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Gerald Manley Hopkins International Festival

PHOTOS: The 38th Gerald Manley Hopkins International Festival

Visitors from across Ireland and around the world gathered in Kildare for the 38th Gerard Manley Hopkins International Festival continued in Newbridge.

The festival welcomed writers, academics, artists, musicians and literature enthusiasts to Newbridge College and venues throughout the town to celebrate the life and legacy of poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.

The internationally renowned festival featured speakers and performers from Ireland, Britain, the United States, Germany, Japan, China, Australia, Finland, Canada, Mexico and several other countries, reflecting its reputation as one of Ireland's leading literary gatherings.

The programme included lectures exploring Hopkins' poetry, free will, translation and the natural world. A special Taste of Japan event featured origami, Japanese poetry, a shamisen recital, Noh theatre poems and a book launch.

The event also featured one of the festival's most anticipated events, with acclaimed Irish actor Barry McGovern presenting A Samuel Beckett Hour at O'Rourke's Lounge on Main Street.

The festival included a concert by celebrated Swedish pianist Hans Pålsson, a Poetry Ireland reading featuring Dermot Bolger, Donald Gardner and Desmond Egan, along with music performances, workshops and an Irish Night celebrating poetry and traditional culture.

Other events were creative writing workshops, poetry readings, art exhibitions, youth activities and a series of awards recognising excellence in literature, scholarship and the arts.

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