The Lady Gregory-Yeats Autumn Gathering celebrates the remarkable influence of Lady Augusta Gregory on the development of Irish Theatre and Literature. Our programme includes lectures, discussions, readings, theatre in Thoor Ballylee, social events, a guided walk through Coole Park woods and visits of local interest (e.g. Kiltartan Museum, Flaggy Shore). Key speakers have included poets (Seamus Heaney, Moya Cannon), authors (Jennifer Johnston, Colm Toibin, Joseph Hassett), playwrights (Marina Carr, Tom Kilroy), academics (Angela Bourke, James Pethica, Nicholas Grene, Melissa Sihra, Lucy McDiarmid, Adrian Paterson, Marc Conner), biographers (Brenda Maddox), historians and archivists (Catriona Crowe, Barry Houlihan), Abbey Theatre Directors (Tomas MacAnna), actors (Marie Mullen, Barry McGovern), journalists (Bruce Arnold), drama educators (Cecily O’Neill), producers (Lelia Doolan, John Quinn), broadcasters (Joe Duffy), publishers and literary agents (Colin Smythe), etc. Each has celebrated the many artistic areas in which Lady Gregory was active.
The prominent role of Lady Gregory in the theatrical, poetic and cultural life of the period is celebrated amidst the rich and unrivalled landscape of the trees and beauty of south Galway every September (usually the last weekend). Within Coole Park’s historic walled garden, sits the famous ‘autograph tree’ where world-renowned authors such as Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Sean O’Casey, John Millington Synge and George Moore, carved their initials, marking Coole Park as the centre of the Irish Literary Revival in the 20th century. In Coole Park, Lady Gregory provided the space and support needed by the literary giants of the time to grapple with and shape the nation’s artistic and literary response to the Rising and changes in Irish culture and politics, e.g. Yeats’ Easter 1916 poem.
Although her stunning home at Coole Park is no longer standing, several other buildings remain, together with a nature reserve and a well-designed interpretative centre.
Most years we open with a family member of Lady Gregory’s and where we ‘cut’ the biggest barm brack in the world with a sword!! (This is following the tradition Lady G had of bringing a Coole Park baked-brack to the opening nights of the Abbey Theatre). The brack is cut by descendants of Lady Gregory who bring their unique and personal insights and stories to the event each year.
Participants can then enjoy a weekend of events, with a full and varied programme. For more, get in touch!