Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, is thrilled to announce the return of the Jonathan Swift Festival, taking place from November 22nd to 27th, 2024. Now in its fifth year, this festival celebrates the life and legacy of Jonathan Swift, the esteemed writer, satirist, and former Dean of the cathedral.

With an exciting line-up of events, the festival will feature theatre, music, family-friendly workshops, and historical tours, offering a chance to delve into Swift’s world and explore his ongoing influence on literature and culture.

The festival opens on Friday, November 22nd, with Jonathan Swift: Savage Indignation, a special production combining drama, music, and expert interviews at 8:00 PM. Written by Gerry Mullins, this unique show tells the story of Swift’s life, focusing on his complicated relationships with Stella and Vanessa, two of the most significant women in his life.

Alongside live performances, the event will feature interviews with leading Swift experts, including Cathy Scuffil, and Dr. Brendan Twomey, providing fascinating insights into Swift’s character and times. The Choir of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral will provide musical accompaniment under the direction of David Munro, who also composed new songs for the production. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Swift or learning about him for the first time, this performance promises to be a highlight of the festival.

Saturday, November 23rd, offers a day of engaging activities for all ages. At 12:00 PM, families can take part in a free of charge Gulliver’s Travels bookmaking workshop, where children will craft their own adventure stories inspired by Swift’s famous novel. At 3:00 PM, Jonathan and the Jest will take attendees on a literary tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh’s Library, guided by actor Damien Devaney as Jonathan Swift and playwright Alice Coghlan. Participants will explore the books that inspired Swift’s satire, some of which bear his own handwritten graffiti.

The festival continues on Tuesday, November 26th, with the atmospheric Swift Festival Cathedral Night Tour. Attendees will embark on a guided journey through Saint Patrick’s Cathedral by candlelight, discovering the history, legends, and whispers of the past in this iconic Dublin landmark.

The festival will conclude on Wednesday, November 27th, with Swiftly into a Culwick Christmas, a festive concert by the Culwick Choral Society and the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir, featuring music from Swift’s era alongside seasonal favourites.