From October 3–5, 2025, Glenties, Co. Donegal hosted a weekend dedicated to marking the tenth anniversary of playwright Brian Friel’s passing and the unveiling of the restored Laurels cottage, his mother’s childhood home.
Despite heavy rain and strong winds, the celebrations went ahead, fittingly echoing the resilience and spirit that run through Friel’s work.

Artists, actors, friends, and locals filled the town for a programme that included readings, guided walks, exhibitions, and a performance of Faith Healer. The opening night at the Highlands Hotel, directed by Conall Morrison, set the tone for a powerful weekend of reflection and creativity.

At a private ceremony, Anne Friel described the newly restored Laurels as a “fantastic tribute” to her husband. The unveiling marked the completion of the first phase of the Brian Friel Centre, a new cultural space dedicated to community, creativity, and heritage. Landscape designer Diarmuid Gavin created the gardens surrounding the cottage, adding a distinctive touch to the site’s renewal.

Among the weekend’s guests were Sinéad Cusack, Adrian Dunbar, Stephen Rea, and Ciarán Hinds, whose contributions added further weight to the occasion. Visitors also explored Mapping the Land: The Literary Landscape of Brian Friel, an exhibition linking the playwright’s work to the Donegal landscape that shaped it.

It was a privilege to support the Brian Friel Trust in delivering this commemoration; proof that even a Donegal storm couldn’t dampen the celebration of one of Ireland’s greatest storytellers.

We were also delighted to assist the RTÉ Nationwide team in coordinating filming in the lead-up to the event, and throughout the weekend. We look forward to seeing the programme when it airs on RTÉ.

 

Photo credit: Joe Dunne