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Fri 31 July

BIRR GAA GOLF CLASSIC & PETER PARDY MEMORIAL CUP 2026 

Birr Golf Club | Early

You can reserve your slot by contacting Francie Horan at Birr Golf Club or on 087 2857282. Early booking is advised.​

BREAKFAST ART TALK WITH CAROL O’NEILL  

Witches in Art 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre 10.30am 

From the grotesque to the enchanting, witches have been inspiring artists for centuries.  

Join us for a spellbinding journey through art in this multimedia talk. From Goya's dark and haunting witch masterpieces to the bold reimagining of the witch narrative by the women surrealist artists.This talk celebrates a myriad of artists who dared to paint witchcraft, power & rebellion. There may even be chocolate & pastries.  

There will be magic.   

€10 + booking fee 

YOGA WORKSHOP & CACAO CIRCLE 

Align Health Store Main Street 

Call/text Seberina 087 9123 478 

VINTAGE WEEK CRAFTY FRIDAY

(AGES 6+)  

Birr Library 

Friday 31 July | 3.30pm – 4.30pm (Booking essential) 

Get hands-on and creative as we make our very own vintage cameras! Inspired by Mary, Countess of Rosse—who established a pioneering darkroom in Birr Castle—children will design and build their own camera to take home.  

Call (057) 912 4950 

DANCING AT THE COTTAGES  

Burkes Hill /7pm  

Hosted by Birr Tidy Towns. 

Traditional music and dancing, plus other family-friendly fun events. BBQ and refreshments available. 

VISUAL ARTS TRAIL LAUNCH   

The Old Cinema / 7.30pm 

Join us for the Official Launch of the Visual Arts Trail with Offaly Arts Officer Maeve Mulrennan 

The launch will take place in the festival’s main arts venue, The Old Cinema, where audiences can gather to celebrate the opening of this year’s programme. During the evening, curator Owen de Forge will announce the winner of the 2027 Solo Show Award. 

LUKE THOMAS AND THE SWING CATS  

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre / 8pm 

After last year's amazing Show, LUKE THOMAS is bringing THE SWING CATS back to Birr for a brand new show : The KINGS OF SWING (ROCK SWINGS EDITION)!!!! Luke Thomas's new show will feature your favourite timeless SWING songs as well as Swing & Big Band arrangements of classic rock songs from the likes of Thin Lizzy, Oasis, Queen, The Beatles. 

Hear SWING versions of Wonderwall, The Boys Are Back In Town alongside timeless classics like Sing Sing Sing, Puttin' On The Ritz, Mack The Knife to Crooning classics like Mr. Bojangles, Fly Me To The Moon, New York plus many more performed by THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS - Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats!! Just ask your friends who saw them last year, this is an absolute must for all SWING music fans. 

As seen on The Late Late Show, Ireland Am, The Today Show, The Six O'Clock Show and every major radio station in the country... With two #1 Albums, 3 Tv Concert Specials, 9 personally requested performances for President Higgins and countless sell-out tours you can’t afford to miss this show.  

Tickets €28 (+Booking Fees) 

Super Saturday

FOOD & CRAFT MARKET 

Green Street /11am-5pm 

Ramble through stalls featuring sumptuous food, craft demonstrations. With walk about entertainers, children’s traditional games, face painters and the much loved Town Crier to keep you entertained. Special thanks to Pro Spray Foam Insulations for sponsoring the stage and Mrs Gleeson (Green Street). 

MICK EGAN BUSKING COMPETITION 

Green Street / Main Street / 2 - 4pm 

From emerging talent to seasoned street performers, the Busking Competition celebrates live performance on the streets of Birr. 

Register at Green Street stage 

Buskers on Green Street Stage 4pm  

Francie Horan at Birr Golf Club or on 087 2857282. 

VINTAGE CUP BIRR GOLF CLUB 

Birr Golf Club Sponsored by Millennium Promotions. 18-Hole Open Stableford Competition. Open to Ladies and Gents. Category prizes with Vintage attire encouraged.  

€10 for members 

€25 for visitors.  

To book: info@birrgolfclub.ie or call 057 91 20082 

YOGA WITH THE BUDDHA LOUNGE 

20 min mini Thai massage and chair massage.  

Booking essential Complementary wellness talks and mini workshops throughout the day on movement, Breath and protecting and caring for your own wellbeing in a mindful way. Definitely a highlight for all the family. 

DISTILLATION 

John’s Hall 12pm, 3pm, 6pm 

Luke CasserlyA performative journey which takes you to the Irish bog landscape through scent.  

Distillation is a response to the recent cessation of the peat harvesting industry in Ireland. Over the past year, Luke Casserly has collaborated with renowned perfume maker Joan Woods to create a unique distillation of the Midlands bog - the place where he grew up - as the starting point for an olfactory encounter which looks at our human relationship to place. Dedicated to the future of our broken landscapes – in the hope that by listening to them, we might be able to better understand them.Distillation is a multi-sensory performance featuring text, perfume, video and sculpture.  

The audience are seated around a large custom-made table and are gently invited to hold organic materials and smell parts of the landscape as part of the experience.“A thought-provoking show that stays in the mind long after, like the sweet woody smell of the bog perfume that lingers on the wrist.” - Irish Independent ***** 

Age suitability 12+ 

Tickets €18 + booking fee 

BIRR RUGBY CLUB FAMILY FUN DAY 

 Birr Rugby Club will be hosting its wonderful Family Day again in 2026. The day will feature a whole host of family friendly events including 

Children’s Tag Rugby 11amAdults’ Tag Rugby Tournament 12.30 - 3.30pm Children’s games(FREE)  

1 - 5.30pm BBQ and refreshments available all day!  

For any inquiries about the day or to enter a team in the Adult’s Tag Tournament,  

please contact: info@birrrugby.ie 

THE GREAT RUCKIN DUCK RACE  

Camcor River Path / 6pm  

Birr RFC and Birr Vintage Week are excited to announce the return of the Great Ruckin Duck Race!  

Up to 1500 ducks will compete in this thrilling race on the Camcor River to crown 'the greatest ruckin duck around.' 

Tickets are just €5 per duck, with fantastic prizes for the winners, including International tickets and €500 cash!Sponsored by Yates Steel 

MILK & MOTHERHOOD 

Methodist Church, Emmet Street 11am-5pm 

A photography exhibition by: Alex Lazorento in conjunction with CuidiuOfflaly.  

Cuidiu is a national voluntary organisation whose volunteers and breastfeeding counsellors provide evidence-based information to mothers. 

REPUBLIC OF SILENCE 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre /8pm   

Production from a young London-based Irish company following acclaimed performances at the Peckham Fringe Festival and Riverside Studios, Hammersmith.Based on true stories from the Sean Ross Mother and Baby Institution in Tipperary, Republic of Silence moves between past and present in a sensitive, humorous and deeply heartbreaking exploration of Ireland’s hidden history.This hard-hitting play draws on real-life events that shook both Ireland and the Catholic Church when the truth of what took place within the walls of Sean Ross Abbey was finally exposed.Performed by Oísin Nolan, Jack O’Shaughnessy, Áine McNamara and Eanna FergusonAudience members affected by the themes explored in this performance are encouraged to consult the Republic of Silence Care Pack available on the website. A brave, moving and necessary production. Bravo to the cast and crew – this is theatre that deserves to be seen – London Theatre 1***** 

Age suitability 14+ 

€15 +booking fee 

Vintage Sunday

VINTAGE CUP  

Birr Golf Club 

All Day  

Francie Horan at Birr Golf Club or on 087 2857282. 

FESTIVAL MASS 

St Brendan’s RC Church / 12pm 

A special blessing to celebrate the community’s activities during the Festival, with choirs of the Parish. All welcome. 

VINTAGE SUNDAY PARADE 

3pm 

Join us for one of Birr Vintage Week’s most beloved traditions! The spectacular Vintage Parade brings the town to life with a dazzling display of vintage cars, marching bands, colourful floats and plenty of festival flair. This year, look out for an exciting collection of incredible bicycles and community barrows, and better yet, get involved yourself. Whether you're taking part or cheering from the sidelines, it's a celebration of community and vintage spirit not to be missed. Visit birrvintageweek.com to book your place. STRICTLY NO HAWKERS. 

An accessible area and accessible parking will be available again this year.  

Please see birrvintageweek.com for how to book your place. 

AFTER PARADE ENTERTAINMENT 

The fun continues throughout the afternoon with a fantastic range of interactive walkabout performers, including performing fairies, Cantonela the Magical Clown, The Irish Dandy and Hoopixie, all ready to entertain audiences of all ages, with music from the fantastic Blasta Brass. 

THE BIG BIRR STREET FEST Music, walk-about performers. 

Be entertained by Hoopxie, the Irish Dandy, Cantonela the Acrobatic Clown and fairy performers along with the fabulous Blasta Brass BandNow and Then Aerial Show at the bottom of Green Street.There’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy after the Parade, so be sure to stay and soak up the atmosphere! Now and Then tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Pookie (Lidija Šola) and Nancy (Noelle Ní Riagáin). Featuring an impressive 8-metre freestanding aerial rig, this spectacular show combines slapstick comedy, aerial acrobatics and a heartwarming story about connection in a digital world. 

VINTAGE COSTUME COMPETITIONS 

After the Parade Emmet Square Children, Vintage Babies, Ann’s Best Dressed Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Mon 3 August

HIBERNIAN ANTIQUES FAIR  

County Arms Hotel /11am - 6pm 

Admission: Adults €3.50 (including raffle) Children are most welcome, FREE of charge. 

INSECTS AT TIN JUG STUDIO

Pop in workshop with Bernie Stapleton for adults and families.  

Step through the little gate into thecourtyard garden.  

If there’s a seat at the table make one or more pretty flying creatures.  

€5 per insect made 

SLACK ROPE AT THE HERONRY  

Birr Castle /11am 

Grá mo chroí 

Did you know we have one of the oldest heronries in Ireland in the Castle Demense? Feel inspired to focus and halt like the herons in this musical slack rope creation.Meet at reception to walk to the heronry. 

BIRR GARDEN TRAIL  

Starting from Emmet Square / 2pm 

The Birr Garden Trail returns with a new route and new gardens - big and small, wild and neat, edible and scented - all across town and beyond! Starting from the square at 2pm, please don’t be late.  

FREE but booking is essential. 

THE YARN GARDEN 

Oxmantown NS / 2pm  

Join us in the beautiful outdoor classroom for a riot of colour, creativity and community spirit!  

Help transform the railings with weaving, crochet, and wrapping using wool and reclaimed fabrics as we create a vibrant guerrilla yarn installation bursting with texture and imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to add their own splash of colour, and don’t miss the spectacular child-sized yarn-bombed bed at the heart of the display! 

OUT OF THE BLUE 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre/ 2.30pm 

Children’s Show Fresh from Turin, Out of the Blue is a wonderfully interactive sudsy circus show from leading Italian female clown Fra Martó.   

With plenty of fun and frolics, sheet-folding shenanigans and a misbehaving washing machine – laundry day has never been so full of bubbles and laughter. This is physical comedy at its finest – a joyful celebration of chaos, chores, and letting go. 

Family rates available. 

LAUGHTER WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS 

The Old Cinema / 7pm 

Join acclaimed circus performer Fra Martó for a joyful adult laughter workshop designed to lift 

spirits, release tension and reconnect participants with the simple pleasure of play. Drawing on her 

extensive experience in circus arts and performance, Fra creates a welcoming and energetic 

space where laughter becomes a tool for wellbeing, connection and fun. No experience 

required—just a willingness to let go and laugh. 

€10+booking fee 

CAR TREASURE HUNT 

Starts at Dooly’s / 6pm  

Birr District & Motor Club presents the much loved evening for all the family, finding and solving clues.  

Register on the day from 5.15pm.  

€15. 

LATE NIGHT ART WALK 

Starting at the Old Cinema // 8.30pm 

The Late Night Art Walk is an experience not to be missed! 

More than just a stroll through the exhibits, this unique nighttime adventure transforms the Arts Trail into a world of surprise, spectacle and discovery. Expect pop-up performances, interactive moments and unexpected encounters  as artists and performers bring the trail to life after dark. 

Specially illuminated sculptures and installations will create a magical atmosphere, offering a completely new way to experience the artwork. With different pop-ups and performances featured,  each walk will be different. 

Tues 4 August

EARLY YEARS WORKSHOP 

The King of Many Cloaks & CrownsJoanna Parkes 

Oxmantown NS 10am, 11.15am, 12.30am 

€5/child + booking fee 

BUDDHA LOUNGE EVENT

10am-11am good morning yoga flow with Antoinette.  

Enjoy a flow yoga class of breath movement and Mindfulness 

BIRR GAA VINTAGE WEEK SUMMER CAMP 

Grant Heating St. Brendan’s Park | 10am -1pm 

Junior infants. For booking information please visit Birr GAA social media. 

THE RAMBLING HOUSE PROJECT 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre /11.30 

THE YARN GARDEN 

Oxmantown NS / 2pm 

Join us in the beautiful outdoor classroom for a riot of colour, creativity and community spirit! Help transform the railings with weaving, crochet, and wrapping using wool and reclaimed fabrics  as we create a vibrant guerrilla yarn installation bursting with texture and imagination. 

Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to add their own splash of colour, and don’t miss the spectacular child-sized yarn-bombed bed at the heart of the display! 

SEEN & SAFE 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre / 2.30pm 

A photography project showcase exploring refuge and identity among Ukrainian women living in Birr, connecting their experiences to The Law of the Innocents, enacted in Birr in 697 AD as an early legal protection for women, children and non-combatants.  

Through smartphone photography, participants weave a  tapestry of images that together tell the story of being "Seen & Safe", where their phones are witnesses to their new lives. A digital version of the project will be on exhibition in St Brendan’s Hall throughout the festival. Supported by Offaly County Council through the Creative Ireland Community Grant Programme 2026–2027 

HIBERNIAN ANTIQUES FAIR  

County Arms Hotel /11am - 6pm 

Admission: Adults €3.50 (including raffle)  

Children are most welcome, FREE of charge. 

FANZINI SPAILP 

Market Square /2:30-3:30pm, 4:30-5:30pm 

Children’s Show booking essential 

Spailp is a brief but glorious experience of your life's most exquisite moments inside a beautiful bespoke venue. "Spailp" is a non-verbal show for 5 minutes for 5 people at a time. Inside the theatre tent, the audience is brought through five worlds on a theatrical journey, sharing moments of joy, silliness and play. 

Free but booking required 

CHILDREN’S PAVEMENT ART 

St Brendan’s Boys School,  

Moorepark Street / 3.30pm  

A beloved festival tradition for kids! Children must be with an adult. Wet weather alternative in the Marian Hall 

DRAG QUEEN BINGO 

The Chestnut / 4 /8pm 

Tickets: €20 

Hosted by one of Ireland’s top drag queens, Drag Queen Bingo is a hilarious, high-energy night of comedy, cabaret and audience participation. Blending live performance with outrageous bingo fun, the this feel good event celebrates inclusivity, community and the vibrant spirit of Ireland’s drag culture.Expect big laughs, great prizes, plenty of sparkle and an unforgettable night of entertainment.  

€20 + booking fee 

CONNAUGHT STREET CAPERS 

Connaught Street 7pm  

The ever-popular Tug o’ War, where local sports clubs go head-to-head in a test of strength, teamwork and determination. Expect plenty of friendly rivalry, great entertainment and lots of laughs as teams battle it out for bragging rights. A fun-filled evening for participants and spectators of all ages. 

Super Saturday
Vintage Sunday
Mon 3 August
Tues 4 August
Wed 5 August

Wed 5 August

BIRR GAA VINTAGE WEEK SUMMER CAMP 

Grant Heating St. Brendan’s Park / 10am - 1pm 

Junior infants.  

For booking information please visit Birr GAA social media. 

SLACK ROPE WORKSHOP 

Mill Island Park/ 11am 

Discover the art of balance, focus, and movement in this introductory slack rope workshop. Suitable for all skill levels. Please wear thick socks. 

SENSORY TRASURE HUNT 

Scout Hut beside Marian Hall/ 11am  

Suitable for under 5’s and children with additional needs.  

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

YOGANESS IRELAND 

 Wed 5 Aug | The Space Above | 10am  

Tickets €10 from yoganessireland.ie  

Chair Yoga: Gentle introduction to chair yoga, 1 hour class, suitable for adults of all ages (Please note: the class takes place upstairs so you will need to be able to navigate steps) 

Wed 5 Aug | The Space Above | 11.30am €5 tickets from yoganessireland.ie Yoga Flow: Gentle Hatha Flow Yoga class for adults. No prior yoga experience needed. 

CONNECT CAFÉ 

Memory Lane Connect Cafés are welcoming community gatherings that bring people together to connect, start conversations, and strengthen our connections with ourselves, each other, and our communities. Take a moment for you and join staff of Offaly Local Development Company and Mental Health Ireland for a cuppa and a chat in a relaxed and friendly space. Whether you'd like to meet new people, share a conversation, or simply enjoy some company, everyone is welcome. Come along, connect, and take a gentle step towards wellbeing.  

Free event. All welcome.  

For more information, contact Louise on 087 692 5276. 

THE YARN GARDEN  

Oxmantown NS Outdoor Classroom.  

Mon 3, Tues 4, Wed 5/ 2pm 

Join us in the beautiful outdoor classroom for a riot of colour, creativity and community spirit! Help transform the railings with weaving, crochet, and wrapping using wool and reclaimed fabrics  as we create a vibrant guerrilla yarn installation bursting with texture and imagination.Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to add their own splash of colour, and don’t miss the spectacular child-sized yarn-bombed bed at the heart of the display! 

OFFALY’S LONGEST VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEA TABLE 

COUNTY ARMS HOTEL 

Timeless tea, charming company & elegant heritage, all down the iconic County Arms driveway in aid of Offaly Hospice on Wednesday,   

Vintage Afternoon TeaBottomless Prosecco & MimosasFor only €49 per person 

Let's raise a glass to community, elegance & summer joy! 

Visit Hotel Reception or call 057 912 0791 to book. 

INSECTS AT TIN JUG STUDIO 

Pop in workshop with Bernie Stapleton for adults and families. Step through the little gate into the courtyard garden.  

If there’s a seat at the table make one or more pretty flying creatures.  

€5 perinsect made 

TABELTOP MUSEUMS 

Calling all treasure hunters, memory keepers and collectors of all things quirky! To celebrate 

Vintage Week, Birr Library is hosting a Table Top Museum on  

Wednesday, 5th August from 18.00 - 19.30.  

Whether you have fancy paper from the 1980’s, biscuit tins from the 1970’s or a lifetime of 

fridge magnets, we believe that every collection has a story and we want to hear yours! 

If you would like to take part in our Table Top Museum and are free on  

Wednesday, 5th August from 18.00 - 19.30,  

please contact birrlibrary@offalycoco.ie 

and tell us about your collection.  

Children are welcome to take part but must be accompanied by an adult 

Birr Library . 057 912 4950 

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC 

Birr Library / 11am-11.30am  

Booking Essential 

Bring your favourite cuddly companion along for a magical morning of stories, songs and rhymes. A warm and welcoming session for children—and their very special “plus-ones”! . (057) 912 4950 

VINTAGE WEEK SWIM GALA 

Birr Leisure Centre / 1.30-3.30pm 

Join us for our annual Vintage Week Swim Gala, a fun-filled event where young swimmers showcase their skills and enjoy a fantastic day in the water! FREE Swim Join us for an 1 hour FREE swim to all customers. Take a break from all the excitement that is going on during the week-long festival, held after our Swim Gala. 

BED AMONG THE LENTILS - ROSE HENDERSON  

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre /2.30pm/7pm 

Written by Alan Bennett / Performed by Rose Henderson 

The Vicar, His Wife & The Grocer. Winter rolls into summer and Susan catches a glimpse of life as it should be. Parish life will never be the same again. Oscar nominee, Tony and Bafta winner Alan Bennett weaves a tale of three people and a congregation of the Vicar's "fans" edged with jealousy, lust, redemption and a grocer with "lovely teeth"!RoseHenderson is "Susan" who on a winter evening stumbles across "life" and a glimpse of reality. 

€18 (plus booking fee) 

CHILDREN’S TREASURE HUNT 

Scout Hut beside Marian Hall /3pm  

A festival favourite! Gather your team and uncover the hidden secrets of Birr in this fun-filled challenge. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.  

Hi-viz jackets recommended.  

Prizes awarded based on timing and correct answers! 

BOOK LAUNCH 

Dooly’s Hotel / 7pm 

Birr Historical Society cordially invite you to the official launch of the 200th Anniversary reprint of Thomas Lalor Cooke's book 'A Picture of Parsonstown'    

This book will be officially launched by noted local historian Margaret Hogan.  

All welcome. 

LATE NIGHT ART WALK 

Starting at the Old Cinema/ 8.30pm 

The Late Night Art Walk is an experience not to be missed!More than just a stroll through the exhibits, this unique nighttime adventure transforms the Arts Trail into a world of surprise, spectacle and discovery.  

Expect pop-up performances, interactive moments and unexpected encounters  as artists and performers bring the trail to life after dark.Specially illuminated sculptures and installations will create a magical atmosphere, offering a completely new way to experience the artwork. With different pop-ups and performances featured,  each walk will be different. 

BEST OF BROADWAY

The Chestnut | 8pm |  

Lauren Murphy & Friends 

A cabaret- style showcase of some of Broadway’s most beloved songs, sung by Lauran Murphy and some of the Midlands’ most talented performers! 

 PATRICK RAFTER violin, DIDA CONDRIA piano  

BIRR CASTLE HISTORIC MUSIC SALON  

Thursday 6th August 3.00pm 

The acclaimed virtuosic violinist Patrick Rafter is joined by brilliant young Irish/Romanian pianist Dida Condria to perform a thrilling programme which includes works by Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Kreisler, Elgar, Saint Saens and more. Also featuring Vaughan-Williams spell-binding The Lark Ascending, with Birr Castle’s Music Salon providing a beautiful setting for an unforgettable experience.  

Tickets €32 (pre-booking only, numbers limited) 

Thurs 6 August

Thurs 6 August

BIRR GAA VINTAGE WEEK SUMMER CAMP  

Grant Heating St. Brendan’s Park / 10am - 1pm 

Junior infants.  

For booking information please visit Birr GAA social media. 

CHILDREN’S  PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP 

Old Cinema 11am 

Get creative and explore the world of printmaking with Carolan Duff! Participants will learn basic printmaking techniques using beginner friendly and accessible materials. All tools and materials are provided, and you are welcome to bring home your creations! 

Age 10+ €5 +booking fee 

Ceardlann Spraíúil do Dhaoine Óga 

Gaelscoil na Laochra  2pm 

Age Group 6 - 12 Ceardlann do dhaoine óga sa scoil nua álainn imBiorra! 

CASTLE BRUNCH

Kinnitty Castle Hotel | 12-3pm 

Tea and coffee, freshly baked scones and pastries. Selection of fresh fruit sweet treat.One Mimosa per person.  

€40 per person.A booking guarantee will be required.  

Kinnitty Castle.com  +353 (0)57 9137318 

MICK CREAGH - C’MERE ‘TILL I TELL YOU A GOOD ONE 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre / 2.30pm  

An old-style storyteller with one eye on the past and the other firmly on the present, Mick Creagh brings his audience along for the ride – and he loves to get everyone involved. So clear your throats and be ready for an afternoon of storytelling and craic! 

Tickets €15 +booking fee 

BELINDA – A COSTUMED READING 

Birr Library / 2.30pm 

Celebrate the life and legacy of Maria Edgeworth, pioneering novelist, educationalist and early children’s author, recognised by many as the  “Mother of the Novel.” Marking the 225th anniversary of Belinda, members of the Maria Edgeworth Centre present a lively costumed performance featuring scenes from the novel that was an inspiration for Jane Austen, who referenced it in Northanger Abbey. 

FREE 

Patrick Rafter violin Dida Condria piano 

Birr Castle Historic Music Salon | 3pm | 

The acclaimed virtuosic violinist Patrick Rafter is joined by brilliant young Irish/Romanian pianist Dida Condria to perform a thrilling programme which includes works by Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Kreisler, Elgar, Saint Saens and more. Also featuring Vaughan-Williams spell-binding The Lark Ascending, with Birr Castle’s Music Salon providing a beautiful setting for an unforgettable experience.  

Tickets €32(pre-booking only, numbers limited) 

THE SONG CYCLE 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre /7pm 

In 2022, musician and filmmaker Nick Kelly and his friend and ‘Dogs’ collaborator Sean Millar decided to make the trip from Ireland to the Glastonbury Festival - Nick cycling the whole way from Dublin, while Sean was on public transport. Nick’s documentary about the journey proves a celebration of sustainability in its many forms - environmental, culturaland personal. 

Presented by OFFline Film Festival 

Tickets €10 + booking fees 

Fireworks Night & Gig Rig

Birr Rugby Club | 7.30pm

Join us for a fun-filled evening the whole family will love!

The Kids’ Zone opens at 7.30pm with games and entertainment for all ages . Keep an eye out for the giant heron puppet, Long Legged Sheila, roaming throughout the

evening and you can’t miss the incredible SK Parkour Demonstration.

At 8.30pm, Rock of Ages will take to the stage with a high-energy performance

guaranteed to get you moving. Enjoy delicious BBQ and refreshments throughout the night before the spectacular Celtic Flame Fire Show lights up the skies as darkness falls.

Then, round off the evening with a breathtaking Fireworks Finale at 10.10pm.

Free admission, with a bucket collection by Birr Lions Club

(€5 recommended donation).

Fri 7 August

Fri 7 August

SOCIAL WALK 

Birr Castle Demesne 11am 

Join some of the Offaly Local Development Team for a social walk around the stunning grounds of Birr Castle Demesne. Fresh air, friendly faces and good company, all followed by a cup of tea. What more could you ask for?!  

All welcome.  

Booking essential, by contacting Declan on 087 699 1226, or Stephanie on 086 833 6873. 

YOGA WITH THE BUDDHA LOUNGE

10am-11am Chair yoga and Mindfulness  

7pm -9pm workshop yinyoga and Breathwork Location TBC  

see @Buddha_lounge.ie0871378492 for booking 

BE A PASSING ARTIST 

Tin Jug Studio /11am-1pm 

VINTAGE SALE & WELL-BEING VIBES 

Adomnan Lodge,Rosse Row 12pm-5pm 

Open house vintage sale with a variety of pop up stalls. 

DWELL IN LOVE

10am-11.30am 

Adomnan Lodge,Yoga, qigong, meditation and temple massage with essential oilsWith Deborah Doherty & Nella May Parsons  

€15 

call Debs: 0851047030 

VINTAGE WEEK AWARDS CEREMONY 

Birr Library / 2pm  

Celebrate the achievements of this wonderful community. 

LUNCHTIME CONCERT CHARLES MARSHAL & FRIENDS 

St Brendan’s Church of Ireland /  1.05pm 

Thomas Charles Marshall OrganAdele O’Dwyer CelloThe programme for this delightful lunchtime recital features a selection of Romantic works for organ solo and cello and organ duo, ranging from Mendelssohn to Saint-Saëns and Reynaldo Hahn Presented by Birr Festival of Music Tickets  

€15 .Children free. 

SLACK ROPE 

Emmet Square/ 2pm 

DOna NObis PAcem `Grant us Peace` here in Emmet Square.Find Serenity in stark contrast to the ever by flowing trafficexperiencing this time slowing down slack rope performance. 

VINTAGE WEEK CRAFTY FRIDAY (AGES 6+) 

Birr Library / 3.30pm – 4.30pm  

Booking essential (057) 912 4950 

Step back in time and create your own vintage paper dolls! Design and dress your characters in elegant fashions inspired by the drawing rooms of Birr Castle and its surroundings. 

VINTAGE TENNIS WOODEN RACKET TOURNAMENT   

Wilmer Tennis ClubFriday 7th August 7pm  

Novelty Mixed Doubles & Wooden Racket Tournament (Wooden rackets provided)  

Prizes for Best Dressed on the Night €20 per pairVintage dress & traditional whites encouraged! 

Lughnasa Sacred Circle with Hazel Dervan 

Align Health Store, Main Street 7-9pm  

Join Hazel Dervan of Hazel Rose Holistic Therapies for an evening honouring Lughnasa, the ancient Celtic festival of gratitude, harvest and abundance. Through Celtic mythology, guided meditation, shamanic journeying, ritual and reflection, reconnect with yourself, the wisdom of the land and the spirit of community. 

Exchange: €30 

Advance booking recommended. Spaces are limited.  

call/text Seberina: 087 9123 478 

THE MUDDY RIVER BAND 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre | Fri 7 Aug | 8pm  

 

The Muddies are back! Step back in time and experience the magic of three of music’s greatest legends; Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, performed by the fantastic Muddy River Band.  

 

This talented group of musicians bring to life the unforgettable melodies, poignant lyrics and electrifying performances that have echoed through the lives of generations of music lovers. Join the Band for an unforgettable night of music that transcends time, bringing together fans of all ages to celebrate the enduring legacies of these true music icons.  

 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these legends for the first time, this show will leave you inspired and longing for more.  

 

Tickets €25 + booking fee. 

PLEIN AIR WITH GRAHAME BOOTH 

Discover the art of plein air watercolour painting in a one-day outdoor workshop led by renowned artist Grahame Booth. 

This course is suitable for anyone that paints regularly and is comfortable with the basics of watercolour painting but really wants to tackle the tricky practice of plein air painting.  
Attendees will need to bring their own materials on the day (i.e. paints, easel, paper, etc.) 
Price: €60 including booking fees 

Sat 8 August

Sat 8 August

LUGHNASA YOGA WORKSHOP & CACAO CIRCLE 

Birr Castle Pavilion / 9.30am  

call/text Seberina: 087 9123 478 

VINTAGE SALE & WELL-BEING VIBES 

Adomnan Lodge, Rosse, Row, Birr 12pm-5pm 

Join us for two special days during Birr Vintage Week at the beautiful Adomnan Lodge. Browse a small collection of vintage glassware, crockery, paintings, toys, books, Indian blankets, bags, bowls and baskets - all in the most charming surroundings.  

Each morning begins with a nourishing well-being session in the beautiful Georgian lodge house before Bia LaTinaarrives with her famous Colombian empanadas and patacones. 

IMMERSIVE CHAKRA DANCE FLOW & SOUND BATH 

With Deborah Doherty & Marie, Emerald  

Soundhz 9am-11:30am - €30 50% discount on Bia LaTina’s food for all well-being participants. 

To book well-being sessions, call Debs: 0851047030 

BIRR FESTIVAL OF HURLING 

St Brendan’s Park GAA / 10am - 1pm 

A Day of Hurling Action! Featuring future stars from Birr and talented teams from neighbouring counties Galway and Tipperary. Come out and support the next generation of hurling talent while honouring three great local legends. Plenty of excitement, skill and community spirit guaranteed! 

LEINSTER REGIMENT  

Birr Civic Offices /10.30am  

Leinster Regiment AGM 

Lecture 11.30 am Birr Railway Station by local historian Jimmy Short 

Wreath laying service 1pm at the monument in Crinkle 

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Birr, 

Co. Offaly,

Ireland

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