Neurofestivity | April 24 – 25 2026
Neurofestivity | April 24 – 25 2026
Neurofestivity is a festival that will explore and celebrate neurodivergent art and artists in Ireland. Produced by Cork Opera House in partnership with University College Cork (UCC) and lead artist Jody O’Neill, funded by Cork City Council, the festival will take place on UCC Campus on April 24 – 25, 2026.
Now in its second edition, the festival seeks to lead the way in platforming neurodivergent artists’ voices, offering a dynamic programme of performances, workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions. Every event will be presented in a relaxed format with accessibility embedded throughout, reflecting Neurofestivity’s commitment to making the festival inclusive for all.
Schedule of Events.
Red Ink: Show and Tell
Red Ink – a collective of neurodivergent artists – will present their work informally at this lunchtime event with Lunch provided. The artists will have their work set up for viewing and will be on hand to answer questions about their work and their practice.
Date: Friday 24th April
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Location: UCC Connolly Building, Conn C – 31 Western Road, Mardyke, Cork
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
Neurofestivity Welcome Meeting 
A welcome meeting hosted by Eibhlín Gleeson (CEO, Cork Opera House), Michelle Carew (Cork City Arts Officer) and Jody O’Neill (Playwright and lead artist – Neurofestivity). This event will open the festival, welcoming neurodivergent artists and arts workers to share their experiences and challenges in making and presenting work today. We will examine themes of accessibility, understanding and practice. We will also be delighted to welcome poet Paula Hynes for a special performance to open the festival.
Date: Friday 24th April
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Location: UCC Connolly Building, Theatre Workshop, Conn A – 31 Western Road, Mardyke, Cork
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
Grace by Jody O’Neill 
Grace, written by Jody O’Neill – and which had a successful premiere run at Baboró, Dublin Theatre Festival and Cork Midsummer Festival – tells the story of a girl who has a relationship with her father where no words are needed. In fact, Grace doesn’t use words to speak at all. When her father dies suddenly, Grace needs to find a new way to communicate. This exciting production – now on a national tour – explores the universal themes of grief and communication as Grace and her father invite you into the multisensory landscape of Grace’s world.
Grace premiered in June 2024 at Graffiti Theatre in Cork as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.
Funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon
All performances are relaxed and audio described, and contain creatively-embedded access including captions.
Date: Friday 24th April
Time: 6pm
Location: Graffiti Theatre
Buy Your Tickets Here
Morning Yoga with Naomi Kumar 
In Naomi’s teaching practice, they view each person as a whole individual, recognising that every learner brings a unique way of engaging with the world. This includes meeting the needs of neurodivergent participants, those with physical disabilities, sensory sensitivities, and anyone who may benefit from alternative approaches. This class will have demonstrations throughout, gentle music through a speaker, options for physical adjustment, and no scents or essential oils, room temperature practice. You can bring your own mat and blocks or use ones provided. You might want some water throughout the practice.
Naomi Kumar is an artist and teacher living with a disability acquired through injury. They have experienced first-hand the barriers that can exist when trying to take part in group activities. These challenges fuel her commitment to creating welcoming, safe spaces where everyone – regardless of ability, background, or neurotype – can participate fully and comfortably.
Date: Saturday 25th April
Time: 10:00am – 11am
Location: UCC Connolly Building, Conn C – 31 Western Road, Mardyke, Cork
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
In Conversation: Aideen Barry & Seán Ronayne 
Renowned visual artist, Aideen Barry and ornithologist, wildlife sound-recordists and environmental activist, Seán Ronayne come together for this unique event, which will feature presentations on their work and an informal conversation about their practices and experiences as neurodivergent artists.
Date: Saturday 25th April
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Location: UCC Connolly Building, Theatre Workshop, Conn A – 31 Western Road, Mardyke, Cork
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
Reading and Conversation: Fiacre Ryan – Speechless 
Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking in-conversation event with non-speaking writer Fiacre Ryan, whose work challenges assumptions about communication, creativity, and voice. For this event, Fiacre has selected excerpts of his work, which will be read by Carmel Ryan and Jody O’Neill. The conversation will explore the intersections of language, access, and artistic expression.
Date: Saturday 25th April
Time: 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Location: UCC Connolly Building, Theatre Workshop, Conn A – 31 Western Road, Mardyke, Cork
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
Unveiled – By Max Whelan 
Soul is desperate. Trapped in a body that won’t cooperate; that wants to, but can’t listen, Soul feels lost, alone and misunderstood. Knowing the only way to be heard is for them to work together, Soul issues a desperate plea to Body.
Based on his own experiences as a non-speaker, Max Whelan’s brilliant, searing debut play brims with humour and heart. Unveiled is unapologetically political, challenging assumptions and demanding a new approach to communication and education.
Unveiled will be followed with a performance by David Punch and Kevin Walsh of Max Whelan’s song ‘Always Been In Here’ as performed on The Assembly, Virgin Media.
Date: Saturday 25th April
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Granary Theatre, UCC
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here
It Starts Here!
This inspiring gathering shines a spotlight on neurodivergent artists, thinkers, and performers whose unique perspectives shape the future of the arts. Expect an evening fuelled by bold ideas, powerful stories, and vibrant performances. Every great piece of work begins somewhere, and this one starts here.
Date: Saturday 25th April
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: The Granary Theatre, UCC
Tickets: Free but booking is essential here