LEADBEATER CONVERSATION LAUNCH EVENT OF READERS FESTIVAL

The 2026 Kildare Readers Festival will kick off with the event The Annalist of Ballitore: Mary Leadbeater in Conversation, marking the 200th anniversary of her death. 

The presentation, in three locations during the festival, features Quaker annalist, poet, and humanitarian Mary Leadbeater, portrayed by Mary Linehan, discussing her life, writing, and memories of the 1798 rebellion with writer John MacKenna. 

The events will take place on Thursday, 1 October at 7pm at Athy Library, Saturday, 3 October at 3:30pm at Naas Library & Cultural Centre, and Sunday, 4 October at 3pm at Ballitore Library. 

Tickets can be booked online via the festival’s website. The festival is supported by Kildare County Council, RTE Arts, CKAN, Riverbank Arts Centre, and Ernie’s@Shackleton Experience.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy