Category: Writing Festival

Collaboration, Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Swift and Vanessa Festival 2026

I’m delighted to be taking part in two events in the Swift and Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, County Kildare.

On Thursday evening, July 16th, join me for a Literary Evening where I will interview Mary O’Donnell about her latest novel – which is brilliant, by the way – Sweep the Cobwebs off the Sky (époque press, 2026). Geraldine O’Brien will interview Martina Murphy about her DS Lucy Golden series. The event takes place in the Hunting Room in the gorgeous Castletown House. Book your tickets here.

On Saturday afternoon, July 18th, I’m interviewing Dearbhla Mescal about her debut publication, Finding Joy – in itself a joy – in the lovely Church of Ireland Christchurch. Book your tickets here.

The festival runs until 19th July and has an astonishing array of events for all ages and tastes. I look forward to participating and attending many of the events.

Writing Festival, Writing News, Writing Workshops

Creative Writing with WEB Women’s Writing Group

Following the success of the WEB anthology Tearing Stripes off Zebras (edited by Nessa O’Mahony and published by Arlen House), DLR and Ballyogan Libraries will host some members of the WEB Women’s Writing Group in an 8-week programme of creative writing workshops exploring memoir, the craft of writing, the Irish language, poetry, prose.

I’m delighted to be giving a workshop “The Domestic in Poetry and Prose” in Ballyogan Library on September 11th. All Welcome!

More information on the DLR County Council Website.

Collaboration, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Nollaig na mBan Celebrations

I’m delighted to be representing Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann alongside fellow board member Celia de Fréine at this year’s Irish Writers Centre celebration of Nollaig na mBan. In these difficult times, it is even more important to defend the right to responsible Freedom of Expression which is at the core of the work of all PEN centres.

Poet Jessica Traynor will host the evening which will celebrate women, explore witchcraft, the tarot and scientific achievement. I very much look forward to hearing contributions from Marianne Lee, Nuala O’Connor, Sophie White, Chandrika Marayanan-Mohan, Anne Tannam and musician Zoé Basha.

Nollaig na mBan: Women of Magic and Science takes place on Monday 6th January in Pearse Street Library at 7pm.

Irish Times, Saturday 4th January 2025 – Summary of the event.