Raftery Returns Arts Festival Kiltimagh County Mayo.

The voluntary-run Kiltimagh Tourism Association promotes and develops tourism in this rural area in Mayo, as well as organising a number of festivals. The Spot-lit supported Raftery Returns Arts Festival is set to take place in Kiltimagh, between 26th September and 3rd October, celebrating the life and work of Anthony Raftery, the last Irish Bard. Raftery was born in the area in 1779, we look forward to him returning to the town and being the inspiration for poetry, drama and music.

As the title ‘Raftery Returns’ suggests, the blind bard of Cill Aodain, Kiltimagh will symbolically return to his birthplace for the first time since his death in Killeeneen, County Galway in 1835. A group of cyclists will undertake the 100 kilometre journey and will be met and led through the town, in parade, by acclaimed actor and entertainer, Aindrias de Staic.

Included in the programme of events are creative writing and performance skills with children in the area, readings and workshops as well a literary tour through Cill Aodain and a programme to reach out to the visually impaired community.

”Spot-lit affords us the opportunity to deliver on our aims, to make Kiltimagh into a ‘Raftery’ town, put Cill Aodain on the literary map, nurture future generations of young writers and establish ourselves both national and internationally”  Raftery Returns Arts Festival.

The exact listing of events will be finalised in summer, but we already have a very exciting and interesting programme lined up!

Find Out More HERE.