Banagher Brontë Group to wrap up 2025 programme this weekend

The Banagher Brontë Group will bring its 2025 programme to a close this Saturday, 29 November, with a series of cultural events celebrating the town’s links to the Brontë family.

The day will begin at 2pm with the traditional laying of a wreath at the grave of Arthur and Mary Anna Bell Nicholls in St Paul’s Churchyard. Arthur Bell Nicholls, Charlotte Brontë’s husband, spent his later years in Banagher.

At 3pm, the Long Room in Crank House will host the launch of Dr Michael O’Dowd’s new book, Charlotte Brontë: A Medical Casebook.

The launch will follow an interview with Dr Maebh O’Regan, offering attendees insight into the medical themes that shaped Charlotte Brontë’s life and writing.

Events will conclude with an intimate recital by the Banagher Brontë Ensemble in the Parlour Room of Simon and Mary Lyons’s public house.

Supported by an Arts Grant from Offaly County Council, the recital will feature musical pieces interspersed with readings from and about the works of the Brontë family, performed by members of the Banagher Brontë Group and invited guests.

Organisers say everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the day’s events.

The group has also confirmed that its third annual general meeting will take place on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at 1pm in Charlotte’s Way, The Hill, Banagher, courtesy of Nicola Daly.