FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Inclusive for All
Activities designed for children, teens and adults.
Creative & Hands-On
Workshops, art, movement and outdoor experiences.
Sensory-Friendly Options
Quiet spaces and calming activities for anyone who needs them.
Live Performances
Music, storytelling and community-led shows.
PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES
WHAT'S ON AT NEUROART FESTIVAL
ORGANISATIONS
OUR FESTIVAL ARTISTS AND WORKSHOPS
List of Services
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Maria Corcoran with a circus performanceList Item 1
Join Maria for a gentle, playful roaming circus performance featuring stilt walking, unicycling, juggling and a healthy dose of mischief. Weaving through the crowd, Maria invites children and families to connect, play, and be silly together at their own pace.
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Let’s create a Song - music workshopList Item 2
Join Matthew for a warm, sensory-friendly music session filled with gentle acoustic sounds and accessible percussion instruments. His workshop invites people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm through hand drums, xylophones, chimes, and community drumming — no experience needed. A calming, multi-sensory experience that celebrates neurodiversity, confidence, and joyful connection.
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AVII KNIGHT SingerWrite a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.List Item 3
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Clay Art workshopList Item 4
Join Linda Gyves for a calm, creative, and inclusive art experience where children are invited to explore clay as a sensory, child-led medium. With a focus on flexibility and neuro-affirming practice, Linda creates a safe and supportive space where every child can express themselves freely and at their own pace. Her sessions encourage creativity, emotional regulation, and confidence through hands-on, playful making.
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Scarf Stitching workshop
Join Beta Franca for a creative, hands-on workshop where children are invited to explore the art of upcycling through transforming pre-loved scarves into unique pieces of wearable art. Rooted in the spirit of the My Brat Bhride project, this playful and inclusive session celebrates creativity, tradition, and community, making art accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
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Comic Art workshop
Join David Butler, animator, illustrator and creative storyteller, for an interactive comic art workshop filled with imagination and fun. Participants will explore character design, visual storytelling, and comic illustration through age-appropriate activities that inspire creativity and self-expression. No previous drawing experience is needed — just bring your ideas and imagination.
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Live Street Art
Madderdoit? is a self-taught street artist based in Laois, known for his bold use of bright colours, monochrome imagery and distinctive street art style. At the NeuroArt Festival, he will showcase his creative approach to street art, bringing vibrant artwork and a unique perspective on creativity, self-expression and mental health awareness.
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Mimitoys – Puppets & Sensory Toys
Visit Mimitoys to explore a colourful selection of puppets and sensory toys designed to encourage imagination, storytelling, conversation and hands-on play. Browse animals, familiar characters, expressive monsters and people puppets, with everything on the stand available to buy on the day.
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Giant Bricks and Games
With Laois Sports Partnership, you will discover inclusive, fun-filled sports activities designed for all ages and abilities. Their team delivers adaptive games, movement challenges, and team-based activities that build confidence, celebrate ability, and encourage everyone to get active together. With supportive, trained coaches participants can try something new.
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Traditional dancing
Maureen Culleton leads a joyful celebration of Irish dance, music, and community spirit in a warm and welcoming setting. Known for making traditional dance accessible to all ages and abilities, she guides participants through simple céilí and set dances with clear, step-by-step instruction. These inclusive sessions focus on gentle movement, fun, and connection, creating a relaxed space where everyone can build confidence
List of Services
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Stevie Wicks with her giant bubble wandList Item 2
We have the wonderful Miss Wicks joining us with her giant bubble wand! You'll also be able to catch her fluttering around the festival with colourful scented silks and double hula-hoops. Sure to be a sensory treat for all.
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Mask-Making workshopList Item 3
Join Kodjo for an imaginative, culturally rich mask-making experience rooted in connection, identity, and community expression. Kodjo invites participants to explore who they are through playful creativity and hands-on making. His workshop celebrates heritage, belonging, and the many ways we express ourselves beyond words — welcoming all ages and abilities to create something meaningful together.
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Somatic Drumming workshop
Experience the healing power of rhythm in this inclusive community drumming session. Participants at the festival will play traditional djembe drums and percussion instruments together, creating shared rhythms that connect mind, body, and spirit. A welcoming, accessible activity where everyone can participate at their own pace. No experience necessary - all drums and adaptive supports provided.
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Electrifying Street-Dancing
Join Eoin for an electrifying street-dance experience that blends popping, locking, animation, and pure funk. With over 15 years of global battle and performance experience, Eoin brings his signature style, rhythm, and showmanship to the festival.
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Storytime sessions
Join Marika Rea, creator of Mrs. Appleberry Press, for interactive storytime sessions filled with imagination, creativity, and self-expression. Through live readings and gentle conversations, children and families will explore stories that celebrate neurodiversity, individuality, and the joy of being yourself. Her warm, engaging approach encourages young readers to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.
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Irish Clouds – Become a Candy Floss Master and Receive a Certificate
Irish Clouds brings a fun, interactive candy floss experience for children and families. Children can choose their colour and flavour, make their own candy floss with step-by-step guidance and take home a Candy Floss Master certificate. The activity is calm, fully supervised and adaptable to different abilities and sensory needs.
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Shannon and Her Colourful Stilt-Walking performance
Join Shannon for a colourful stilt-walking performance full of fun, movement, and interaction. Towering above the crowd, she will bring a sense of wonder and excitement as she roams through the festival, meeting families and young visitors along the way. A joyful and eye-catching experience that adds a little festival magic for all ages.
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Hula Hoop Dance, Zumba Kids & Pom Poms
Marian from HHC Dance Fitness will take you on a fun dance journey through, Hula Hoop Dance, Zumba Kids & Pom Poms.
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Gluetastic – Cold Glue Art Workshop
Explore the fun of glue, texture and colour with Aileen Donovan at this creative art workshop. Discover how everyday materials can be transformed into colourful, textured artwork and enjoy experimenting with creativity in your own way.
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Exciting Science
Get ready to experiment, explore, and discover with Midlands Science. Through hands-on activities, participants will investigate the power of magnets, create simple electrical circuits, and experience the excitement of a real Van de Graaff generator. This interactive workshop encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking in a fun and engaging environment.
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Face Painting & Nail Art
Add a splash of color to your day with our fun face painting and creative nail art! Come along, let your imagination run wild, and get festival-ready with a bright new look.
Meet AVII KNIGHT
We're delighted to feature AVII KNIGHT, an emerging Irish pop artist whose music celebrates individuality, self-expression and self-acceptance. Her latest release, "Lose in Love", is inspired by the experience of adult ADHD and encourages listeners to embrace what makes them unique. Take a moment to watch her latest music video and experience her inspiring sound.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Our volunteers are at the heart of the festival.
There are many ways you can get involved!
Event Support
Help with the event
operations and logistics.
Creative Assistance
Support workshops
and creative activities.
Accessibility Support
Help create an inclusive
and welcoming environment.
OUR FUNDING PARTNERS
JOIN AS FOR FESTIVAL 2026!
Be part of a creative, inclusive
and unforgettable experience.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Help us keep NeuroArt Festival clean and colourful!
Please take your rubbish home with you after the festival. Thank you for helping us look after our community!
How to get to the our festival
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If you came by trainList Item 1
The festival is around a 10-minute walk from Portlaoise Train Station.
Exit the station onto Railway Street and walk towards the town centre. Continue through Main Street into the Old Fort Quarter. The festival site will be clearly signposted on the day.
If you prefer not to walk, taxis are available directly outside the station, and local TFI town buses also serve the town centre.
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If you came by busList Item 2
Most Bus Éireann and TFI services stop in Portlaoise town centre, with the nearest stop only a 3–5 minute walk from the festival site.
From the town centre, simply follow signs towards Old Fort Quarter. The festival entrance is located within the historic quarter and will be clearly signposted. Local Portlaoise town bus routes also stop near the town centre throughout the day.
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If you came by carList Item 3
Old Fort Quarter is easily accessible from the M7 motorway.
Several public car parks are located within a short walking distance of the festival, including City Park @Church Street and Tower Hill Car Park.
Additional parking is available throughout Portlaoise town centre. As this is a popular family event, we recommend arriving a little earlier to allow time for parking and walking to the venue.
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