The Journals Fleadh returns for its third year this July, bringing together readers, writers and editors for a vibrant weekend of conversation, workshops and community across Letterkenny and Rathmullan.
Presented by Earagail Arts Festival in association with the Regional Cultural Centre and curated by Megan Johnson, the Fleadh celebrates the vital role literary journals play in Ireland’s writing culture while creating opportunities for audiences to meet some of the country’s most exciting established and emerging literary voices.
Beginning at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny before moving to the seaside setting of Rathmullan for the weekend, the programme combines author conversations, workshops, readings and lively events celebrating the publications that continue to champion new writing across Ireland.
Meet the Players
The weekend opens on Friday 17th July with Meet the Players at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny. This free event introduces audiences to the people behind Ireland’s thriving literary journal scene, with award-winning author, editor and publisher Eimear Ryan of Banshee in conversation with Jeanne Sutton about her forthcoming short story Gladiators. The evening also features readings from Profiles and Frustrated Writers’ Group, showcasing exciting new voices in Irish writing.
The programme continues in Rathmullan on Saturday with a headline conversation between internationally acclaimed Belfast author Jan Carson and essayist and journalist Roisin Kiberd. The discussion will explore Carson’s celebrated body of work, including her latest novel Few and Far Between, alongside wider conversations about storytelling, literature and contemporary Irish writing.
The Journals Fleadh at the White Harte Bar
Saturday evening 18th July the event Journal-Vision will take place at The White Harte Bar, where Ireland’s literary journals compete in a lively, good-humoured showcase of readings, performances and surprises. The free event celebrates the creativity, diversity and camaraderie that define Ireland’s independent publishing scene.
On Sunday 19th July aspiring and established writers alike can develop their craft through two workshops at Rathmullan House. Writer and editor Dean Fee leads a prose workshop exploring childhood narratives in fiction and memoir, while poet, editor and critic Mícheál McCann guides participants through a generative poetry workshop examining the contemporary Irish lyric tradition.
Running throughout the weekend is a celebration of Ireland’s thriving literary journal scene, with publications including Profiles, Tolka, The Stinging Fly, The Pig’s Back, Poetry Ireland Review, Frustrated Writers’ Group, Banshee, The Dublin Review and more represented.
Together, they offer audiences a rare opportunity to meet the editors and writers behind the pages, exchange ideas, build connections and become part of a growing literary community.
Since the full Earagail Arts Festival programme went on sale in May, tickets have been selling steadily, with places on the Fleadh’s workshops already beginning to fill. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
The Journals Fleadh is presented by Earagail Arts Festival in association with the Regional Cultural Centre and curated by Megan Johnson. For full programme details and bookings, visit eaf.ie
The Journals Fleadh Highlights
Friday 17th July
The Journals Fleadh | Meet the Players: Introducing the Irish Journals
Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
8pm | Free
Saturday 18th July
The Journals Fleadh | In Conversation: Jan Carson
Rathmullan House
3.30pm | €10
The Journals Fleadh | Journal-Vision
The White Harte Bar, Rathmullan
9pm | Free
Sunday 19th July
The Journals Fleadh | Prose Workshop with Dean Fee
Rathmullan House
1.30pm | €10
The Journals Fleadh | Poetry Workshop with Mícheál McCann
Rathmullan House
3.30pm | €10
See here for further information.
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