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With Swift Festival 2024 only around the corner, we take a look back at the fantastical events that encapsulated Swift Festival 2023.

Swift Festival is back and with it a whole host of new events that any literary or history buffs will love. All of these events are set to be announced soon, but before we do let’s take a look back at what events took part in Swift Festival last year.

Last year’s Gulliver’s Travels Storytelling Workshop, led by theatre maker Alice Coghlan at the Swift and Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, was a resounding success, bringing families together through immersive theatre, song, and storytelling.

Coghlan, in character as a sailor from Lemuel Gulliver’s ship, guided participants through thrilling adventures in Lilliput and Brobdingnag, captivating children with tales of tiny inhabitants and giant creatures while making grown-ups laugh with Swift’s wit. The interactive workshop not only entertained but also educated, sparking children’s imaginations and fostering a love for literature.

We are excited to announce the return of this beloved workshop at the 2024 Swift Festival, promising more unforgettable adventures and family fun.

Wonderland’s theatrical tour at the Swift and Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, led by theatre maker Alice Coghlan and actor Damien Devaney, was a memorable event that captivated attendees with an exploration of Jonathan Swift’s satirical legacy.

Taking place in and around St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Swift served as Dean and is buried, the tour featured readings of his works, including Directions to Servants, To Stella on her Birthday, and On Sleeping in Church, performed at significant locations such as his memorial to his Butler and from the pulpit.

The event successfully brought Swift’s satirical genius to life, offering participants a unique and educational experience in the very cathedral he once called home. We are thrilled to announce that this fascinating theatrical tour will return for the 2024 Swift Festival, promising another engaging and insightful journey into the world of one of Ireland’s most famous literary figures.

The enchanting tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, was a particular  highlight of the Swift and Vanessa Festival last year, offering attendees a captivating journey through the cathedral’s monumental treasures.

Expertly guided through the hallowed halls, participants marveled at the intricately carved tombs and majestic sculptures, learning about their historical significance and Jonathan Swift’s legacy. The experience was elevated by the angelic voices of the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Choir, who performed a mix of music from Swift’s era and the periods when the monuments were created.

The celestial melodies harmonized beautifully with the historical ambiance, transporting visitors back in time and evoking the spirit of the past. This tour provided a sublime blend of history, art, and music, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. We are thrilled to announce that this extraordinary experience will return for the 2024 Swift Festival, promising another unforgettable journey through the grandeur of our National Cathedral and its profound connection to Jonathan Swift.

And lastly who could forget the famous Swift Festival Literary Walking Trail around Dublin
exploring Swift’s legacy around the city discovering his early life and impact he had around it.

This self guided walking tour starts at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and finishes at The Brazen Head hitting stops such as Dublin Castle, Hoey’s Court, and Saint Patrick’s Hospital which all had a significant impact in Swift’s long journey. This walking tour is set to be a hit once again this November.