Poetry in the Park

The idea for Listowel Poetry in the Park came from a similar project in Drogheda, also facilitated by an Achill Island poet, Emer Ní Dhaibhis. Another inspiration was Noel King’s Poetry Corner in Tralee, which has been going seemingly since forever and where I cut my own Open Mic teeth. 

There are many thriving writing groups in Kerry. By their nature, they concentrate on critiquing, with little intercommunication between groups. Similarly, many writers work alone, also concentrating on editing and polishing their work. PitP offers all these writers the opportunity to perform their polished work in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Numbers were surprisingly good from the beginning and soon the Kerry poets were being joined by writers from Cork and Limerick. Another welcome aspect of the sessions has been the regular attendance of singers and musicians, thus fulfilling another original aim of the project. 

Listowel PitP really proved its worth during Covid-19. Writing group meetings were, of necessity, suspended during the outbreak. Our intrepid community moved to the good ship, Zoom, an adventure in itself for many of us! And so, having steered the ship of poetry safely through the pandemic, we arrive within sight of the port with this our first session on terra firma since February 2020, and most aptly for Listowel Poetry Town. The venue is Listowel’s Garden of Europe whose theme of community and friendship amid diversity very closely reflects that of our group. As ever, all will be made welcome. 

- PitP founder, Mike Gallagher 

Booking not required but attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing.