Sunday 19th October 2025 | Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel | Free Events All Day
Kerry Writers’ Museum will host UISCE, a day-long celebration of Ireland’s weather, water, and creativity, on this Sunday 19th October. The event brings together historians, poets, artists, and the local community for a full day of talks, poetry, and outdoor exploration that reflect on how weather has shaped Ireland’s landscape, culture, and imagination.
From the River Feale’s folklore to the rhythm of rainfall, UISCE invites visitors to reflect on the elements that have influenced how we live, work, and connect – both in the past and in our changing climate today.
Programme Highlights
10.30am – Floods, Folklore and the River Feale
Local historian Tom Dillon will open the day with an illustrated talk exploring the cultural and historical significance of the River Feale, revealing how this spate river has shaped local life, legend, and landscape.
11.30am – A Brief History of the Rain in Ireland (1800–Present)
Dr Erika Hanna, Associate Professor of History at the University of Bristol, will present a fascinating lecture tracing 200 years of Irish weather history – exploring how rainfall has influenced everything from settlement and commerce to culture and identity.
12.30pm – River Feale Walk
Join a guided walk with Dr. Barry O’Donoghue, Ecologist, along the River Feale to explore the effects of climate change on its ecosystem, uncovering connections between the river’s natural environment and the people who depend on it.
2.30pm – Poetry in the Park
An open mic gathering of poets and writers featuring works inspired by rainfall and weather, hosted by Mike Gallagher, founder of Poetry in the Park, with special guest Emer Fallon, Kerry County Council Writer in Residence.
All Day – FLOW: Rising Tides, Changing Shores
Visitors can also experience Flow: Rising Tides, Changing Shores, a cross-cultural exhibition by French artist Carl Cordonnier and collaborators Sandra Suire, Hugo Cordonnier, Madalina Obreja, and Astrid Adler. The exhibition explores how rising sea levels are transforming coastal landscapes in the Shannon Estuary and Somme Bay through photography, video, and sound.
A Celebration of Ireland’s Weather and Words
UISCE is more than a cultural event — it’s a reflection on the ways weather, water, and place continue to shape our sense of identity and belonging. Through art, history, and poetry, the programme invites audiences to connect with Ireland’s environmental and cultural heritage in new and creative ways.
“UISCE brings together community, creativity, and climate awareness in a way that feels deeply rooted in North Kerry,” said Cara Trant, Executive Director, Kerry Writers’ Museum. “It’s a day for reflection, conversation, and shared inspiration — all under the ever-changing Irish sky.”
Event Details
Date: Sunday 19th October 2025
Venue: Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel
Time: Events from 10.00am onwards
Admission: Free – all are welcome
UISCE is supported by Kerry County Council and The University of Bristol.
