Cycles - collective cycling experience through the landscape of Carlow

Cycles is an arts participation project created by Carlow Arts Festival developd with communities in Hacketstown, Rathvilly, Graiguecullen and Tullow. The project explores language, history, landscape and cycling, and is led by artists Michelle Browne and Eszter Némethi. We have been looking back 100 years to 1923 and imagining our future in 2123 through a series of workshops, talks and discussions. This project cuminates in a collective cycling experience on the 14th of July 2024 - an 18km loop with an audio piece that shapes people’s experience of the cycle. Cycles is part of ART2023, a Decade Of Centenaries programme, presented by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This project has been supported by Creative Ireland and Healthy Ireland and is part of the European Week of Sport. This project was developed in partnership with County Carlow Sports Partnership, Carlow Arts Office, Carlow County Development Partnership CLG, Carlow County Library, Carlow County Museum, Carlow Road Cycling Club and County Carlow Environmental Network. Audio and Performance Credits: Landscape: Carlow Cyclists: you and everyone who cycled with you on the 14th July 2024 Text : Eszter Némethi and Michelle Browne with the poem ‘Irish Sycamore’ by Jane O’Rourke and texts by Anna Mae Timmins Byrne, Orlaith Treacy, Fr.John McEvoy, Vuyo (Keith) Longwe, Nathan Ndlovu, Pauline Dowling, Mary Doyle Voice performers: Shannon O’Doherty, Anna Mae Timmins, Jane O’Rourke , Keith, Nathan, Shannon Basso Gaul, Fr.John McEvoy, Moya Mac Erlaine, Michelle Browne Performers: Shannon O’Doherty , Augustine Osagie, Rabietu Ulinfoh Benedict, Emmanuel Ewhrudjakpor, Karina Shteider, Mary Simbule, Morenikeji Gbadebo, Ridwan Okunade, Sulaimon Olowookere, Sunday Araloyin, Virginia Sibanda, Yekateryna Podobna, Josephine Oguntowo, Asmou Olowookere Choir: Carlow Community Choir Choir director: Mary Ammond O’Brien original song and composition: Ye Vagabonds (Brían and Diarmud Mac Gloinn) Sound design and editing: Sean MacErlaine and Michelle Browne In-app editing: Michelle Browne Costume seamstress: Aoife Lyons Producer: Orlaith Treacy Production Manager: Eoin Hally

A tour of Muine Bheag led by Daniel the Donkey. Written and performed by Rory Mullen as part of the first Muine Bheag Arts programme.

The Vale of Clara is a sessile oak woodland and national nature reserve in County Wicklow. Over the past 18 months composer and sound artist Robert Coleman has been learning about the biodiversity there by listening to its soundscape. This soundwalk explores this act of listening and how it can be a method for learning about this local biodiversity and developing deeper connections to our environment. In turn this exploration highlights the interconnectedness of the biodiversity across Ireland and the challenges it currently faces. Much of Robert’s field-recordings and research has revolved around the bird species of the area and this soundwalk will also include an introduction to bird language and how it can aid our understanding of our environment. A recent success story here lies in the resurgence of the Great Spotted Woodpecker which has returned and increased dramatically in numbers in Wicklow over the past 20 years. As well as learning about the sounds of this notable species and others, the walk will feature creative sound works engaging the listeners in the experience of the animals found on site and their relationship with mankind. By actively listening we can begin a proper dialogue with these non-human voices and allow them to become active forces in their own environment.

A tour of personal landmarks by Sam Cummins

Note: This walk can be done in any order. For an optimised experience, it is recommended to stay within each Echo circle on the map for the duration of the audio. Enjoy! About: I’ve been feeling really sentimental towards this park recently so I want to capture how it is at this time so I can always come back here and walk it as my 20 year old self. I love creating time capsules, through audio and video diaries, writing in my journal, collecting trinkets and programmes from places and shows, anything. This feels like another form of creative relief, therapy and nostalgia for me.

Welcome to Tallaght - the social scene , this immersive tour explores Tallaght's best social spots and hangouts for all ages. From lively pubs such as Molloys, to fun nights bowling and playing pool in the Leisureplex. After this walk you will know exactly where to go for all your needs, whether it is to go and enjoy a night out with live music, shop and have coffee with your friends, or have a taste of different cuisines. This tour will start off at the Priory Market and help you make your way through to the Sean Welsh Park where this tour ends however, not without stopping by some key social spots. I would say bring some snacks along for the walk but you won’t have to because our first stop will fill you up!

ReRoot is a hybrid soundwalk performance created by composer and sound artist Robert Coleman and dance artist Laura Sarah Dowdall for Barnaslingan Wood. It explores the interaction of sound and touch to re-connect with the forest and our bodies and brings our relationship with the natural world into question. This experience seeks to deepen and help renew our relationship with nature and in doing so, allows us to challenge the existing conditions which have brought us into this climate and biodiversity crisis. Using a variety of recording techniques around the forest including contact microphones (microphones which sense audio vibrations through solid objects) and geophones (microphones which sense seismic waves in the earth) Robert has recorded sounds typically inaudible to the human ear opening us up to a new perspective on the living world around us. This listening is deeply rooted in our tactile connection with the eco-system of the Woods, complemented by Laura’s practice in dance, spoken word and somatic sensing, we will explore the moments when touch becomes sound, and sound becomes touch. ReRoot is part of Nature and Place, an initiative of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office. It is supported by Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership. Meeting Point: Barnaslingan Wood Car Park Please bring headphones and a smartphone. Parts of this walk will feature audio hosted on the Echoes app which you will need to download. Full information and links will be sent to you in advance of the event. Technical assistance will be available on-site before the beginning of the walk. Please get in touch if you do not have access to headphones and a smartphone. Please arrive 15 minutes before the event start time. This is to ensure Echoes app and headphones is working correctly for all participants. The walk is completely outdoors, and the route involves crossing uneven ground and so please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Please note that ReRoot is not suitable for small children or anyone who is mobility impaired. This experience will include aspects of audience participation The duration of the walk will be approximately 75 minutes. Booking is essential for all participants. As places are limited, please only reserve a ticket if you will be present for the event. Tickets are free.

Place of restful peace.