Rivers on Aran June 16-18, 2026
From 1935 to 1943, Modernist artist, Elizabeth Joyce Rivers lived and created art in the Man of Aran Cottage. ‘Rivers on Aran’ is a three-day interdisciplinary celebration of the influence of the Aran Islands on her work and life.
Conference sessions include presentations by Irish Art Historian, Dr. Roisin Kennedy of University College Dublin and Biographer, Miriam O’Neal. They will reflect on Rivers’ time on Aran, her friendships, challenges, and deep feeling for the community. Aran Pilgrimage Guide, Dara Molloy will speak on Aran’s antiquarian history, which Rivers explored in depth during her years on Inis Mór.
There will also be a screening of Robert Flaherty’s, Man of Aran hosted by Aran Craft Shop & Gallery owner, Gar Browne. This will be followed by a discussion of the film’s place in Aran’s and Rivers’ history. It will also include a visit to Man of Aran Cottage for a performance by Uilleann piper, Ronan Browne, and more.
For more information about accommodations at our conference site, Aran Islands Hotel, and a conference promo code, go to Hotel Reservations Rivers on Aran.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
4:00-5:30 PM: OPENING RECEPTION
5:30–7:30 PM: SCREENING OF MAN OF ARAN , with follow-up discussion about the film’s place in Aran’s and Rivers’ history.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
10:00 – 11:00 AM: ARAN’S HOLY PLACES, presentation by Pilgrimage Guide, Dara Molloy
11:15 – 12:30 PM: A STRANGER FINDS HOME, with Rivers biographer, Miriam O’Neal
1:30 – 2:50 PM: ARAN, ELIZABETH, & IRISH MODERN ART, with Dr. Roisin Kennedy
4:00 – 6:00 PM: MUSIC & CONVERSATION AT MAN OF ARAN COTTAGE. Uillean piper, Ronan Browne will perform and we’ll talk about those days on Aran. Light refreshments will be served.
JOIN US AT JOE WATTY’S PUB THIS EVENING FOR A MUSIC SESSION
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
10:00 – 2:00 PM: GUIDED TOUR OF NACHT SEACHT D’TEAMPAILL, with Dara Molloy, followed by a visit to Dun Aonghasa, and local shops.
FOR A DETAILED SCHEDULE OF RIVERS ON ARAN 2026 EVENTS CONTACT riversonaran26@gmail.com
