This year, government initiative Creative Ireland is highlighting some of the best projects, events, and initiatives that are bringing culture and the arts to the forefront in every Irish county and Co. Offaly is no different.
Since the time of the Leviathan of Parsonstown, once the largest telescope in the world and the first from which spiral galaxies were observed, Offaly has been at the forefront of creativity. There is an abundance of events on soon, as part of the Creative Ireland county initiatives and beyond, as well as many ongoing endeavors that ensure the continued wave of creativity from this Midlands county.
Pollinator Multidisciplinary Art Commission
In 2017, Offaly County Council is working in partnership with Laois County Council to invite artists of any discipline to respond with a project proposal to explore and bring pollination to the wider public through art as part of the Council’s response to the All Ireland Pollinator Programme 2015-20. This is based on the success of the Secrets in Offaly project which was developed by the Arts and Heritage offices under the Percent for Arts Scheme in 2015. Artist Karen Power exploring the wild places in Offaly recording the sound of bees and other pollinators.
National Ploughing Championships
Europe’s largest outdoor exhibition and agricultural trade show will happen September 19-21 at Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Vintage displays, pony games, test matches, plough classes, a funfair and more are in store.
Lough Boora Discovery Park
Image: Facebook/Lough Boora Park
Lough Boora Discovery Park has many elements. However, the core visitor area gravitates towards the large-scale sculptures which were inspired by nature and the harvesting of the peatlands. A partnership between Bord na Móna and Offaly County Council has facilitated the development of this unique attraction and it is hoped that investment in 2017 can be made to enhance this unique attraction in Offaly.
Offline Film Festival
Offaly’s premiere film festival, featuring works from local filmmakers and those across Ireland, including an excellent selection of shorts. October 11 - 15.
Castlepalooza
One of Ireland’s most beloved music and arts festivals brings your favorite bands to a magical wooded wonderland on the grounds of Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly This summer it ran August 4 - 6, and it will be back again for 2018.
Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
This creative festival in the lovely town of Birr every August features an opening parade, equestrian, craft market, children’s events, music and much more. Details to come for 2018.
Irish Game and Country Fair, August 26-27
The Irish Game and Country Fair Fine Food Festival is the national game fair of Ireland, staging a number of international competitions and displays, including clay pigeon shooting, archery, carriage driving, fly casting, dog shows, a Fine Food Festival with cookery demos by celebrity chefs, and a Living History Village. The 2017 festival took place Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 of August, in Birr Castle. Keep an eye out for details on 2018!
Check out County Offaly’s full culture and creativity program here.
Are there any upcoming cultural events in Co. Offaly you think people should know about? Let us know in the comment section.
