Author Archives for IWC_admin

Pacáiste tosaigh do Scríbhneoirí Gaeilge // A starter pack for Irish Language Writers

March 14, 2024 1:21 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Tugann an blag greasáin seo spléachadh gairid ar an tacaíocht atá ar fáil do dhuine ar bith atá ag scríobh i nGaeilge.   This blog provides a brief look at supports available to anyone writing in Irish.  Read on for a guide to Irish language publishers, writing competitions, resource centres,  funding opportunities, literary festivals, open mic nights and writing communities. Foilsitheoirí na Gaeilge // Irish Language Publishers B’fhéidir gur gníomh aonair é an scríbhneoireacht ach ní hionann sin is a rá gur gá nó gur féidir le scríbhneoir bheith beo astu féin. Is gá léitheoirí mar thús – cad is scríbhneoir ann gan lucht a léite? Tá pobal láidir bríomhar foilsitheoirí Gaeilge ann a sholátharíonn leabhair agus irisí Gaeilge a chuideoidh leat teacht ar léitheoirí. Ina alt cuimsitheach ar “The Landscape of Irish Language Publishing,” san Irish Writers Handbook 2024: The... Read Moreread more.


We are seeking a writer to join the Irish Writers Centre Board of Directors

March 13, 2024 3:42 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Would you like to contribute to the future of Literature in Ireland? Join the Irish Writers Centre Board of Directors!  Position: Board member Role type: Voluntary (unpaid) Time commitment: The board meets 6-7 times annually Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Wednesday 10 April, 2024 About the Irish Writers Centre As the leading support and development organisation for writers since 1991, the Irish Writers Centre (IWC) carries out its work, online and in-person, on an all island basis. We work with writers of all types and talents, and actively encourage writers from all communities to engage in creative writing. We provide many ways and means for them to develop their skill, advance their ambitions and join a vibrant and diverse community of people who share their passion and purpose. As mentioned in our 2022-2026 strategy, community is at its heart... Read Moreread more.


Hugh Lane Gallery Poetry workshop on the life and work of Francis Bacon with Grace Wilentz

March 13, 2024 2:20 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

In association with The Irish Writers Centre Led by poet, Grace Wilentz, this three-week course for adults focuses on writing poetry in response to the life, work and creative practice of Francis Bacon. The location of the classes will vary between the Hugh Lane Gallery (11 and 25 May) and Irish Writers Centre (18 May). Hugh Lane Gallery Poetry workshop on the life and work of Francis Bacon with Grace Wilentz Start Date: Saturday 11 May, 2024 Time: 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Duration: 3 weeks Level: Beginner | Emerging Cost: €85 This course will take place in-person (Hugh Lane Gallery and the Irish Writers Centre) on Saturdays for 3 weeks. Full details and where to sign up can be found here. Course Outline and Summary Through short readings and group discussions, course participants will gain insights into the artist’s... Read Moreread more.


Announcing our 2025 Young Writer Delegates at Cúirt

March 7, 2024 12:06 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We’re delighted to announce our IWC/Cúirt Young Writer Delegates who will attend and contribute to Cúirt International Festival of Literature from  9-13 April. The delegates will be mentored by local writer Alan McMonagle and perform readings at a public showcase at the festival. The five awardees are Angelia D’Souza, Nina Devine, Summer Luyako, Surnaí Molloy and Czacarri Muli. Meet the delegates at their festival showcase in Nun’s Island Theatre on Saturday 12April 2025 at 1:00pm (free entry). Now in its seventh year, the Irish Writers Centre Young Writer Delegates Programme gives young writers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a literature 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 Cúirt social media channels. The full Cúirt International Festival of... Read Moreread more.


PRESS RELEASE: Three writers awarded Kylemore Residency through exciting new partnership

March 6, 2024 11:59 am Published by Leave your thoughts

The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to announce, in partnership with the Kylemore Global Centre, that three writers have been awarded a residency opportunity to pursue their work on the beautiful grounds of Kylemore Abbey (Co. Galway) this April. The writers are Kieran Fitzgerald, Henrietta McKervey and Rose Ugoalah. Headshots of awardees, 2024: Kieran FitzGerald, Henrietta McKervey and Rose Ugoalah   The partnership between the Irish Writers Centre and the Kylemore Global Centre, under the auspices of Notre Dame University, marks an exciting new collaboration. This residency is an incredible opportunity for writers to set aside time to develop their projects from one of Galway’s most distinctive locations. Kylemore Residencies are fully catered and will take place over five days between 15th and 19th of April 2024. Writers also have access to the Kylemore Estate, the Victorian Walled Gardens, Gothic Chapel... Read Moreread more.


Opportunities and Competitions March 2024

March 8, 2024 11:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Photo credit: In 2024 we are spotlighting all the amazing independent bookshops and booksellers in Ireland simply because we love them and we think you should too! Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge ar siúl anois so this month we are celebrating Dublin’s very own Irish language bookshop, An Siopa Leabhair! Scroll down to look around this delightful city centre bookshop and find out a little bit more about them. And, of course, be sure to drop in for a cúpla focail or even just a look around the next time you’re in Baile Átha Cliath! Each month we update our Competitions, Submissions & Opportunities webpage, along with our Bursaries & Funding, to ensure that we are connecting our writers with the best upcoming opportunities. Here are a few deadlines we want to highlight this March. Submissions: Faerie Press Anthology Deadline: 30th March... Read Moreread more.


We are Hiring: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

March 1, 2024 3:25 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The Board of the Irish Writers Centre is now seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to take a fresh perspective on its future development. Closing date for applications:  Monday, 25thMarch 2024 at 12 noon. As the national support and development organisation for writers on the island of Ireland, the Irish Writers Centre supports a vibrant and diverse community of writers of all types and talents to develop their craft, using its voice to advocate to advance the status and conditions of professional writers. The Board of the Irish Writers Centre is now seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who has the creativity, energy and acumen to lead it to the next phase of its development.  This is both an exciting and challenging opportunity, to harness the strengths and expertise in the Irish Writers Centre while taking... Read Moreread more.


Looking Back on Novel Fair 2024

February 21, 2024 11:36 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Every year, the Irish Writers Centre introduces twelve aspiring novelists to top publishers and literary agents. Over two days, Novel Fair gives writers the opportunity to pitch their novels, bypass the slush pile, and place their manuscripts directly into the hands of industry professionals. Last week, we opened our doors to the Novel Fair cohort of 2024. It did not disappoint! Taking place over two days, the Fair occurred inside our beautiful Parnell Square location (Dublin) on Friday, while the Saturday happened online to give writers the opportunity to meet industry professionals from further afield. On Friday, the atmosphere inside the Irish Writers Centre was electric. The room was full of the sound of 12 aspiring novelists pitching their exciting projects. Novel Fair winner, Ali McGuire told us “this was my first time at IWC, and I take with me... Read Moreread more.


Join information session on Arts Council of Ireland’s awards and schemes (Tuesday 20 February)

February 15, 2024 2:01 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Find out more about the Arts Council of Ireland’s awards and schemes by joining this information session on Arts Participation Awards and Schemes in collaboration with Arts Council Ireland, Arts & Disability Ireland and Create Ireland. Joint information session on Arts Participation Awards and Schemes in collaboration with Arts Council Ireland, and Create Ireland. The event will take place on Tuesday 20 February from 11am to 1pm, online on Microsoft Teams. This information session will focus on Arts Council awards and schemes such as the Agility Award, Bursary Award, Project Award, the Artist in the Community scheme managed by Create, and the Arts and Disability Connect scheme managed by Arts & Disability Ireland. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Access information: Captioning will be provided  and ISL interpretation will be provided by Bridge Interpreting. Book... Read Moreread more.


Opportunities and Competitions February 2024

February 7, 2024 4:57 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Photo credit: In 2024 we are spotlighting all the amazing independent bookshops and booksellers in Ireland simply because we love them and we think you should too! In honour of St. Valentine, this month we are celebrating the most romantic bookstore in Ireland (ooooh) and after a long and arduous selection process 😉 (we did an Instagram poll) we decided that title belongs to Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry. Scroll down to see their lovely Valentine’s Day store display and find out a little bit more about them. Oh, and be sure to drop in the next time you’re in Derry! Each month we update our Competitions, Submissions & Opportunities webpage, along with our Bursaries & Funding, to ensure that we are connecting our writers with the best upcoming opportunities. Here are a few deadlines we wanted to highlight this February.... Read Moreread more.


Applications are now open: National Mentoring Programme 2024

February 1, 2024 9:00 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Applications are now open for the Irish Writers Centre National Mentoring Programme 2024.  About National Mentoring Programme 2024 Each year, the Irish Writers Centre sets up over 30 mentorships across the island of Ireland. Writers receive sustained creative and professional mentoring from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choosing. Accepted genres/forms: literary fiction, creative non-fiction, children’s / young adult fiction and poetry. Writers living in all thirty-two counties can apply. This initiative is supported by the Arts Council and 20 arts offices/organisations in Ireland. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, view the National Mentoring Programme webpage. Application deadline: Saturday 2 March, 2024 Running since 2017, the programme now has numerous published authors among its alumni, including Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Fiona Scarlett, and Victoria Kennefick to name just a few. “The National Mentoring Programme made... Read Moreread more.


Northern Soul Roadshow Awardees 2024

January 24, 2024 3:50 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to announce the awardees for Northern Soul Roadshow (NSR) 2024. The 20 writers will take part in a series of creative writing events and workshops featuring a wide range of writers from the North of Ireland. About Northern Soul Roadshow 2024 Northern Soul Roadshow is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts of Council of Northern Ireland and is specifically developed to showcase the work and craft of writers whose work illuminates the varied and diverse experiences of people from the North of Ireland and those who call it home. Participants will attend six workshops where guest writers will share their work and writing process. Writer-Facilitator, Fiona O’Rourke, has put together a stellar line up of guest writers to share their process with the 20 awardees, including Toby Buckley, Deirdre Cartmill, Emily Cooper, Kerri... Read Moreread more.


Teerth Chungh has been appointed as our Interim Director 

January 23, 2024 2:49 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to announce that Teerth Chungh, our current Deputy Director, took over as Interim Director of the Irish Writers Centre from Tuesday 16 January, 2024. With over thirty years professional experience in the arts sector Teerth has a track record of successfully leading arts organisations on both sides of the Irish Sea, serving both as CEO of major arts organisations and on senior management teams. Headshot of Teerth Chungh, Irish Writers Centre   Contact Teerth Chungh, IWC Interim Director: management@irishwriterscentre.ie  read more.


Valerie Bistany’s Farewell Party

January 17, 2024 11:41 am Published by Leave your thoughts

After ten years, Valerie Bistany steps down as Director of the Irish Writers Centre. On Monday, we raised a glass in recognition and gratitude to Valerie for her commitment, passion and stewardship of the Irish Writers Centre and her advocacy for writers across the island of Ireland. Flick through a series of joyful moments from the night.  Valerie Bistany, January 2024   Valerie Bistany, Mike McCormack and Betty Stenson, January 2024   Jack Gilligan, Brendan Mac Evilly, Valerie Bistany, Pádraig Burke, January 2024   Former IWC directors, Peter Sirr, Valerie Bistany and Hilary Copeland, January 2024   Audience listen to tributes. January 2024   Liz McManus, January 2024   IWC Chairperson, Breda Brown, January 2024   Valerie Bistany at the IWC readers podium, January 2024   While everyone will miss working with Valerie, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate... Read Moreread more.