Rivers on Aran 2026

Join us for a dive into the life & work of Modernist artist, Elizabeth Rivers, her years at Man of Aran Cottage on Inishmore and beyond.

About this Event

Rivers on Aran 2026

Our three day conference includes presentations by Irish Art Historian, Roisin Kennedy of UCD Dublin; Rivers' biographer, Miriam O'Neal; Aran guide & Celebrant, Dara Molloy; who will speak on Aran's antiquarian history, which Rivers explored in depth during her years on Inishmore. The conference also includes a screening of Robert Flaherty's, Man of Aran hosted by Aran bookshop & gallery owner, Gar Browne with a followup discussion of the film's place in Aran's and Rivers' history, a visit to Man of Aran Cottage for a performance by Uilleann piper, Ronan Browne, and more.

For more information about accomodations at our conference site, Aran Islands Hotel, and a conference promo code, go to .

For a complete schedule of Rivers on Aran 2026, contact cml2ZXJzb25hcmFuMjYgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==

Agenda


🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Tuesday, June 16: Opening Reception

Info: Join us in the Banquet Hall to meet fellow conferees, browse the book table, and view a slide show of Elizabeth Rivers' Aran life & work.

🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Screening of Man of Aran followed by Q&A on its place in Aran culture.
Host: Gar Browne

Info: After watching Robert Flaherty's iconic film, Man of Aran, Araner, Gar Browne will lead a discussion on its place in the mythos of Aran culture and history.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Wednesday, June 17, Aran's Holy Places
Host: Dara Molloy

Info: Aran resident and Celebrant, Dara Molloy will discuss the long history of Aran's holy sites and their place in Aran's history from the pre-Christian to the modern era.

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:50 PM
Aran & Elizabeth: Dr. Roisin Kennedy, UCD Dublin discusses Rivers' artwork.
Host: Dr. Roisin Kennedy, UCD Dublin

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Break, then Meet for Shuttle to 'The Cottage'

Info: Take a break, then meet at the front entrance of the hotel for a shuttle out to Man of Aran Cottage in Kilmurvey.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Music & Conversation with Uilleann piper, Ronan Browne
Host: Ronan Browne

Info: Renowned Uilleann piper, Ronan Browne, grandson of Irish folksong revivalist, Delia Murphy, will perform in the living room at Man of Aran Cottage and join in a conversation about Rivers' Aran days. We'll share readings from her letters home. Tea & refreshments will be served.

🕑: 06:00 PM
Return to Aran Islands Hotel

Info: Shuttle returns group to Aran Islands Hotel. Dinner on your own.

🕑: 08:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Join us for a music session at Joe Watty's

Info: Joe Watty's Bar is a 10 - 15 minute walk from Aran Islands Hotel. Join us there for a music session. Stay as long as you like. For those not inclined to stroll, share a cab and join us!

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Thursday, June 18, Checkout, then join us for a tour & lunch in the west.

Info: Check out is by 10 AM, but guests can stash their travel bags for the day and see more of Aran. We meet at the front entrance of the Hotel for a shuttle out to Na Seacht d' Teampaill where Dara Molloy will guide us through the site and offer insights into its origins, changes, and place in Aran history.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Guided Tour of Na Seacht d'Teampaill, visit to Dun Aonghasa, shopping, lunch
Host: Dara Molloy

Info: Meet at hotel main entrance for shuttle to Na Seacht d'Teampaill where Dara Molloy will speak on the origins and changes of the Seven Churches site. Enjoy a lunch at Teach Nan Paidhi's, some shopping, and/or a walk up to Dun Aonghasa, before returning to Aran Islands Hotel. There will be shuttles to airport or ferry available if you are leaving today.

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