A new creative venture ‘Power of Words Events’ has just been launched by Laois woman, Amanda Kelly.
The new venture will offer residential writing retreats, non-residential writing retreats, writing workshops, Open Mic opportunities and other creative experiences throughout the year, in the beautiful Heritage Town of Abbeyleix.
Over the past five years, Amanda has curated the very successful festival, celebrating words in all their forms – written, acted, spoken and sung.
“I am happy to be in a position to now offer a range of similar creative writing events and experiences throughout the year, in place of the annual festival weekend,” Amanda said.
“My first offering will be a Residential Writers’ Retreat which will take place on the weekend of August 30 to September 1 in the glorious Georgian house, ‘Preston House’, Abbeyleix.
“The weekend promises lots of time to write, rest and enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous house and the town and surrounds of Abbeyleix.”
The retreat will offer a wealth of enriching experiences throughout; with a writing workshop, two in-house musical performances and a poetry performance.
There will be a feedback session and guided tours of both the town and Abbeyleix Bog.
The weekend is all-inclusive weekend and limited to just 10 people, which will allow more time for individual attention on the Creative Writing workshop.
This will be facilitated by rising star of the poetry world, Ben MacCaoilte.
The Retreat includes the following:
- Continental breakfast each morning,
- Gourmet Hot Buffet dinner with wine each evening,
- Saturday lunch at Michelin recommended restaurant, Bramley,
- Pre-dinner drinks on Saturday evening in one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, Morrissey’s, (the first round of drinks is included!)
- A post-dinner opportunity to share your work with fellow guests,
- A guided tour of Abbeyleix – currently Ireland’s Tidiest Town,
- An early Sunday morning walk on Abbeyleix Bog,
- A ‘Parting Ceremony’ in Preston House Garden.
“I would love to welcome fellow writers and creatives to Abbeyleix for what should prove to be a very relaxing, enriching and inspiring weekend,” Amanda said.
“This will be the first of many such offerings, which I will be delighted to add to the creative and cultural offerings of our Lovely Laois.
“I hope everyone will make their way from near and far to join us in Abbeyleix at some stage along the way.”
All details of this retreat, including how to contact Amanda, can be found on the website.
Check out Facebook and Instagram – ‘Power of Words Events’ also, where you’ll also see highlights from previous festivals.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Abbeyleix Bog Project represents Laois at judging for the Pride of Place Awards
