Category: Writing News

Book launch, Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing News

Pamela de Brí launch of AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE

Photograph of open book AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE showing text about Clare Island and a painting of Clare Island on the facing page.

I was delighted to be invited to and to be in a position to attend the launch of Pamela de Brí‘s stunning publication AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE at Naas Cultural Centre and Library last week. The publication explores “the story of Ireland’s offshore islands encapsulating their history, culture and their overall essence. It has been in gestation for almost six years” (de Brí’s website), and features, as can be seen above, photographs of de Brí’s paintings (over 60!) accompanied by stories, history and cultural notes about each island.

Launched by Lucina Russell (formal Arts Officer, Kildare County Council) who gave a moving personal speech about some of Pamela’s artistic journey and the important role visual art plays in recording places and connections. Food served – oysters and a myriad of food which reflected the themes of AR AN IMEALL – was provided by The Salt Project (Caomhán de Brí).

Photograph of fresh oysters with backdrop of catering company The Salt Project

Poetry and music – in English and as Gaeilge – were also a feature of the evening with de Brí’s daughter (below) setting a beautiful tone for the celebrations.

Photograph of Pamela de Brí’s daughter reading a poem standing at a lectern at Naas Cultural Centre and Library. Pamela de Brí can be seen on the left facing the lectern.

AR AN IMEALL features an introduction by historian, Diarmaid Ferriter and essays by different contributors: art critic Cristín Leach, UCC climatologist Dr. Kieran Hickey, Breanndán Ó Beaglaíoch, ceoltóir agus Máire Ní Fhinneadha, scríbhneoirs. It is a stunning production with a gorgeous linen cover.

Many congratulations to Pamela on the publication and launch of her book. Visit Naas Cultural Centre and Library to see some of Pamela’s paintings on exhibition. Purchase AR AN IMEALL on Pamela’s website.

Photograph of blue cover of the book with the title “AR AN IMEALL” printed in silver. Book is on a yellow background.

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 News

Glorious Annaghmakerrig Lake

I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to decamp from real life and spend a week in residence at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annamakerrig in Monaghan. What can I say that I, and others, have not said before? It is a truly magical place in which the creative spirit is given time and space to flourish – surrounded by like-minded-souls and facilitated by the most wonderful team guided by the calm, kind Director Anna Walsh.

I stayed in the Butler Room:

Photograph of a writing desk and lamp in front of a bay window with white shutters overlooking a green well-kept lawn and Annamakerrig Lake, Co. Monaghan. Photograph by Shauna Gilligan.

Not having to worry about shopping for food, cooking food, or indeed anything involving looking after a household for a week meant that I could immerse myself in the world of my fiction, walk in the countryside, and not having to hurry my thoughts or processes.

Close up of white flower against a green leaf. Photograph by Shauna Gilligan.

Walking included moments by the beautiful Annamakerrig Lake, watching the water for movement, following the clouds and searching for patterns (something I used to do as a child!).

Photograph of Annamakerrig Lake showing the boat house to the left and the lake to the front with silhouettes of trees. Photograph by Shauna Gilligan.

Now begins the next piece of the work – reviewing what I wrote, and edited, and deciding what to do with those words written in the luxury of peace.