Galway poet Patrick Deeley to read at HedgeRow Fest

A Galway poet will read at a brand new festival celebrating Ireland's hedgerows. Find out more here...

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A new festival celebrating creativity, wellbeing and Ireland’s hedgerows will take place at Mount Briscoe Organic Farm, Daingean, Co Offaly on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of September. HedgeRow Fest coincides with National Hedgerow Week 2025 and presents a wide range of activities including yoga, sound baths, spoken word, forest bathing, foraging, art workshops and more.

Festival curator and organic farmer, Margaret Edgill has brought together an outstanding line up of writers, conservationists, poets, artists and ecologists. The programme explores hedges as vital habitats, cultural landmarks and enduring sources of inspiration for art, music and storytelling.

Among the headline events, acclaimed Galway poet Patrick Deeley will read from his new memoir Seeing Through Trees. Other highlights include conservationist Richard Negus, author of Words from the Hedge, and Testament, an award winning poet, rapper, playwright and record breaking beatboxer whose eco poetry has resonated with audiences worldwide. The Delmaine String Quartet will also perform The Company of Trees – A Celebration in Words and Music.

In addition to headline performances, festival visitors can take part in yoga sessions, guided forest bathing, poetry workshops, weaving, art, wild food and mushroom foraging, as well as witnessing the ancient practice of hedge laying. The festival offers an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature and appreciate the ecological and cultural importance of Ireland’s hedgerows.

"This is a new boutique festival rooted in creativity, nature and wellbeing," says curator Margaret Edgill. "It is about celebrating our hedges as a partnership with nature, while offering people space to reflect, learn and connect."

HedgeRow Fest is supported by Offaly County Council through the Creative Ireland Community Grant Programme and the Heritage Council.

Admission is free but booking is essential. General admission tickets must be booked in advance, and tickets for individual workshops are also free but require separate booking. Tickets are available now at tickets.mountbriscoe.ie.