Bright Ideas Recipients Announced for Poetry Day Ireland 2025
Poetry Ireland is delighted to announce the recipients of the Bright Ideas bursary for Poetry Day Ireland 2025, the all-island celebration of poetry taking place on Thursday May 1st. Celebrating the theme "May Day", this year’s programme brings together poets, communities, artists, and activists in a vibrant celebration of creativity, renewal, and connection across the island.
The Bright Ideas Bursary supports imaginative, community-focused events that explore poetry in original and unexpected ways. From Butter inspired writing workshops in Cork to immersive interdisciplinary exhibitions in Belfast, storytelling circles in Dingle and Greystones to gatherings combining art and activism in Kilkenny, a total of 14 projects received Bright Ideas bursaries to help bring their vision to life for Poetry Day Ireland.
Bright Ideas recipients include:
- Sunrise Swim & Poetry in Greystones: Join the Swimrise swimmers for a sunrise swim at The Cove followed by readings on the beach.
- Butter & Bealtaine: a guided tour and workshop at the Butter Museum in Cork. Molly Twomey guides participants in a creative writing sessions inspired by folklore and Ireland’s deep dairy heritage.
- Paved by Poetry in Manorhamilton, Leitrim: The Rabbit Riots Theatre Company highlights local women’s voices through workshops and performance
- Petals and Poetry in Sligo: The Yeats Society invites the public to contribute poems and petals to a map of the county
- Eat The Storms Poetry Podcast, presents a special Poetry Day Ireland episode: May Storm, an all-county showcase of poetry.
- Poetry Photowalk in Bailieborough, Cavan: Bailieborough Creative Hub combine photography and poetry in a day-long creative experience
- Mixed Media May Day in Brigit’s Garden, Galway: Uachtarard Writers Group invites participants to get creative, blending drawing and poetry in a natural setting
- Making Poetry Playful in Belfast: EASCAIR Magazine hosts an immersive exhibition of poetry and visual art as part of Belfast’s Late Night Art Trail
- Glad Voices at Portumna Castle: join local community groups in celebrating intergenerational creativity in Galway
- May Day Lyrical Sunbursts in Athlone, Westmeath: Amy Abdullah Barry hosts storytelling, music and peotry in collaboration with local young poets
- Pink Balloon POP in Dingle, Kerry, a multi-sensory evening of story circles, spoken word, and music celebrating May Day
- May Day: In Solidarity in Kilkenny City, a bold fusion of poetry, activism, and community art
- Rannta Bealtaine poetry workshop with secondary school pupils in Waterford's Gaeltacht region followed by sharing poetry in the local area.
Poetry Ireland is also excited to launch the full Poetry Day Ireland 2025 programme, now available at poetryday.ie. There are over 50 events, spanning across every province, taking part in this all island celebration. From readings, open mics, and in person and online workshops to public performances, art installations and podcasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this May Day. If you’d like to let share your Poetry Day event with Poetry Ireland please contact media@poetryireland.ie.
Whether attending an event, or sharing your love of poetry online, Poetry Ireland invites the public to celebrate poetry on Thursday May 1st. Find all details at poetryday.ie and be sure to tag @PoetryIreland on social media and use the hashtag #PoetryDayIRL.
Poetry Day Ireland is supported by The Arts Council Ireland, the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, RTE Supporting The Arts and Dublin City Council.