Longford's 41st Goldsmith Festival poised to explore social inequality

Economic progress and subsequent social inequality will be explored at the 41st annual Goldsmith Literary Festival, taking place during the June Bank Holiday weekend in ‘Goldsmith Country’.

Distinguished economist, Trinity College academic, and former director of the Economic and Social Research Institute, Professor Frances Ruane, was announced as this year’s keynote speaker at the launch of the festival on Thursday night.

Independent senator and former attorney general for Ireland, Michael McDowell, award-winning poet Noel Monahan, and journalist with the Irish Times Frank McNally were also among the speakers revealed at the event in Ballymahon.

The theme of this year’s festival is: “Where Wealth Accumulates and Men Decay” - Must Economic progress mean Social Inequality?

The festival committee expects large crowds to descend on Goldsmith’s native Ballymahon, Tang and Abbeyshrule over the course of the festival, which will provide a boost to the local economy while also highlighting the vibrant landscape and culture south Longford and south Westmeath have to offer.

The three-day event, taking place from May 30 to June 1 consists of a packed schedule including musical performances, a tour of ‘Goldsmith Country’ and poetry readings.

The action will commence at The Rustic Inn, on Friday evening May 30, where the festival will be officially opened by Senator Michael McDowell at 8pm.

Keynote speaker Professor Ruane will then address the audience with her contribution, titled: “The role of place in a time of change: Learning from Oliver Goldsmith”.

Proceedings will commence at 9:30am on Saturday morning with the Literary Tour beginning at the Goldsmith Monument outside Ballymahon Library and then travelling to Forgney Church, the Schoolhouse, Lissoy Parsonage, the Alehouse, the Hawthorn Bush, Kilkenny West, the Busy Mill and the Three Jolly Pigeons.

This tour will also include some short readings from the works of Oliver Goldsmith at selected locations.

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At 12.30pm a journey through the works of the captivating writer, poet, and playwright takes place at the Goldsmith Room in Ballymahon Library.

Trinity College Professor David O’Shaughnessy, an academic of 18th century literature will explore ‘The Benefits of Goldsmith’.
David is a distinguished scholar, with expertise in the period of Oliver Goldsmith, he was awarded the British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies Digital Prize for 2012 and published William Godwin and the Theatre (2010).

This session will be chaired by Professor Michael Griffin from University of Limerick’s School of English and who is also a member of the festival committee.

At 1.15pm, journalist with The Irish Times and chief writer of An Irish Diary Frank McNally will discuss the topic; “Goldsmith: An idiot in the affairs of the world?” This session will be chaired by political advisor, public affairs commentator, campaigner and local woman Síona Cahill.

This will be followed by the energetic ‘Goldsmith Live’ session which kicks off in Skelly’s Courtyard, Ballymahon from 2.30pm with an exhibition of costumes, bookstalls, food and craft beer for all to enjoy, this will also be accompanied by a classical performance from Simply Strings.

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At 4pm ‘The Goldsmith Cabaret’ will see the producer of Antelope Productions Michael J Ford along with fellow performers present the fantastic figure of Oliver Goldsmith at the centre of his own musical show. This is Michael’s fourth year collaborating with the Goldsmith Festival.

There will also be music and song from Síofra Jordan and Shane Kennedy, while the festivities will conclude at The Three Jolly Pigeons in Tang and from 8.30pm attendees will enjoy a fusion of traditional music and Goldsmith readings.

Celebrations continue at 12 noon on Sunday in the Goldsmith Room at Ballymahon Library for the popular ‘Goldsmith Miscellany with Musical Accompaniment’ where enlightening contributions will be provided by Pat Heudan, Joan Mulvihill, Benny Reid, Ollie Hegarty and Reverend Paddy Conlon. This session will be chaired by festival president Seamus McCormack.

The festival will draw to a close at Goldsmith’s birthplace of Pallas, Abbeyshrule with poetry readings beginning at 3.30pm, the poetry recitals will be delivered from the winners of the Goldsmith Poetry competitions.

The competitions are adjudicated by poets Noel Monahan and Mary Melvin Geoghegan, and this session will be chaired by local teacher and poet, Anne Tully.

Poet Noel Monahan will then deliver a poetry reading of his signature pieces of literature followed by a tasteful reception featuring wine and cheese to bring the 41st Goldsmith Festival to a close.

Speaking at the launch of the Goldsmith Festival, Chairman Arthur Conlon said “after the excitement of our 40th Anniversary Festival last year, in 2025 we are continuing to build on the recent innovations to our festival, all with the aim of offering something for everyone over the course of the weekend.”

Mr Conlon continued, “This year we are offering a programme including speakers of the highest quality, who will inform, provoke, question and above all entertain.”

For more information on the Goldsmith Festival 2025 programme and how to register for tickets please visit: olivergoldsmithfestival.com