Author Archives for IWC_admin

A Roadmap for Plot: Using Character to Develop Story with Tim MacGabhann

June 23, 2025 10:33 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to announce the second in our new series of workshops for emerging writers – A Roadmap for Plot: Using Character to Develop Story with Tim MacGabhann. About the workshop Adapted from screenwriting, psychoanalytic theory, and creative writing workshops, this one-day course is intended to help writers figure out what their characters want, and how this can drive – or frustrate – the movement of a piece of plotted fiction (long or short, fiction or nonfiction) from beginning through middle to end. Although suited to realist and genre fiction, some of these ideas and prompts can be turned inside-out, and used to serve an anti-plot or more experimental impulse. Suggestions on how to go in this inverse direction will also be explored. This is the second in a series of intermediate-level workshops to be held at the Irish... Read Moreread more.


Writers Showcase at the Irish Writers Centre: Out of Towners

June 20, 2025 1:16 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Dublin city was buzzing last Wednesday, with the final arrival of summer, the press launch for our video series Dublin, One City, Many Stories and the wonderful Wendy Erskine launching her debut novel down the road in Books Upstairs. However, we still found time to host our first Writers Showcase at the Irish Writers Centre. Lauren O’Donovan from Cork pictured at the Irish Writers Centre’s first Writers Showcase. Picture Andres Poveda Located on Parnell Square, formerly known as Ruthland Square and one of the grandest squares in 19th century Dublin and once home to Lord Charlemont next door, in what is now the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Irish Writers Centre is housed itself in a stunning Georgian building and our aim is to ensure writers know these rooms are open to them, not just for taking part in-person courses, one-to-one... Read Moreread more.


Blog: Dublin, One City, Many Stories

June 20, 2025 4:54 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

A new six-part video series from the Irish Writers Centre in collaboration Dublin UNESCO City of Literature  On Wednesday 18th June, at the Irish Writers Centre, joined by the first citizen of the city, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, we held the press launch for Dublin, One City, Many Stories – a vibrant video series celebrating 15 years of Dublin as a member of UNESCO City of Literature and an acknowledgement of the Irish Writers Centre as an all-island resource for writers at every stage of their career. The launch included speeches from the Lord Mayor, Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, Anne-Marie Kelly, director of Dublin UNESCO City of literature and performances from Ciara Ni É and Emmet Kirwan. Mags McLoughlin, CEO Irish Writers Centre, with Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain & Anne-Marie Kelly,... Read Moreread more.


Irish Writers Centre Membership Relaunch 2025

June 17, 2025 4:19 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to announce the relaunch of our Membership programme, now featuring a range of new benefits, including bookshop discounts, exclusive member events and extended hours in our writing rooms. Anyone Can Become a Member The Irish Writers Centre invites writers, readers and supporters of Irish writing to join our growing community of members across the island of Ireland. Benefit from discounts to our courses, masterclasses and events, as well as discounts with selected Irish bookstores. Also, avail of exclusive member networking events, or simply enjoy writing time in our beautiful building in Parnell Square, Dublin. Benefits of Membership When you sign up for Irish Writers Centre Membership, you will receive: 10% discount on all Academy courses, masterclasses, seminars 10% discount on all Irish Writers Centre literary events 10% discount at selected Irish bookstores including Chapters in Dublin, Kennys... Read Moreread more.


34 Writers Selected for Irish Writers Centre’s National Mentoring Programme 2025

June 11, 2025 2:54 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The Irish Writers Centre has today announced the 34 talented writers chosen for its prestigious National Mentoring Programme 2025, following an exceptional response to this year’s nationwide callout, which attracted 354 applicants. Each selected writer will receive one-to-one mentoring from an established writer, offering invaluable creative and professional guidance over the coming months. Now in its eighth year, the National Mentoring Programme (NMP) has become one of the most significant supports for emerging and mid-career writers across Ireland. Run by the Irish Writers Centre – the country’s leading organisation for writer development – the initiative plays a crucial role in shaping Ireland’s literary landscape by nurturing talent at pivotal stages in a writer’s journey. Since its founding in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre’s mission has been to support the life of the writer – those whose ideas and words illuminate... Read Moreread more.


We Are Hiring: Reception Administrator

June 10, 2025 4:14 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 6 July 2025 Role: Reception Administrator Contract: Full-time and permanent with a six-month probation period Salary: €30k p.a. Reporting to: Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO) Location: Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 E102. Please note that the post-holder will need to be Dublin-based to carry out the duties of this position. Irish Writers Centre Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Our vision is to support the life of the writer as they illuminate our lives with their ideas and words. Our creative writing Academy delivers a year-round programme of 150+ creative writing courses, masterclasses and seminars, both online and in-person. In addition, we run a National Mentoring Programme and administer a significant range of development opportunities and programmes for beginner, emerging... Read Moreread more.


We Are Hiring: Programming Assistant

June 10, 2025 4:05 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 6 July 2025 Role: Programming Assistant Contract: Full time, permanent, with a six-month probation period Salary: €32k p.a. Reporting to: Deputy Chief Executive Officer with Head of Programming as line manager Location: Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 E102. Please note that the post-holder will need to be Dublin-based to carry out the duties of this position. Irish Writers Centre Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Our vision is to support the life of the writer as they illuminate our lives with their ideas and words. Our creative writing Academy delivers a year-round programme of 150+ creative writing courses, masterclasses and seminars, both online and in-person. In addition, we run a National Mentoring Programme and administer a significant range of development opportunities... Read Moreread more.


We are Hiring: Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator

June 10, 2025 3:50 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Sunday 6 July 2025 Role: Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator Contract: Full-time and permanent with a six-month probation period Salary: €36k p.a.  Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Deputy CEO as line manager Location: Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 E102. Please note that the post-holder will need to be Dublin-based to carry out the duties of this position. Irish Writers Centre Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Our vision is to support the life of the writer as they illuminate our lives with their ideas and words. Our creative writing Academy delivers a year-round programme of 150+ creative writing courses, masterclasses and seminars, both online and in-person. In addition, we run a National Mentoring Programme and administer a significant range of development... Read Moreread more.


Opportunities for Writers: June 2025

June 9, 2025 1:00 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Check out the current opportunities available for writers. See a list below of summer deadlines for submissions, competitions, bursaries, residencies and other opportunities. For the full list of opportunities, check out: Competitions, submissions and other opportunities and Bursaries and funding  Irish Writers Centre Evolution Programme 2025 -2026   Who is it for: Writers living on the island of Ireland who have successfully published at least one book. Deadline for applications: Sunday 29 June 2025 The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to announce the return of the Evolution Programme for 2025-2026. This free six-month programme will provide support for up to twelve published writers (1 or 2 books) to advance their writing careers. The selected writers can choose from a suite of supports which includes creative writing courses, one-to-one mentoring, clinics with industry experts, monthly peer forums and Irish Writers Centre membership with access to writing space. It also... Read Moreread more.


Join us at Belfast Book Festival this weekend

June 6, 2025 10:49 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to attend the 15th edition of the annual Belfast Book Festival, run by the Crescent Arts Centre this June. On Sunday 8 June 2025, join us for an information session about all things Irish Writers Centre and a reading showcase featuring our 2025 Young Writer Delegates and New Voices: North recipients.  Irish Writers Centre: Information Session Date: Sunday 8 June 2025 Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Price: Pay What You Decide – Recommended Price £12.50 Book you ticket The Irish Writers Centre is the leading development and resource organisation for writers. Carrying out its work online and in-person on an all-island basis, it supports writers at every stage of their journey. During this panel discussion, three panelists will share their experience as recipients of some of the key programmes at the Irish Writers Centre, including the... Read Moreread more.


Happy Birthday Mrs. Dalloway: A Conference Celebrating 100 Years of Virginia Woolf’s Masterpiece

June 3, 2025 11:57 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, which turns 100 this year, depicts a single day in June from the perspective of a number of characters. To mark the centenary, writer Belinda McKeon presents a day of panels and discussions in the Irish Writers Centre (Dublin) on Saturday 7 June 2025 from 11am to 3pm, with novelists, poets and essayists for whom Woolf’s novel remains a deeply important influence.  Tickets cost: €50 (€40 Members/Concession). Book online. Event Details: Join us for conversations about memory, expression, writing the city, and much else besides. The morning will start with tea and coffee and there will be an hour interval for lunch. The panelists will include Claire-Louise Bennett, Mary Cregan, Naoise Dolan, Belinda McKeon, Nuala O’Connor and Emilie Pine. TIMETABLE: Welcome: 11.00 – 11.15am Join us for light refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) and an opportunity to... Read Moreread more.


Announcing our 2025 Young Writer Delegates at Belfast Book Festival

June 6, 2025 10:30 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We’re delighted to announce the four Irish Writers Centre Young Writer Delegates who will attend and contribute to Belfast Book Festival from 5-12 June. The delegates will be mentored by local writer Chris Wright and perform readings at a festival showcase in The Crescent on Sunday 8 June 2025 at 3:00pm (pay what you can). The four awardees are Joshua Beatty, Beth Healy, Nicole Lee and Sean Rowan. Now in its seventh year, the Young Writer Delegates Programme gives young writers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a literary festival and to contribute to it as active participants. You can keep up with the Young Writer Delegates on their Instagram page, and through the Irish Writers Centre and Belfast social media channels. The programme is in partnership with Belfast Book Festival and Crescent Arts Centre. The Irish Writers Centre is... Read Moreread more.


A note from our CEO

May 14, 2025 5:15 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

As we close off Spring and welcome a delightfully warm early Summer, I wanted to update you on some of the exciting things that happened during the month of April. At the beginning of the month we welcomed Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Muldoon when he performed with four of the most stirring spoken word artists on the Dublin stage today; Ciara Ni É, our own Irish Writers Centre ambassador, Cormac Mac Gearailt, Anna D and Stephen James Smith. It was a remarkable evening of poetry leaping off from page into performance. Prior to that we hosted the Franco-Irish literature Festival by welcoming Maram al-Masri and Theo Dorgan for a fascinating discussion on poetry and place. In the second week in April we took our newly formed Literary Regional Roadshow to the University of Limerick Creative Writing Festival where we curated... Read Moreread more.


Our Young Writer Delegates look back on Cúirt 2025

May 14, 2025 1:04 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Last month, writers, readers and book-lovers from far and wide travelled to Galway for the Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2025. From 23-28 April, attendees were treated to a week full of readings, conversations, film screenings, walking tours, events and special guests, which showcased new voices, diverse writing, Irish and international writing talent. Among the attendees were our IWC/Cúirt Young Writer Delegates, Nina Devine, Angelia D’Souza, Summer Luyako, Surnaí Molloy and Czacarri Muli. As part of the festival our Young Writer Delegates took part in their very own showcase event where they got the chance to perform some of their work to a packed audience in the Nun’s Island Theatre. Their local writer-mentor Alan McMonagle was in attendance along with some previous Cúirt Young Writer Delegates who turned up to show their support as well! Each year, the delegates attend... Read Moreread more.