vandeleur Walled Garden
2024-09-08 12:00 - 16:00
County Clare’s rural traditions and craft producers will be celebrated in Kilrush on Sunday, 8th September when the 2024 Vandeleur Walled Garden Harvest Day takes place.
The family day out will feature a range of activities, demonstrations and events such as a local producers market, demonstrations of traditional skills, a group artist exhibition and a local produce competition.
Visitors will be able to witness local craftspeople at work including Deirdre Hetherington of West Clare Willow as she carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, wool craft and knitting demonstrations with Valerie Leonard from the Loop Head Alpacas, a metalwork demonstration by Blacksmith Jamie Smith of Triscele Forge, and forging with Paddy Murray of Kilkee Forge.
The Bean an Tí will be demonstrating the art of butter making, while there will be Aran Knitting, Weaving, Crochet, Needle Felting, Wool Crafts and Wood Turning.
Vandeleur Walled Garden’s Victorian-era glasshouse will host a local produce competition in a range of categories including Funniest Shaped Three Carrots, and the Best Loaf of Brown Bread, Vase of Flowers, Six Onions, Six Potatoes and Four Sods of Turf. The public is asked to present their entries to the venue by midday.
Among the other events taking place will be Foraging with local Homeopath and Herbalist Suzanne Hammond in the woods around Vandeleur Walled Garden, a demonstration by a local beekeeper and horseshoe throwing for the kids. Meanwhile, a group artist exhibition with Delaney Davis, Ailish Malone and Hazel Murray will run throughout the weekend from Friday 6th September to Sunday 8th September.

Author Teatime with Linda Hebenstreit
2024-08-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Meet Linda Hebenstreit, a multi-talented artist, jewellery maker, photographer and author. Linda’s latest book, The Shell Hunter’s Journal, A Casual Tour of the beaches of County Clare, highlights the beauty and bounty of Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Join us for an afternoon of tea, cake and chat with Linda.

Spinning Yarn in Scattery Island Cottage
2024-08-25 11:00 - 14:30, 2024-08-18 12:30 - 18:00 | Scattery Island Tours, Kilrush Marina, V15 AD62
The theme of Heritage Week 2024 is Connection. Here on Scattery Island we have reconnected with a former Scattery Island guide, storyteller and crafter Ruth Marshall who will show us the route from raw fleece to fine yarn and will be happy to tell us about the plants-roots,leaves and flowers that she uses to produce beautiful natural dye colours. She might even tell a yarn[story] or two… remember that one about the princess who fell asleep for 100 years when she pricked her finger on a spindle.
This event will take place in the recently renovated Brennan family cottage in the village street on Scattery Island.
Please note ferry boat departs from Kilrush Marina and charge applies

This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

Live Music Pop-up on Scattery Island
2024-08-24 13:30 - 15:30
Scattery Island Heritage Group present a live music pop-up on Saturday 24th August for Heritage Week. Venue Scattery Island, please book the 1.45pm ferry directly with scatteryislandtours.ie

A Shannon Pilot’s Journey
2024-08-20 19:00 - 20:00
Scattery Island Heritage Group are delighted to introduce ‘A Shannon Pilots Journey’ by Patrick Galvin, to celebrate Heritage Week. Tuesday 20th August in Kilrush Library at 7pm – free event, all welcome

A Trip Back in Time
2024-08-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Photographer, local historian and author Jackie McCarthy Elger collects and restores old photographs and videos of Co Clare and posts them on her Facebook/Instagram page The Vintage Lens – Looking at Times Past in Co Clare.
Take a trip back in time with her on the 18 August when she will present a selection of photographs and video clips in relation to transport in Co Clare – from the humble donkey and cart to the iconic West Clare Railway and much more. Guests are encouraged to bring along their own old photographs of Co Clare (not just related to transport) and share some of their memories.
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

Annual Scattery Island Graveyard Mass
2024-08-18 13:30 - 18:00
Scattery Island’s annual graveyard mass takes place on Sunday August 18th at 3.15pm. and will be celebrated by the Bishop of the diocese of Killaloe Fintan Monahan
Please note ferry boat departs from Kilrush Marina and charge applies.

The Stained Glass of St Senan's Catholic Church
2024-08-18 13:00 - 14:00 | St Senan’s Catholic Church, Toler Street, Kilrush
Join John Glynn for a talk about the history of the stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke Studios in St Senan’s Church on Toler Street in Kilrush. Harry Clarke (17 March 1889–6 January 1931) was a stained-glass artist, graphic designer, and book illustrator.
Lonely Planet recommends Saint Senan’s Church as well worth visiting, not only for the four windows by Harry Clarke but also for the Rose Window and windows by Professor Frederick Settle Barff.
John Glynn, who was born in Kilrush, has a keen interest in local history and photography. He exhibited at the 186th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin in 2016 and at the Kilkenny Photographic Society exhibition during the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2022.
The meeting point is St Senan’s Church, Toler Street, at 1:00 pm (after 12:00 mass).
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

Connecting Our Stories
2024-08-18 11:30 - 17:00 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
From 11.30 am and throughout the day, Banner Books will be hosting a social space for local people to take their ease and share their memories of Old Kilrush.
Explore local history books, with local writers, and share your own family stories and photographs. Photographs can also be dropped off for recording and restoration by Jackie McCarthy Elger of The Vintage Lens.
Visitors are welcome to bring refreshments with them, available from our neighbours at Jellyfish Marketplace and other nearby businesses.
This is an intergenerational event, and older people with their families or carers are especially welcome.
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

A Walking Tour of Frances Street
2024-08-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Jellyfish Marketplace, Merchant's Quay, Frances Street, Kilrush, V15 XW83
Kilrush and District Historical Society is glad to announce a guided walking tour of Frances Street, Kilrush. A step onto Frances Street in Kilrush is a step back in time. This grand, 30-metre-wide thoroughfare runs straight down to the harbour; but it is also, it seems, a direct line to Kilrush’s past as a port town and market hub. We have some fascinating facts to share about its former residents and businesses!
Meet at Jellyfish Marketplace, at the lower end of Frances Street, where you can pick up refreshments to bring with you on our walk. As this event takes place outdoors, please dress for the weather.
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

The Legacy of Percy French
2024-08-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Join musician and historian, Peadar McMahon, for a performance of music, stories and song, that celebrates the works and remarkable life of Ireland’s greatest songwriter. And of course, no Kilrush performance would be complete without French’s celebration of our own West Clare Railway!
Percy French entertained audiences in small village halls all over Ireland from the 1890’s until the time of his death in 1920. While most Irish audiences have grown accustomed to hearing his songs performed by Irish Tenors, they were originally composed by Percy French for his banjo and relaxed baritone. Peadar MacMahon’s folk arrangements pay tribute to how they were originally performed.
A Limerick native, Peadar now lives in Kilrush. His performances are charming, heartfelt, engaging and educational. He offers his audience a greater connection to the songs through the telling of their stories and his own.
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525

Pottery Through the Ages (and why we love it in archaeology)
2024-08-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Banner Books, 1a, Hector Street Mills, Kilrush, V15 PW83
Pottery has played an important role in day-to-day life throughout history. Join Elaine Lynch, Ceramic Specialist and Artefact Illustrator with AMS, to learn how the recovery of pottery from archaeological excavations can connect us to our ancestors by giving us insight into their hearths and homes.
Elaine Lynch MA, MPhil, MIAI has over 17 years’ experience in commercial and research excavations in Ireland. She holds an MA in the History of Art and Architecture from UCD and an MPhil in Archaeology from UCC, where her doctoral thesis was entitled ‘A study of Grooved Ware in Ireland’. Since completing her MPhil she has analysed and produced a number reports focusing on prehistoric, medieval, and post-medieval pottery as well as floor and roof tiles and clay tobacco pipe assemblages. She has also produced numerous artefact illustrations and digital plans, many of which have been published. In recent years, Elaine has taken on a part-time role with the Field Monument Advisor Programme. This has involved working directly with the Burren Programme and the farming community in Co. Clare. Her most recent excavation was that of a hut site in Lismoher, Co. Clare, funded by the Royal Irish Academy. She has recently joined the Board of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) as a conference organiser.
Based in Kilrush, Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) is a recognised market leader in undertaking the role of Client’s Representative/Project Archaeologist to a wide range of clients. Recent Projects include the N69 Listowel, N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project, Kilkenny Abbey Quarter Development, New Children’s Hospital, St James, Dublin and the Claregalway, Athlone and Cork Flood Relief Schemes.
AMS Cultural Heritage Consultancy Ltd is is a corporate member of the IAI, ICOM and a commercial member of the IMA.
Find out more at https://www.ams-consultancy.com/
This event is part of the Kilrush Heritage Quarter series, a collaboration of Kilrush community groups and businesses for National Heritage Week 2024. Full details here; https://www.facebook.com/events/795577572776525
