There is a host of excellent, free literary events gracing the city for Culture Night this year, particularly those focusing on poetry and new writing. The well-known and loved Winding Stair will be hosting an evening of poetry and prose held by the Open University. Siobhan Campbell and Nessa O’Mahoney, both successful poets and members of the Open University’s English department, will showcase a wide variety of readings from English students, both past and present. The evening will also feature an open mic session for those feeling up to the challenge.
Next up is Poetry Ireland and they are out to show off their new home on Parnell Sq, featuring a tour by none other than Maud Gonne herself. There will be performances of Yeatsian writing, a poetry debate and a night of poetry readings and music in the Poetry Salon by members, prize winners and special guests, this will include a reading of TS Elliot’s “The Waste Land”. The night even provides an event for baby bookworms with an interactive construction of gigantic “cut-up” poems.
The Irish Writers Centre is set to have a busy night with an evening celebrating contemporary Irish writing, featuring talks from a wide array of Irish writers. The discussion centres on the theme of writing in the shadow of Irish literary greats of old. The evening also plays host to an Independent Publishers’ Showcase and a tour of the great collections of contemporary Irish art in 19 Parnell Sq led by Frank Buckley. Although, do take note that it is essential to book the tour.
Lastly, O’Brien Press are offering the chance for unpublished authors to showcase their thoughts and ideas for a new childrens’ or young adults’ book. The brave participants will have 10 minutes each to pitch their book, one-on-one with a publisher, with the chance of working with said publishers in the future. Admission is, once again, free of charge but places are limited, so make sure to arrive early.
