The fabulous Castlecoote House and grounds will host the 2026 Percy French Festival next week, with the promise of beautiful weather conditions set to enhance the experience for attendees.
There are still some tickets left for people who would like to spend one or more days at the festival, which is now established as one of the cultural highlights of the year nationally.
The high profile speakers at this year’s festival – running from Wednesday, July 15th to Friday, July 17th – include would-be presidential candidate Maria Steen, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, and Olympic boxing silver medallist Kenneth Egan.
The three-day programme will feature lectures, discussions, recitals and garden openings, with contributors from the worlds of politics, media, sport, culture and public life.
Maria Steen will deliver the keynote address on Friday, July 17th. Last year, she came close to securing a Presidential election nomination, obtaining 18 of the required 20 Oireachtas signatures.
Ms Steen’s keynote address is entitled Unravelling the Other Golden Thread. She will also take part in a panel discussion alongside John McGuirk, James Bradshaw and another guest to be confirmed.
Olympic boxing silver medallist Kenneth Egan is another major name on the programme. Mr Egan, who won silver for Ireland at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will speak on Wednesday, July 15th on From the Podium to Despair, reflecting on his journey through elite sport, personal challenges, recovery and resilience.
Other speakers across the three days include Dr Mark Henry, Dr Gretta Mohan, Kevin Finnerty, James Bradshaw, Marie Louise O’Donnell, Sarah Ryan and John McGuirk.
The programme will also include afternoon recitals, with performances and presentations from Tommy McDermott, Michael Banahan, Paul McDonald and The Fuerty Ensemble, and Col Ceathair.
Tickets are available at percyfrench.ie, with student tickets priced at €20. Admission fee includes tea/coffee and cakes. See percyfrench.ie for more.
