All-Ireland Poetry Day is the 1 October 2009
Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann, with the generous assistance of the Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is delighted to annouce this years date for All-Ireland Poetry Day. This coming 1 October, a poetry reading can be found in almost every county across the island.
For high-resolution images of poets/writers/musicians, contact details or any other information about the events on 1 October, email info@poetryireland.ie
Antrim - 9.00in sa Crosskeys Inn, Portglenone, Contae Aontroma
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Rainn agus Amhráin: Filíocht agus ceol le Philip Cummings (file) agus Déaglán Ó Doibhlin (amhránaí)
Armagh - 7.30pm @ Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Library and Archive,
15 Moy Rd, Armagh
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Armagh City Chapter and the John Hewitt Society present a reading with Maureen Boyle, Martin Mooney and Kate Newmann.
W johnhewittsociety.org
W ofiaich.ie
T 0044 28 37522981
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Cavan - 1.05pm @ Crannóg Bookshop, Main St and 8.00pm @ Cavan Crystal Hotel
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Cavan County Council presents Windows Publication poets Philip Casey, Rita Kelly and Heather Brett, who will give a lunchtime reading at Crannóg Bookshop. (Rita Kelly will provide a creative writing workshop at a local secondary school at 2.15pm following the reading).
The Launch of Windows Publications Authors & Artists Introduction Series 9 will take place at Cavan Crystal Hotel at 8.00pm. The anthology includes participants from the Lit Lab Cavan and from Meath writers group. The event will also have an exhibition of the work of the three artists featured in the anthology, Elena Duff, Virginia and Berlin: Anne Harkin Petersen, Galway and Raymond Watson Co Antrim. Music for the event will be provided by Emily’s Eldest with Ben Tiernan and Eileen Tackney. Poets reading on the night will include Irene O Dea, Aisling Murtagh, Philip Casey and Rita Kelly.
Heather Brett, poet and editor will deliver a series of workshop at secondary schools in County Cavan from 28 September - 9 October. These creative writing workshops will celebrate All Ireland Poetry Day over a 2-week period and will be 60 to 90 minutes in duration. This coincides with the launch of the 9th Authors and Artists Introductory Series and is supported by Cavan County Council Arts Office.
Clare - 6.30pm @ Glór, Causeway Link, Ennis
Keeping Mum, Community Art Project presents an evening of poetry, singing and visual art. Poet and author, Ruth Marshall will read from a selection of her work. The public are invited to read a poem of their choosing during the open floor session. The Clare Women’s Network Community Singing Group will perform a range of songs from around the world. There will also be an opportunity to see the exquisite artwork created by members of Keeping Mum, an exhibion curated by Ennis-based artist, Martina Hynan. This is a fundraising event. All money raised will go to Keeping Mum, Community Art Project. Admission €5.
Martina E martinahynan@eircom.net
T 087 9224986
Clare - 8.00pm @ De Valera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
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Clare County Library presents a reading with Frank Golden, Caroline Lynch and Knute Skinner.
Clare County Library
T 065 6846353
E frances.ogorman@clarelibrary.ie
Clare - 8.30pm @ The Courthouse Gallery,
Parliament St,
Ennistymon
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Salmon Poetry presents a reading with Celeste Augé, Gerry Hanberry, Jean Kavanagh and Stephen Powers.
Salmon Poetry
T 065 7081941
E info@salmonpoetry.com
Cork - Mallow Library, Thomas Davis St, Mallow: 11.15am and 1.30pm
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Cork County Arts Office presents a reading with Theo Dorgan for second-level students and the public. All welcome, admission free.
Cork County Arts Office
T 021 4346210
/ 022 21821
W corkcoco.ie
Cork - 6.30pm @ Central Library, Grand Parade
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Cork City Libraries and Anvil Press presents the launch of The Last Geraldine Officer by Thomas MacCarthy and Facing the Public by Martina Evans.
Cork City Library
W corkcitylibrary.ie
Derry - 2.00pm @ Café del Mondo, 2 Guildhall Sq, 7.00pm@ Central Library, 31 Foyle St and 9.00pm @ Sandino's Bar, Water St
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Café Del Mondo, Guildhall Square, will celebrate All-Ireland Poetry Day with a informal afternoon of readings from a wide range of poets and actors. Readers include Jenni Doherty, the 2009 Poetry Slam winner Michael Duddy, Dave Duggan and many more. Local theatre groups, youth and community groups, primary and secondary schools, and the public are invited to come along and read their favourite poem on the day. Derry-based author Jennifer Johnson will read in the Central Library, Foyle St, while local musicians and poets, including Mary-Lorraine McHugh, will perform at a charity benefit, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, in Sandino's Bar on Water St.
E irishpenjen@yahoo.co.uk
T 028 (048 from RoI) 71 364413
Donegal - 9.00in i dTigh Hudaí Beag, Gaoth Dobhair
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Blas Filíochta agus Ceoil (Tigh Hiúdaí Beag): cuireann an Ciorcal Scríbhneoireachta, Gaoth Dobhair oíche filíochta, ceoil agus airneáil ar siúl i dTigh Hudaí Beag don Lá Náisiúnta Filíochta. Filíocht á léamh ag filí ón gceantar mar aon leis ceol le Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh, Manus Lunny agus Cairde. Poets reading from Ciorcal Scríbhneoireachta are Áine Ní Churreáin, Máire Wren, Tom an Bhungalow, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde.
The Ciorcal Scríbneoireachta, Gaoth Dobhair presents an evening of poetry, music and song in celebration of the rich literary and musical heritage of the area. Local poets will showcase their work and music will be provided by Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh, Manus Lunny and friends.
Údarás na Gaeltachta E m.macaoidh@udaras.ie
Donegal - 8.00pm @ Carn Lodge, Ramelton
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Errigal Writers Group and Carn Lodge Writers Centre in association with Donegal County Council present an evening of music and poetry with the Errigal Writers and singer-songwriter Patricia Morris playing from her début CD Walk the Wire. Errigal Writers include: Denise Blake, Imelda Maguire, Clare McDonnell, Celine McGlynn, Averil Meehan, Mary Montague, Mary Turley McGrath and Patrica Morris.
T 087-6486079 E denise@donegal.net
Down - 8.00pm @ Seán Hollywood Arts Centre, 1A Bank Parade, Newry
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Newry and Mourne District Council present an evening with Lagan Press poets: Jean Bleakney, Deirdre Cartmill, Francis O'Hare and Damian Smyth.
Seán Hollywood Arts Centre
T 028 3031 3180
Dublin - 1.05pm @ The National Library of Ireland, Kildare St
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Poetry Ireland in association with the National Library presents a reading with Ciaran Carson, introduced by Joe Woods.
Dublin - 6.30pm @ Dalkey Library, Castle St, Dalkey
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Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Libraries present a reading with Dermot Bolger, Paul Perry and Jane Robinson.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Libraries
W dlrcoco.ie/library
Dublin - St Louise School, Ballyfermot
Author C M Millen will be giving poetry workshops in Dublin and Sligo during the week of 28 September for All-Ireland Poetry Day. The Sisters of Charity will host the Dublin workhshop in St Louise School in Ballyfermot on 28-29 September and the Sligo event will take place in the National School, Banada, Tourlestrane, Co Sligo, during the remainder of the week. E cynthiamillen@gmail.com
Dublin - 11.00am @ County Library, Library Sq, Tallaght
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South Dublin Libraries and Poetry Ireland Education Department present a reading and interview with Paula Meehan which will be streamed live from 11.00am on All-Ireland Poetry Day.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE FROM 11am ON 1 OCTOBER!
W southdublinlibraries.ie
W poetryireland.ie/education
Fermanagh - 8.00pm @ The Higher Bridges Gallery, The Clinton Centre, Queen Elizabeth Rd, Enniskillen
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Fermanagh District Council Arts Office presents a reading with Francis Harvey, Seamas Mac Annaidh, and Maria McManus with music by the Fermanagh Traditional Music Society.
Fermanagh District Council Arts Office
T 028 (048 from RoI) 6632 5050
E diane.henshaw@fermanagh.gov.uk
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Galway City Council Arts Office and Galway County Arts Office are running a poetry competition for All-Ireland Poetry Day.
The competition is open to anyone resident in Galway City or County. Entrants are invited to write a poem, in any style or any length, in English or Irish, on the theme of 'EYRE SQUARE.'
The closing date is 20 September. The competition will be judged by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. The first prize is €1,000, runners-up will receive: a week's residency in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig; and a week’s residency in Áras Éanna, Inis Oírr. In the week leading up to All-Ireland Poetry Day, a shortlist of poems will be drawn up and these will be displayed publicly in and around Eyre Sq. On All-Ireland Poetry Day, the 1 October, there will be a public reading at Eyre Square with Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. Galway City Writer-in-Residence, Michael O'Loughlin, will announce the winner. During the day, there will be related events in Galway schools.
All entries should be sent to: Eyre Square Poetry Competition, Arts Office, City Hall, College Rd, Galway.
Galway - 8.30i.n. @ Áras Éanna, Inis Oirr
Léamh filíochta le filí an Oileáin agus filí eile. Ceiliúradh ar thraidisún agus oidhreacht an Oileáin.
Breis eolais 099 75150.
Kerry - 8.00pm @ Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare, Co Kerry
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The Carnegie Arts Centre presents a reading by Máighréad Medbh. Admission €10/€5 students
The Poetry JukeBox will be wandering through Kenmare from 12noon. The public are invited to request recitations by local poets.
Carnegie Arts Centre
W carnegieartskenmare.ie
T 064 6648701
Kerry - 8.00i.n. @ An Díseart, Institiúid Oideachais agus Chultúr Dúchais, An Daingean
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Mar chuid den Lá Náisiúnta Filíochta le hÉigse Éireann, eagrófar imeachtaí filíochta sa Ghaeltacht a déanfaidh ceiliúradh ar oidhreacht agus saibhreas liteartha na Gaeltachta:
Ceardlann agus Léamh Filíochta le filí áitiúla. Eagraithe mar chuid de Scéim Ealaíontóir Cónaitheach Harry Clarke.
Údarás na Gaeltachta E m.macaoidh@udaras.ie
E info@diseart.ie
Kildare - 11.00am @ Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge
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The Riverbank Arts Centre presents Rhythmic Recess: All Ireland Poetry Day Readings and Q&A, an opportunity for 2nd Level students to hear and question some local poets. Readers will include Mary O’Donnell, Des Egan and Neil Donnelly.
River Bank Arts Centre
T 045 448309
W riverbank.ie
Kildare - 1.00pm @ Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge
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The Riverbank Arts Centre presents a reading with Mary O'Donnell, Des Egan and Neil Donnelly.
River Bank Arts Centre
T 045 448309
W riverbank.ie
Kilkenny - 1.00pm @ John Quay Library, Kilkenny
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Kilkenny County Arts Office presents a reading by Peter Fallon
Kilkenny County Arts Office
T 056 7794138
E niamh.finn@kilkennycoco.ie
Kilkenny - 5.30pm @ Cleere's, New Rd, McDonagh Station Area, Kilkenny
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Kilkenny County Arts Office presents a reading with Peter Fallon, Susie Lamb, Joe Meally and Anne O'Connor.
Kilkenny County Arts Office
T 056 7794138
E niamh.finn@kilkennycoco.ie
Laois - 2009 Information to come
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Leitrim - 3.00pm @ The Dock, St George's Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon
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The 'Written Word Weekend' hosts a poetry workshop with Dermot Healy at The Dock. There are 15 places, at a cost of €20 each, which must be booked in advance through The Dock on 071 9650828. Participants have an opportunity to submit their poems to Dermot prior to the workshop by email before 28 September.
E writtenwordweekend@gmail.com.
W thedock.ie
Leitrim - 6.00pm @ The Dock, St George's Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon
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The 'Written Word Weekend’ presents readings and music at The Dock. Readers will include Michael Herron, David Cameron with other members of The Pig Executives. The evening will also feature Kitia Benedetti and local young poets, with music provided by Italian guitarist and dulcimer player Gian Costello. There will also be an open mic hosted by Eileen O'Toole.
W writtenwordweekend.blogspot.com
T 071 9650828
Limerick - 8.30pm @ The Locke Bar, Georges Quay
The Limerick Writers’ Centre introduces its new ‘On The Nail’ reading series with a special evening of poetry and music for All-Ireland Poetry Day. Featured guest readers, including actor Myles Breen and poet and memorist Ciaran O'Driscoll, will read from the classics, while at a special open mic writers and all poetry lovers are invited along to read their own favourite poems. Music on the night will be provided by Chris Wood, Larry De Cleir, Batt O'Connor, and others. This is a chance to meet other writers and anyone interested in creative writing; those interested in becoming part of a writing group are encouraged to meet and form groups under the auspices of the Limerick Writers’ Centre. Admission free, wine and 'finger food' available.
Dominic Taylor T 087 2996409 E limerickwriterscentre@gmail.com
Limerick - 8.00pm @ Newcastle West Library,
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County Limerick celebrate All-Ireland Poetry Day with an evening of poetry under the County Council’s poetry series ‘SOUNDINGS', with a reading by Joan McBreen.
‘The second part of the SOUNDINGS evening ‘Poetry by Heart’ will be introduced by poet Eileen Sheehan, where the public are invited to read a favourite poem.
Limerick County Council Arts Office T 069 496498/496300.
Longford - 8.00pm @ Longford County Library, Longford
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Longford County Library presents a reading with Jean O’Brien. The evening will include music, and readings from some local writers.
Longford County Library
E library@longfordcoco.ie
T 043 41124
Louth - Various Times and Venues, see below
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Louth County Arts Office presents various poetry events curated by Barbara Smith.
Dundalk: Lunchtime reading at 1pm in the library, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Rd, Dundalk, with Susan Connolly and Barbara Smith. T 042 9392950
Drogheda: Evening Poetry Slam, at 8.00pm in Boyne Books, Narrow West St, Drogheda with special guest, local poet, John ‘Dixie Nugent. T 041 9875140
Carlingford: Evening reading, at 8.00pm, with Catherine Ann Cullen, The Trinity Church Heritage Centre, a restored medieval church in Carlingford, Co Louth.
T 042 939295
Dundalk FM Radio will celebrate All-Ireland Poetry Day from 10.00am to 12.00pm including live readings by Dundalk Writers Group and Barbara Smith at 11.00am.
Sandy Sneddon will read from his collection of children's poems in Drogheda Library, Stockwell St, for selected schools at 11.00am.
Also in County Louth:
Groundswell presents 'A Poet's Nature', a workshop of words and images for children aged 8 and upwards. A workshop exploring nature poems, Irish poetry and art. Each child will receive a sketch book for their own writing and drawing of poems
based on nature themes. Taking place in Groundswell, Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth from 4.00pm - 5.30pm, at a cost of €10 per child. Groundswell is located between Dundalk and Carlingford
Please contact Pamela Whitaker for registration and directions.
T 042 9376812 M 086-8250806 E info@groundswell.ie W groundswell.ie
Nessa O'Mahony will facilitate 2 poetry workshops for local schools at the Dundalk Library, followed by a lunchtime poetry reading, open to everyone. Dundalk FM 100 will also hold an outside broadcast from Dundalk Library from 10.00am - 12.00pm with a large number of local poets, writers and musicians taking part. T 042-9324321
Mayo - 8.00pm @ Castlebar Library, The Mall
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Mayo County Arts Office presents a reading with Geraldine Mitchell and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.
T 094 9024444
E mayoarts@mayococo.ie
Meath - 11.00am @ St Patrick's Cathedral, Loman St, Trim
The Boyne Writers Group invites the public to read their favourite poems or their own work on the day.
Paddy Smith 086 1577526.
Monaghan - 11.00am and 1.00pm @ Iontas, Conabury, Castleblayney
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Mae Leonard will give a reading to two groups of 6+ children from local primary schools. Admission €2
Carmel Rudden 042 97853400
Monaghan - 1.30pm @ Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre, Inniskeen
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To mark All Ireland Poetry Day, readings from Patrick Kavanagh’s work and poets associated with the Monaghan, Armagh and Louth area will be led by Art Agnew. The public are invited to bring along their favourite poem or ballad on the day to read or recite it.
T 042 9378560 E infoatpkc@eircom.net
W patrickkavanaghcountry.com
Offaly - 8.00pm @ the Public Library, O’Connor Sq, Tullamore
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A reading with Rita Ann Higgins and John Saunders, followed by a wine reception, courtesy of the Wine Buff.
T 087 9271292
Roscommon - Cruachan Aí Visitors Centre, Tulsk, Co Roscommon
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Roscommon County Arts Office presents a reading with
Kieran Furey
and the Moylurg Writers' Group, commencing @ 7pm. All are welcome.
Roscommon Arts Office
T 090 6637285, or Margaret Farsawcett @ 071 9667201, or the Visitors Centre @ 071 9639268
E artsoffice@roscommoncoco.ie
Sligo - National School, Banada, Tourlestrane
Author C M Millen will be giving poetry workshops in Dublin and Sligo during the week of 28 September for All-Ireland Poetry Day. The Sisters of Charity will host the Dublin workhshop in St Louise School in Ballyfermot on 28-29 September and the Sligo event will take place in the National School, Banada, Tourlestrane, Co Sligo, during the remainder of the week.
Tipperary - 8.00pm @ Lough Derg Yacht Club, Dromineer
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As part of the Dromineer Literary Festival, North Tipperary Arts Office presents a reading by Vona Groarke.
North Tipperary Arts Office
T 067 44852
E artsoffice@northtippcoco.ie
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Waterford - Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Road, Waterford
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As part of All Ireland Poetry Day, the Waterford Healing Arts Trust presents A Menu of Poems, bringing poetry to the bedsides of patients in Waterford Regional Hospital, with the aim of providing a 'poetic reverie' during the course of the day. Poems by nine renowned poets living in or from the South East of Ireland - Michael Coady, Richard Tillinghast, Thomas McCarthy, Mark Roper, Kerry Hardie, Áine Uí Fhoghlú, Grace Wells, Peter Sirr and Johanna Tanner - will be circulated to patients of Waterford Regional Hospital with their meals, and will also be circulated to staff in the hospital. Anyone wishing to get a copy of the A Menu of Poems should contact Mary Grehan on E mary.grehan@hse.ie or T 051 842664.
Westmeath - 7.00pm @ Aidan Heavey Public Library, Athlone
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Westmeath Arts Office presents a reading by Nuala Ní Chonchúir.
E athlib@westmeathcoco.ie
T 090 644 2157
Westmeath - 8.00pm @ Mullingar Arts Centre, Lower Mount St, Mullingar
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Westmeath Arts Office presents readings with Nell Regan, Marty Mulligan, Michael Harding, The Poetry Chicks, Manchan Magan, Cathy Byrne and Pat Carton.
W mullingarartscentre.ie
T 044 93 47777
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Wicklow - 8.00pm @ Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely
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Carol Boland, Martin Swords and Gerry Sheridan of Wicklow Writers' Group, and members of Tinahely ICA, will present their work, including poems written in response to the Dorothy Smith exhibition ‘Hidden Histories’, on view at the
Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely until 9 October. Admission free.
W www.tinahely-courthouse.ie
T 0402 38529













































