Embrace the Arts at Your Library

Waterford Libraries’ twelve branches are a fantastic resource in the community and we at the Well Festival know that expressing ourselves through any art form makes us feel good. So, for this year’s festival, Waterford library staff have again channeled passion for the arts by curating a wonderful selection of books to celebrate the benefits of reading and encourage readers to immerse themselves in an art form of their choice.

Call in to Central Library in Waterford City or Dungarvan Library, take your pick from the display of books, DVDs, audio books or magazines and get stuck in! If you can’t make it in person, there are lots of online resources available here: https://waterfordlibraries.ie/online-resources/

If you enjoy reading, see also page 19 of the Well Festival brochure: Sunshine: Sharing writings to brighten our souls.

• Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford Mon 17 – Sat 22 Feb, 10am – 5pm (except Wed, 1pm-8pm).
• Dungarvan Library, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Tues 18 – Sat 22 Feb, 10am – 5pm (except Thurs, 1pm-8pm).

Event Highlights in Waterford Libraries:

Underestimated – Exhibition by Christina Drennan of Irish Handmade
6th – 27th February Index Gallery, Central Library, Waterford
The Well Festival of Arts and Wellbeing 2025 is delighted to present an exhibition of creative pieces by Textile Artist Christina Drennan. Enjoy this exploration of the beauty & potential of often overlooked material, from waste thread cast aside by sewing machines to loose wool that falls during the creation of a woven wall hanging, to fabric remnants from workshops. These elements have been transformed and rebirthed by Christina’s skillful hands into works of art reflecting Christina’s philosophy that nothing should be underestimated. Note how Christina creates a beautiful narrative through combining sustainability, creativity, and resourcefulness to elevate the underestimated materials into craftsmanship of significant value. Every exhibit tells a story!

Exhibition Launch will take place on Saturday 8th February at 2:30pm in the Index Gallery. Refreshments Served. All Welcome.

Date: 6th – 27th February
Venue: Index Gallery, Central Library
Time: During library opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am–5pm (except Wed, 1pm–8pm). Lunchtime closure on Saturdays 1-2pm.

Admission: FREE, booking not required.

Monday 17th February
Cuppa & Ceol Tea Party with Liam Merriman
Renowned musician Liam Merriman returns to Carrickphierish Library for our Well Festival music-infused Tea Party! With Liam’s extensive repertoire of songs and tunes, and some delicious, sweet treats, this is sure to be another enjoyable and memorable morning of music and song.

Date: Monday 17th February
Venue: Carrickphierish Library, Gracedieu Road, Bawndaw, Carrickphierish.
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm noon

Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

Tuesday 18th February
Slow Stitching Sip & Sew for Wellness
Discover the ancient art of mark making through needle, thread and fabric with Textile Artist Christina Drennan. Experience the joy of bringing beautiful designs to life, letting the thread guide your imagination. Reserve your spot for this workshop today and take home your beautiful creation!

For more about Christina, see www.irishhandmade.ie See also p.6 of the festival brochure, Underestimated – Christina’s thought provoking exhibition is running from 6th – 27th February in the Index Gallery, Central Library. Exhibition Launch takes place on 8th February at 2:30pm.  Refreshments served. All Welcome.

Date of workshop: Tuesday 18th of February
Venue: Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford City
Time: 10am -12.30pm
Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

Friday 21st February
Journey of Self-Discovery & Wellbeing: Adult Mindful Colouring & Craft
Join us for a journey of self-discovery & well-being at Central Library. Step into a peaceful, tranquil space where you can escape the stresses of everyday life. Using arts and crafts to free your imagination, this creative workshop will uncover a serene centre within yourself, ignite your inner spark and leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Date: Friday 21st February
Venue: Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford City
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

Wellies
Tuesday 18th February
Event for Teenagers

Dance yourself Free! Energising dance workshop for Teenagers with Sinead Gould.
Connect to your inner divine with self-love in this workshop with Sinéad Gould. Let yourself go with energising dance, somatic movement, relaxing breathing techniques and meditation.

Multi-skilled Sinéad is an energetic, creative performer, producer, dance teacher/mentor and breathwork instructor.

Date: Tuesday 18th February
Venue: Central Library
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Age: 15-18yrs
Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

Wednesday 19th February
Well Festival Sensory Hour of Play & Creativity Ages 0-3
Well Festival Sensory Hour of Play in Central Library with St Brigid’s Inner-City Parent & Toddler Group. Bring your small ones for an hour of fun interaction with musical instruments, colouring, and sensory toys to inspire creativity in a safe and sociable space. Sensory play has been shown to encourage language and motor skills development while creating a sense of wellbeing in little ones.

Date: Wednesday 19th February
Venue: Central Library
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Age: birth to 3yrs

No booking necessary. Just come along and join the fun!

Thursday 20th February
Mystic Holistic: Nature Crafts and Mindfulness for ages 8 – 12yrs
Join artist Claire O’Sullivan for a vibrant workshop in either Central Library or Carrickphierish Library. These workshops will combine creative wild art & crafts using materials from Mother nature. Claire will include mindfulness practices to support wellness with lots of fun thrown in! Please note the booking details for each event as below. Please specify your preferred venue at the time of booking. All materials supplied.

Date: Thursday 20th February
Venue: Central Library, Lady Lane
Time: 1:00pm
Age: 8-12 years

or

Date: Thursday 20th February
Venue: Carrickphierish Library, Gracedieu Road, Bawndaw, Carrickphierish.
Time: 3:00pm
Age: 8-12 years

Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

Friday 21st February
Celestial Crafts: Sun, Moon and Stars Mindfulness Paper Crafts for ages 4 – 7yrs
Step into Central Library and immerse yourself in our ‘Celestial Crafts’ Workshop. Embark on a journey of creativity and mindfulness, where we will craft Sun, Moon & Star paper creations! Let your imagination soar as we explore the wonders of the universe through artistic creations.

Date: Friday 21st February
Venue: Central Library
Time: 10-11am
Age: 4-7yrs

Admission: FREE, places are limited so booking is essential. To book call 051 849975.

View the full Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing 2025 Programme here.