Athlone to host its first-ever TEDx event this Thursday
Athlone is preparing to host its first-ever TEDx event, with TEDxAthlone taking place this Thursday evening, February 12, in the Dean Crowe Theatre.
The inaugural event will bring together nine speakers from across Ireland to share ideas and perspectives on creativity, innovation, leadership, culture, sport, medicine and technology.
Organisers said the programme will position Athlone "at the centre of a wider national conversation on ideas and change, marking a significant cultural moment for the town and the wider Midlands region".
The event was first announced late last year, and the full speaker line-up has now been confirmed, with contributors travelling from across the country to take part.
The 2026 theme, 'The Ripple Effect', explores how small ideas and actions can create meaningful change — from personal stories and creative innovation to community impact and regional connection.
Speakers on the night include Athlone native and vascular surgeon Dr Niamh Hynes, iRadio presenter and content creator Dave Duke, and Midlands–North-West MEP and former RTÉ journalist Ciaran Mullooly, alongside voices from sport, media, business, fashion and technology.
Speaking ahead of the event, organisers Orla Thornton, Director of Marketing and Communications at TUS Athlone, and MaryJo Neilan, co-organiser of TEDxAthlone, said the focus of the event goes beyond the stage.
“This isn’t just about hosting an event. It’s about creating meaningful connections between the town, the university and the wider Midlands, and giving people a reason to come together around ideas," they said.
"Bringing TEDx to Athlone for the first time is about strengthening that sense of place and showing that important conversations can happen here.”
TEDxAthlone takes place on Thursday, February 12, from 7pm, at the Dean Crowe Theatre. A limited number of tickets, priced €28 plus €2 booking fee, remain available via deancrowetheatre.com. Student discounts are available with a valid student ID.