Gather, Listen and Connect at Cuardíocht: An Evening of Story, Poetry and Conversation

Culture is about connection, shared experiences and finding meaning through stories, creativity and community. This October, we are delighted to highlight a unique event that embodies these values.

An Evening with Paddy Doyle

As part of Mental Health Week, poet and storyteller Paddy Doyle invites audiences to experience Cuardíocht, a traditional Irish practice of gathering together to share stories, poetry and conversation.

Drawing on poems and true stories from his own life, Paddy explores themes that touch many of us at different stages of life: grief, anxiety, depression, belonging, healing and hope. Through honest storytelling and thoughtful reflection, he creates a space where people can connect with the universal experiences that shape us all.

What is Cuardíocht?

Traditionally, Cuardíocht was a way of gathering in community, sitting together in a circle to listen, learn and share experiences. In a busy and often disconnected world, this practice feels more relevant than ever.

Throughout the evening, audience members will be warmly invited to take part in a gentle and open-hearted conversation. There is no expectation to contribute. Participants can choose to share their thoughts and experiences or simply enjoy listening to others.

The focus is on creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Why This Matters

Stories have always played an important role in Irish culture. They help us understand ourselves, connect with others and make sense of life's challenges and joys.

For Cultural Companions members, events like this can be particularly valuable. They provide an opportunity to:

• Meet new people in a relaxed setting.
• Enjoy poetry and storytelling.
• Reflect on themes that connect us all.
• Experience a sense of community and belonging.
• Engage with local cultural events alongside others.

Event Details

Venue: Cox's Hall Dunmanway

Doors Open: 6.30pm Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Refreshments: Tea and coffee available after the show

Join Us

Whether you are a regular attendee of cultural events or someone looking to try something new, this promises to be a thoughtful and engaging evening.

Discover Wellbeing, Connection and Creativity at the West Cork Feel Good Festival

 

Discover Wellbeing, Connection and Creativity at the West Cork Feel Good Festival in Bantry

This October, Bantry will play host to a wonderful programme of events as part of the West Cork Feel Good Festival, offering opportunities to nurture wellbeing, connect with others, explore creativity and celebrate community. Cultural Companions participants and volunteers are warmly encouraged to take a look at the diverse range of activities taking place throughout the month.

Whether you're interested in music, mindfulness, nature, movement or meaningful conversation, there is something for everyone.

Begin with a Breath

The festival opens with opportunities to slow down and reconnect. On 8 October, Natasha will present a free talk at Bantry Library on Using Your Breath to Create a Pathway to Inner Peace, Calm and Clarity. Participants will learn how mindful breathing can support relaxation, focus and emotional wellbeing.

For those wishing to continue the journey, a Breathwork Taster Class takes place on 27 October at Bridge Street Community Café, offering practical breathing techniques to help reduce stress and promote calm.

Stepping Lightly into Winter

As the evenings grow longer, Stepping Lightly into the Long Winter Nights through Self Nurturing on 10 October at Bridge Street Café offers a gentle and restorative experience. Through guided meditation, poetry and body prayer, participants can uplift mind, body and spirit in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Move, Stretch and Reconnect

Movement plays an important role in wellbeing, and several festival events focus on gentle, accessible ways to stay active.

• Forest Bathing, taking place in Glengarriff Nature Reserve on 4 October, invites participants to immerse themselves mindfully in nature and experience the calming effects of the forest.
• The Unity Class on 5 October at Bridge Street Community Café combines body meditation, conscious breathing and movement to help participants reconnect with themselves and find inner calm.
• Chair Yoga for Wellbeing on 14 October at the Westlodge Hotel offers gentle, accessible yoga suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Explore Wellbeing Through the Senses

On 15 October, Aromatherapy for Wellbeing at Bridge Street Community Café explores how essential oils can support mood, help manage stress and contribute to everyday wellbeing.

Music, Creativity and Community

Music has a unique power to bring people together, and several events celebrate connection through shared musical experiences.

The Open Door Music Session on 16 October at Bridge Street Community Café, led by Trace Irwine, welcomes people to share, listen and connect through music in an inclusive and supportive setting.

A festival highlight will be A Celebration of Bantry's Choirs on 30 October at St. Brendan's Church. This candlelit concert will feature performances from Bantry Community Choir, Bantry Folk Choir and Bantry Gospel Choir. Admission is free with donations welcome, making it an accessible evening of music and community spirit.

Supporting Dementia Awareness

On 20 October, Meet the Makers & Dementia Information Session at Bridge Street Community Café will showcase the creative achievements of participants involved in the Mind and Motion creative arts project. The event also offers valuable information and awareness around dementia, making it an important opportunity for learning, understanding and community support.

A Different Kind of Conversation

One of the more intriguing events on the programme is Motorcycle Maintenance – An Alternative Discussion-Based Approach on 22 October. Inspired by real-life experiences and the well-known book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, this thought-provoking session uses motorcycle maintenance as a starting point for wider conversations about life, learning and personal growth. As the organisers note, it's "not necessarily about motorbikes!"

Join the Festival

The West Cork Feel Good Festival demonstrates the wealth of opportunities available locally to support wellbeing, creativity and social connection. Many of these events are affordable or free and provide welcoming spaces where people can meet others, learn new skills and enjoy shared experiences.

At Cultural Companions, we know how important connection and participation are for wellbeing. We encourage our members, volunteers and the wider community to explore the festival programme and consider attending one or more of these inspiring events.

For full programme of events in West Cork and booking information, visit the West Cork Feel Good Festival website.

https://westcorkfeelgoodfestival.ie/

Be Active Be Well Programme in Kilworth

 Our next Be Active Be Well programme is starting the end of October in Kilworth Community Hall.

 

The ‘Be Active Be Well’ programme is about helping inactive people to make positive physical activity changes. It is not an exercise class!! We do some light movements and focus our attention on setting our own personal goals and how to go about achieving them – this programme is open to all adults and completely free of charge for participants.

 

The programme explores participants motivation to change and looks at why becoming more physically active is important for us.

The programme is facilitated by HSE, Physical Activity Health Promotion Officers from the Health Promotion and Improvement Department, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare.

Cultural Companions Members: Enjoy 20% Off Aiteall in Bantry

 

We have some news for Cultural Companions members in and around Bantry — you can now enjoy 20% off tickets for Aiteall, the new West Cork Music festival taking place in Bantry from 23–25 October 2026.

Aiteall, the Irish word for sunshine between showers, brings a weekend of live music to West Cork, celebrating local, emerging and established singer-songwriters across a wide range of styles. The programme includes eight concerts, free pop-up gigs, workshops and musical appreciation events.

A weekend of music in Bantry: There’s plenty to choose from across the three days.

Friday evening features Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and John Francis Flynn, both performing at St Brendan’s Church.

Saturday brings The Vernon Spring and Amano to Marino Church, followed by Lemoncello at St Brendan’s Church and Ae Mak & d_abdu at Ma Murphy’s. There’s also a lilting workshop with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin during the day.

Sunday continues with an Irish Song Workshop with Amano, a panel discussion on emerging music featuring RTÉ 2FM's Beta Da Silva and others, followed by performances from Leevy, Sorcha Richardson and d_abdu & Isaac Jones.

There are also Friday, Saturday and Sunday Day Passes for anyone who wants to make a full day or evening of it.

How to claim your Cultural Companions discount

Cultural Companions members can receive 20% off their Aiteall tickets.

There is one important thing to note: the discount cannot currently be applied when booking online.

To receive your 20% discount, you need to book your tickets by phone or in person and mention that you are a Cultural Companions member.

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to enjoy some live music in Bantry this autumn, Aiteall could be just the ticket!

Aiteall | 23–25 October 2026 | Bantry

See the full Aiteall programme and ticket information on West Cork Music

From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

 From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

If you joined us for Lovesong earlier this year, you may remember the work of Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company and, in particular, the creative talents of Jenny Fennessy and Dylan Kennedy.

We’re delighted to highlight their latest production, Shakespeare’s Othello, coming to The Everyman in Cork on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm.

A familiar creative team, a very different story

Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company has built a reputation for bringing classic plays to life with energy and clarity. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy, the company’s previous productions include Lovesong, The Flags, Taboo and Macbeth.

Their new production of Othello offers a traditional telling of Shakespeare’s tragedy, remaining faithful to the original story and setting.

At its heart is the destructive power of manipulation. As Iago’s influence over Othello grows, love gives way to jealousy and trust to suspicion, with devastating consequences.

For those who enjoyed Lovesong, Othello provides a chance to see the same company tackle one of Shakespeare’s best-known tragedies — with Jenny Fennessy herself appearing as Emilia, alongside Dylan Kennedy as Iago. The cast also includes Benjamin Lafayette as Othello and Keziah Keenan O’Shea as Desdemona.

A great opportunity for Shakespeare fans

The production is particularly relevant for students studying Shakespeare, with school performances running from Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September. There is also a public performance on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm, giving general audiences the opportunity to experience the production at The Everyman.

The performance runs for approximately two hours including an interval and is recommended for audiences aged 16+. The Everyman also advises that the production contains themes of domestic violence.

Othello at The Everyman

Tuesday 22 – Friday 25 September 2026
Public performance: Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm
Venue: The Everyman, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork
Tickets: €23
Age recommendation: 16+

Book tickets and find full details at The Everyman

If Lovesong was one of your highlights earlier this year, Othello is a chance to reconnect with the same company and experience their take on one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies.

Together at the Castle returns for its 5th successful year

"Together at the Castle" mental health and wellbeing event takes place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Mallow Castle.

Event Details
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Mallow Castle, County Cork
Cost: Free admission


What to Expect
Live Music & Entertainment: Performances from local acts like The Outdated and headliners Hell For Leather

Family Activities: Children's games, fun activities, and entertainment in a relaxed setting.

Support Services: Up to 50 local and regional community groups, wellbeing workshops, and informational stands connecting people with mental health resources.
Food & Drink: Various local food trucks and drink options available on-site

Mallow Scribes Culture Night Spotlight

 Mallow Scribes are having an event in Mallow Library on Culture Night, Friday 18^th September, 2.30pm.

“A Sense of Place” (impressions and memories of Mallow)

Local readers and musicians

Open Mic

Free Event