NeuroArt Family festival baner

NeuroArt Family Festival

Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026  Location: Portlaoise, Laois • Event Time: 11 am – 5 pm


GET FREE TICKETS

Feel the Energy. Share the Moment. Join the Community.


NeuroArt Family Festival

Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026  Location: Portlaoise, Laois • Event Time: 11 am – 5 pm



Feel the Energy.

Share the Moment.

Join the Community.

GET FREE TICKETS

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Our festival is a warm, creative and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a place where families, children, teens and adults can explore art, music, movement, sensory-friendly activities and outdoor fun - all at their own pace.


We celebrate neurodiversity and encourage everyone to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them. Some activities are calm and sensory-friendly, while others are lively, playful or hands-on.

 There will also be community talks, creative workshops, quiet zones, social spaces and opportunities to learn, connect and feel supported.


 We’re truly happy to welcome everyone - come join us and be part of a warm, supportive, and joyful community.


ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Our festival is a warm, creative and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a place where families, children, teens and adults can explore art, music, movement, sensory-friendly activities and outdoor fun - all at their own pace.

We celebrate neurodiversity and encourage everyone to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them. Some activities are calm and sensory-friendly, while others are lively, playful or hands-on.

 There will also be community talks, creative workshops, quiet zones, social spaces and opportunities to learn, connect and feel supported.


 We’re truly happy to welcome everyone - come join us and be part of a warm, supportive, and joyful community.

Only a Little Longer to Go!

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Today’s the Day!

Colorful outdoor festival slogans.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Inclusive for All

Activities designed for children, teens and adults.

Creative icon

Creative & Hands-On

Workshops, art, movement and outdoor experiences.

Sensory icon

Sensory-Friendly Options

Quiet spaces and calming activities for anyone who needs them.

Music icon

Live Performances

Music, storytelling and community-led shows.

PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES

The kid is hiding in something like a big sock or colorful bag

Safe, calm environments to relax & reset

Dedicated spaces designed with neurodiverse needs in mind - quiet, supportive zones where visitors can recharge and feel comfortable.


  • Indoor quiet sensory-friendly room with soft lighting and tactile materials.
  • Outside messy play corner and tactile exploration activities.
  • Noise-cancelling options.
  • Reading Nook 

Get creative, dress up and join in the fun!


  • Face Painting
  • Nail Painting
  • Dress Up and Costume Swaps
  • Hula Hoops
  • Pom-Pom Dancing

A small girls close her eyes by fingers by painted nails

Art, music, movement & storytelling for all ages

Dive into hands-on creative spaces where everyone — children, teens, and adults — can explore art, music, movement, theatre, and sensory play at their own pace. Each zone offers simple, flexible, and fully inclusive activities guided by local artists and neurocreatives.

• Spray painting, collage, clay modelling, and mixed-media creations. 

• Inclusive dance jams, music therapy and expressive movement.

• Improvisation games, giant building blocks & science experiments

• Creative reuse activities: kids costume/dress-up swap, embroidered scarves, jewellery making, homemade bean bags.


Three girls lying on the floor and staying in fun positions with pom poms on their hands. Pom-Poms are colorful.

Shows, music, dance & community voices

Short live performances throughout the festival, highlighting the talent and diversity of local artists and neurodiverse performers.


• Stilt walkers, jugglers and bubble artists

• Musical performances

• Dance pieces – breakdancing, pompom & batons and ceili sets

• Spoken word and creative writing competition


Children are sitting around and drumming

Let’s create something together

Large-scale collaborative activities where everyone contributes to something meaningful and expressive.

• A Community mural created by festival visitors.

• A collective storytelling chain built one piece at a time.

• A collective drumming and rhythm session performed throughout the day.


Eat, unwind & connect

Relaxed areas to take a break, enjoy food, and spend time with family, friends or new connections.


• Local food vendors

• Picnic areas and open seating spaces

• Get a photo in real Fire Engine!


WHAT'S ON AT NEUROART FESTIVAL

 ORGANISATIONS

Red heart with text 'BRAVEHEARTS'

Bravehearts Club Portarlington

Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.




Learn more
The smiling man

Barry Williams – Reflexologist

Barry Williams is an Integrative Holistic Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, and Life Coach dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of both children and adults. He specialises in working with individuals with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, and emotional wellbeing concerns. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, Barry helps clients find greater balance, relaxation, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Learn more
holistic center logo

Portlaoise Holistic Centre

Meet the team from Portlaoise Holistic Centre and discover how holistic therapies can support relaxation and wellbeing for parents, carers, and families. Enjoy mini reflexology and holistic massage treatments, explore helpful wellbeing resources, and browse beautifully handcrafted soy candles created at the centre. A welcoming space to pause, recharge, and look after yourself.


Learn more

ADHD Ireland

Visit the ADHD Ireland stand to learn more about the support, information and resources available for children, adults and families living with ADHD. Meet the team, discover practical advice, and find out about training, support groups and community programmes that help people with ADHD thrive.



Learn more

Tusla Fostering

Tusla Fostering works to provide safe, caring homes for children and young people who need support across Ireland. Find out more about the fostering journey, the impact foster carers make, and the services available to families at tusla.ie




Lern more

Portarlington GAA

Portarlington GAA is a vibrant community club promoting Gaelic games, teamwork, inclusion and healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages. The club plays an important role in bringing the local community together through sport, volunteering and shared experiences.



Lern more

ChildVision

ChildVision is Ireland's national centre supporting children and young people with visual impairments and additional disabilities through specialist education, therapy and family support. Discover how their services help children build confidence, independence and reach their full potential. 



Lern more

Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland works to ensure family carers and young carers are recognised, supported and empowered. Visit their stand to learn more about the support available to family carers and discover resources for those caring for loved ones.



Learn more

Dyslexia Early Intervention

Join Mary for an informative and encouraging session for parents and families. With over 30 years of experience in learning support, dyslexia and literacy development, Mary shares practical guidance to help children build confidence and reach their full potential. Her approachable style focuses on recognising strengths, supporting individual learning needs and creating positive learning experiences for every child.

Learn more

Creating Speech – Speech & Language Therapy

Creating Speech provides speech and language therapy and early-years assessments, supporting children and young people with a range of communication and language needs. Their work includes support around social communication, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, developmental language disorder and stammering.

Learn more

Laois Offaly Families for Autism

LOFFA is a parent-led support group for families of children, young people and adults with autism across Laois and Offaly. They provide family support, information, advocacy, social activities and access to subsidised therapies and local services.




Learn more

Laois Play Therapy

Laois Play Therapy provides play therapy support for children and young people in Laois. Through therapeutic play, children can explore emotions, experiences and challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Learn more

Bravehearts Club Portarlington

Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.




Learn more

Barry Williams – Reflexologist

Barry Williams is an Integrative Holistic Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, and Life Coach dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of both children and adults. He specialises in working with individuals with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, and emotional wellbeing concerns. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, Barry helps clients find greater balance, relaxation, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Learn more
Red heart with text 'BRAVEHEARTS'

Bravehearts Club Portarlington

Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.



Learn more

Barry Williams – Reflexologist

Barry Williams is an Integrative Holistic Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, and Life Coach dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of both children and adults. He specialises in working with individuals with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, and emotional wellbeing concerns. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, Barry helps clients find greater balance, relaxation, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Learn more

Dyslexia Early Intervention

Join Mary for an informative and encouraging session for parents and families. With over 30 years of experience in learning support, dyslexia and literacy development, Mary shares practical guidance to help children build confidence and reach their full potential. Her approachable style focuses on recognising strengths, supporting individual learning needs and creating positive learning experiences for every child.

Learn more

Portlaoise Holistic Centre

Meet the team from Portlaoise Holistic Centre and discover how holistic therapies can support relaxation and wellbeing for parents, carers, and families. Enjoy mini reflexology and holistic massage treatments, explore helpful wellbeing resources, and browse beautifully handcrafted soy candles created at the centre. A welcoming space to pause, recharge, and look after yourself.

Learn more

ADHD Ireland

Visit the ADHD Ireland stand to learn more about the support, information and resources available for children, adults and families living with ADHD. Meet the team, discover practical advice, and find out about training, support groups and community programmes that help people with ADHD thrive.



Learn more

Tusla Fostering

Tusla Fostering works to provide safe, caring homes for children and young people who need support across Ireland. Find out more about the fostering journey, the impact foster carers make, and the services available to families at tusla.ie




Lern more

Portarlington GAA

Portarlington GAA is a vibrant community club promoting Gaelic games, teamwork, inclusion and healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages. The club plays an important role in bringing the local community together through sport, volunteering and shared experiences.



Lern more

ChildVision

ChildVision is Ireland's national centre supporting children and young people with visual impairments and additional disabilities through specialist education, therapy and family support. Discover how their services help children build confidence, independence and reach their full potential. 



Lern more

Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland works to ensure family carers and young carers are recognised, supported and empowered. Visit their stand to learn more about the support available to family carers and discover resources for those caring for loved ones.



Learn more

Speech & Language Therapy

Creating Speech provides speech and language therapy and early-years assessments, supporting children and young people with a range of communication and language needs. Their work includes support around social communication, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, developmental language disorder and stammering.


Learn more

Laois Offaly Families for Autism

LOFFA is a parent-led support group for families of children, young people and adults with autism across Laois and Offaly. They provide family support, information, advocacy, social activities and access to subsidised therapies and local services.



Learn more

Laois Play Therapy

Laois Play Therapy provides play therapy support for children and young people in Laois. Through therapeutic play, children can explore emotions, experiences and challenges in a safe and supportive environment.



Learn more

Bravehearts Club Portarlington

Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.



Learn more

OUR FESTIVAL ARTISTS AND WORKSHOPS

List of Services

List of Services

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!

People like a team

Event Support

Help with the event

operations and logistics.

Heart icon

Creative Assistance

Support workshops

and creative activities.

A schematic representation of a person in a wheelchair

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!

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