The Power of Words Events is a Creative Retreats and Experiences venture returning to Laois this May.
It is the brain child of local creative, Amanda Kelly, will host a three-day reflective retreat from Monday, May 12, Wednesday, May 14, in the glorious surroundings of Preston House, Abbeyleix.
‘It Could Be Weeds on A Vacant Lot’ will explore the life and work of American poet, Mary Oliver and will be facilitated by renowned author, John MacKenna.
Participants will take a relaxed journey through the writings of one of the great spiritual nature writers of recent times.
Spaces are limited and are open to writers of all levels. Early booking is advisable.
The writing retreat offers both residential and non-residential options.
In addition to the daily writing sessions, residential participants will also enjoy all their daily meals, including a delicious hot gourmet buffet with wine each evening, post-dinner in-house musical performances.
There will be opportunities for each writer to share their work with other participants as part of a visit to Morrissey’s,where the first round of drinks is free.
There is also as a walking tour of the town – a recent winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Town and where some of the carpets for the ill-fated Titanic were manufactured.
A guided tour of Abbeyleix Boglands is always a highlight for ‘retreaters’ and is a perfect place for writers and artists to gain inspiration.
Ms Kelly founded and curated the popular ‘Power of Words Festival’ which was held in Abbeyleix each August from 2019 to 2023.
The festival included the unique annual ‘Living Poets Society Awards’ – an event where a ‘living’ Irish poet was celebrated each year.
The much recently deceased Dublin poet, Pat Ingoldsby, was the recipient of the inaugural award in 2019.
In subsequent years the award was presented to poets, Rita Ann Higgins, Maebh McGuckian and poet/singer/songwriter, John Spillane.
In 2024, Amanda decided to move away from the annual weekend festival and instead extend the creative offering to a year-round calendar of events, which include luxury writers’ retreats, writing workshops, open mic opportunities and other cultural and heritage experiences.
The Heritage Town of Abbeyleix, along with its historical buildings and design, provides the perfect location for the artistic offerings from the Power of Words, the town also boasts so much more.
A wealth of culinary riches with award-winning bakery ‘Mueller and O’Connell’ located on the Main Street, just steps away from Michelin Star Chef, Sam Moody’s excellent ‘Bramley’ restaurant is also on offer.
Abbeyleix is home also to the famous ‘G’s Gourmet Jams, and multi-award-winning chocolatiers, ‘Temptation Chocolates’.
In addition to the magnificent Preston House, Abbeyleix is blessed with the fabulous ‘Abbeyleix Manor Hotel’ on the edge of town, and the beautiful boutique accommodation ‘Blackhill Woods Retreat’.
A plethora of cosy restaurants and cafes, pubs, boutiques, gift, flower and antique shops, and an Irish Architecture Award-winning library located in the heart of the town, Abbeyleix is a ‘must visit’ location.
Abbeyleix is one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland. Built in the 18th century by Viscount De Vesci, some members of the De Vesci family continue to live in Abbeyleix, eight generations later.
“I couldn’t think of a better location than Abbeyleix for my business,” Ms Kelly said.
“It has all the ingredients needed to make a stay here, be it for an hour or a week, unforgettable. I look forward to welcoming many more visitors to the Power of Words events in this very special town.”
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