The Reason of Towns – Talks of the Town (Birr)

This one-day public programme is presented as part of the touring exhibition The Reason of Towns by the Irish Architecture Foundation and Valerie Mulvin. Explore Birr in a new way as we share stories, histories and discuss Birr as a sustainable town of the future.

All events are free. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Booking is through Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival.

1. Exhibition Tour and Town Walking Tour, Saturday 10 August, 11:00-12:30. Meet at John's Hall, Birr.

Join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition with architect Valerie Mulvin and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping Irish towns, past, present and future. Followed by a conversational walk through Birr with local historian Brian Kennedy.

2. Town Workshop – Toward a Future for Birr, Saturday 10 August, 14:30-17:00, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre

In this free, two-part conversational workshop, participants will share stories, discuss town life and be part of an informed and productive discussion toward a sustainable future for Birr.

3. From the Centre to the Edge – Birr and the Irish Town, Saturday 10 August, 19:00-20:30, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre

The day concludes with some film, live-readings and great conversation with panelists including architect Valerie Mulvin, RTÉ Broadcaster Vincent Woods and arts journalist Helen Meaney. In this roundtable panel discussion, the town of Birr, at the centre of Ireland, will be placed in a national context.