Poetry Day Ireland, Thurs 1 May 2025

Poetry Day Ireland 2025 announced May Day as this year's theme.

Learn more about Poetry Day Ireland and this year's theme.

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May Day Poetry

12 poems selected to celebrate May Day

Poetry Ireland announces twelve poems to be showcased across the Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) network and in libraries nationwide as part of Poetry Day Ireland 2025.

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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.

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Poetry Day Ireland

Poetry Day Ireland is an annual island-wide celebration of poetry taking place on Thursday May 1st, 2025 with the theme May Day!

Rich with poetic inspiration, May Day is rooted in the ancient fire festival of Bealtaine, which celebrates renewal, hope and abundance. It’s also a day of solidarity and collective strength through it's global recognition as International Workers’ Day.

Poetry Ireland is delighted to announce twelve poems have been selected to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland 2025.

Discover May Day Poems

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Get Involved

All are welcome to get involved, with participation encouraged from artists, schools, arts organisations, venues, hospitals, community groups, poetry-lovers, and more. In the past, we have even had contributions from Paul Mescal, Margaret Atwood, Hozier and Mary Robinson.

However you choose to celebrate, Poetry Ireland invites everyone to take part on Thursday, 1 May 2025. Whether attending an event, reading a poem, or sharing your love of poetry online, be sure to tag @PoetryIreland on Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, Linkedin, and Tiktok 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.