The fifth annual “Circling The Square”, Poetry and Music Festival gets underway in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, this coming Friday evening, 16th October 2026, at 6:30pm.
The much-anticipated three-day festival, running from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October, promises yet another wonderful celebration of poetry, literature and live music in the heart of Thurles Town.
Established to honour the life and literary legacy of the late Thurles poet and critic Dennis O’Driscoll (1954–2012), the festival has grown into one of Ireland’s most highly regarded literary gatherings, attracting acclaimed poets, writers and musicians.
Proceedings commence on Friday evening at Bookworm Bookshop, No 1 Parnell Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E41 dk18), at 6:30pm, with a free opening event, featuring readings by celebrated poets Ms Rita Ann Higgins and Ms Molly Twomey.
Saturday’s programme continues at The Source Arts Centre, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A4E8), featuring an impressive line-up of poets and musicians, together with a special discussion entitled Fieldwork: ‘The Public Life of Seamus Heaney‘, involving Mr Fintan O’Toole, (Latter biographer of Seamus Heaney), Mr Mick Heaney (Latter son of poet Seamus Heaney), and Mr Declan O’Driscoll (Latter brother of the late poet Dennis O’Driscoll).
This will be followed by readings from poets Maija Mäkelä, Adam Wyeth, Katie Donovan, Stephen Sexton and Catriona O’Reilly, plus music by classical flautist Emma Roche.
These celebrations will conclude on Sunday with further poetry readings at O’Gorman’s Pub, (The Monk’s) Mitchel Street, Thurles.
With a rich combination of poetry, music and warm Tipperary hospitality, “Circling The Square” promises to be yet another memorable cultural occasion for Thurles and its environs.
Everyone is warmly invited to support this wonderful celebration of literature and the arts in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Further information and ticket details for Saturday’s events are available HERE – {Tel- 0504 90204}
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