Ireland's First NeuroArt Family Festival Comes to Portlaoise
A free family festival celebrating neurodiversity through creativity, music, art, science, movement and inclusive experiences for all ages.
We are delighted to announce the first-ever NeuroArt Family Festival, taking place on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the beautiful Old Fort Quarter, Portlaoise. This exciting free community event will bring together families, artists, educators, performers and organisations to celebrate neurodiversity through creativity, connection and inclusion.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a vibrant programme of interactive workshops, live performances, sensory-friendly experiences, music, storytelling, STEM activities, creative arts, circus skills, messy play and much more. Every activity has been designed to create a welcoming environment where children and families of all abilities can learn, play and connect together.
The NeuroArt Family Festival is organised by All Abilities Ireland and is proudly supported by Laois County Council, the Creative Ireland Programme, Healthy Ireland, and a wide network of community partners who share a commitment to inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing.
Whether you're looking to explore science, discover new creative talents, enjoy live entertainment or simply spend a fun day together as a family, NeuroArt Family Festival offers something for everyone.
Join us on Saturday, 22 August 2026, and help celebrate a day where creativity has no limits and everyone belongs. We can't wait to welcome you to Portlaoise!
Launching the NeuroArt Family Festival to be held at The Old Fort in Portlaoise on the 22nd August 2026. From left: Mary Connell (Dyslexia Early Intervention); Catherine Dolan (ADHD Ireland); Nicola Coss (All Abilities Ireland); Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathhaoirleach of Laois County Council; Pat Wallis (LOETB Creative Youth Co-ordinator); Fiona McConn (Laois Sports Partnership) and Bernie Foran and Suzanne Carroll (Laois Libraries) with stilt walker Shannon from The Cats Pyjamas.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Launching the NeuroArt Family Festival to be held at The Old Fort in Portlaoise on the 22nd August 2026. From left: Pat Wallis (LOETB Creative Youth Co-ordinator) and David Broderick (Creative Ireland Laois).
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Launching the NeuroArt Family Festival to be held at The Old Fort in Portlaoise on the 22nd August 2026. From left: Iryna Yermak (All Abilities Ireland); Nicola Coss (All Abilities Ireland); Artist Avii Knight, who will perform at the event; Catherine Dolan (ADHD Ireland); Catherine Delaney (All Abilities Ireland) and Mary Connell (Dyslexia Early Intervention).
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Nicola Coss from All Abilities Ireland and Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council with stilt walker Shannon from The Cats Pyjamas launching the NeuroArt Family Festival to be held at The Old Fort in Portlaoise on the 22nd August 2026.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
