Major poetry and music festival returns to this Tipperary town

Thurles Becomes the Centre of the Arts this weekend as Thurles Circling The Square poetry and music festival honours poet Dennis O’Driscoll (1954 - 2012).

It will take place at The Source Arts Centre in Thurles - the town in which he grew up - from Friday October 20 to Sunday 22.

Following on from a hugely entertaining and successful one day event last year where large numbers attended a mesmerising day of music and poetry.

This year an extremely ambitious weekend of events will include readings by many of Ireland’s very best poets including Thomas McCarthy, Kerry Hardie, Peter Sirr, Jessica Traynor, Molly Twomey, Enda Wyley, Nithy Kasa, Eleanor Hooker, Stephen James Smith, Anne Tannam, Emily Cullen, Michael Durack, Trish Bennett, Arthur Broomfield, Eithne Lannon, Anne Haverty and many others.

There are two night shows - on Friday October 20 and Saturday 21 - featuring several of these poets as well as amazing music and song. An afternoon of readings and music on Saturday 21st will feature many emerging and established poets, and will offer a great chance to hear a variety of approaches to the art of poetry.

All of the readings will be interwoven with music from musicians and singers, many from the Thurles region, ranging across several genres, including indie pop, traditional, folk, classical and jazz.

Hugely popular jazz guitarist Hugh Buckley will feature. Classical soloists and string trios, and quartets also appear as well as a host of local musicians and singers.

Included amongst these will be Ed Dwan, Mary Rose McNally, Gina Oberoi-Engela, Michael McLoughlin, Eoin Ryan Anthony, Paul Byrne Jnr, Linda Ryan, Rickie Martin, Tom Lyons, James O’Meara Ryan, Pat O'Callaghan (sax), Daniel Byrne, Jim Ryan Anthony, Etaoin O’Meara, Daniel Troy, Francis Butler, Mick Byrne, Sorcha de Róiste and The Monks Trad Group.

Check out the program to discover the poets and musicians featuring in each show.

The weekend will also include a poetry workshop led by Enda Wyley aimed at Developing your Craft of Poetry Writing for emerging poets(email thurlescirclingthesquare @gmail.com to register an interest in taking part); a discussion on Dennis O’Driscoll - The Man, The Poet and his legacy, chaired by Declan O’Driscoll, and a guided walk through Thurles led by local historian Jimmy Duggan, visiting areas of the town referenced in poems by Dennis.

There is also a poetry and writing seminar for Leaving Cert students in Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed on Friday 20th presented by the amazing young poet Molly Twomey.

So, the organisers anticipate that many Thurles people, as well as lovers of the arts from all around the county and country will support and enjoy this festival.

Last year several attendees who admitted to not being regular poetry followers expressed their absolute enjoyment of the events, with the poetry being complemented wonderfully by fabulous music.

Bigger and better is the vision this year.

For more information on all events and for tickets for the three main shows - Friday 20 at 7.45pm, Saturday 21st at 2.45pm and Saturday 21st at 7.45pm.

Tickets available from The Source box office 0504 90204 or online -or on Facebook - Thurles Circling The Square. Also on Twitter (X) and Instagram.