Birr Writers’ Residency Award

Birr Writers’ Residency offers professional writers’ accommodation and workspaces for five nights, at Brendan House in the centre of Birr, County Offaly. This Georgian Heritage Town in the midlands of Ireland has a remarkable history and is embedded in a community with a thriving arts culture.

The purpose of the residency is to provide an opportunity for artists to focus on a writing project (current or new) in a tranquil environment which supports and values high professional artistic development. It is open to professional writers of any genre, e.g. literary fiction, poetry, playwrights, journalism or travel writing.

Offaly Arts Office have funded this residency award since 2014. In 2026 the Arts Office in collaboration with Brendan House, offers up to three writers, bed and breakfast accommodation for 6 days and 5 nights in one of the period rooms of the guest area. This also includes two evening suppers, at the beginning and finish of the residencies. WiFi internet connection is available throughout the house.

Writers can work in their rooms (a small writing desk is available) or may prefer to work in the drawing room, or the adjoining artist studio, (when free). The local library is also a very short walk away.

When Does the Residency Take Place?

Selected Writers can avail of one of the following options, subject to availability.

September 20 – 25

September 21 – 26

October 18 – 23

October 19 – 24