In pictures: Smiles in Glenties with completion of phase one of Brian Friel Centre

A series of events in Glenties marked the 10th anniversary of playwright Brian Friel’s passing and celebrated the completion of Phase One of the Brian Friel Centre, including the restoration of The Laurels, the childhood home of Friel’s mother. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Organised by the Brian Friel Trust, the weekend programme featured a range of cultural events across Glenties. Highlights included Celebrating Brian Friel, an evening of readings directed by Conall Morrison and featuring performances by Sinéad Cusack, Adrian Dunbar, Stephen Rea, Ciarán Hinds, and others.

A full staging of Faith Healer took place at The Market Hall, and visitors also had the opportunity to view Mapping the Land: The Literary Landscape of Brian Friel, an exhibition at the Lúghnasa Creative Arts Centre, originally developed by the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York. A private ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with members of the Friel family ahead of the public events.

Mary Friel Bateman, speaking on behalf of the Friel family, said: “The Laurels played an important role in my father’s early life and later inspired many of his plays. Seeing the cottage restored is a fitting way to mark this anniversary and to begin a new chapter for the Trust’s work in Glenties.”

The weekend also marked a major milestone for the Brian Friel Centre project. Over the past several years, close to €1 million in public and private funding, with support from the Heritage Council, Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and DLDC, was invested in feasibility work, planning, and restoration of The Laurels and external works at the Glenties Courthouse.

Seamus Neely, Chairperson of the Brian Friel Trust, said: “This first phase was essential in laying the groundwork for the wider development of the Brian Friel Centre. We’re now moving into Phase Two, which will require an estimated €5 million. The goal is to create a dedicated cultural and creative space that supports artists, attracts visitors, and keeps Friel’s legacy active and relevant in Glenties and beyond.”

The Brian Friel Trust will now focus on advancing Phase Two of the Centre and developing new partnerships to support its long-term vision.