A star-studded weekend of events will take place next month to celebrate the life and work of one of Ireland’s most influential writers, Brian Friel.

From October 3 to 5, Glenties in Donegal will welcome internationally acclaimed actors including Sinéad Cusack, Adrian Dunbar, Stephen Rea, and Ciarán Hinds who will take part in performances, readings, and conversations throughout the weekend.

The programme marks a major milestone in the development of ‘The Laurels’ – the childhood home of Brian Friel’s mother – and the completion of the first phase of the Brian Friel Centre.

Highlights include the official unveiling of the restored Laurels cottage and garden, a place that deeply inspired Brian’s writing. While a private ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Friel family will precede the public celebrations, the weekend focuses on bringing the Omagh man’s work to life in the landscapes that shaped it.

“Ten years after Brian’s passing, it’s very moving to see The Laurels being restored with such care,” said Anne Friel, Brian’s wife, who will perform the ribbon cutting. “The Laurels held a special place in his heart; it was a source of memory, imagination, and inspiration. This is a fantastic tribute to him, and to the world he captured so powerfully in his plays.”

Seamus Neely, chairperson of the Brian Friel Trust, added, “This is more than the restoration of a building; it’s about honouring Brian Friel’s cultural legacy in the place that inspired so much of his work. The restoration of The Laurels is a key step in developing the Brian Friel Centre in Glenties as a national and international cultural hub.”

The weekend will also feature guided walks and community-focused events.

For full event details and bookings, visit www.abbeycentre.ie or contact the organisers directly.