The Irish Writers Centre Roadshow heads to Write by the Sea

Throughout 2025, the Irish Writers Centre is touring the island, bringing an exciting programme of literary events from creative writing workshops, showcases, panel discussions, masterclasses and information sessions to the four provinces, serving an all-island literary community with tuition, peer support and networking opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey.

This September we are delighted to head down to Welford for Write by the Sea, Kilmore Quay. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this boutique literary festival set in the scenic fishing village of Kilmore Quay. Over the past decade, they’ve welcomed some of Ireland’s finest writers and introduced exciting new voices—all in a setting as warm and welcoming as the stories we celebrate. Running from 26 to 28 September 2025, whether you’re a reader, writer or simply curious, there’s a place for you at Ireland’s friendliest literary festival.

Below you will find  details of the Irish Write Centre events (although most of the tickets are now fully booked). You can access the festival programme here.

SEMINAR: What’s the Story? With David Butler & the Irish Writers Centre

How do stories work? What makes for an effective opening? How important is point of view? What is the ‘three act structure’? What do we mean by ‘character arc’? In this free session, David Butler will be examining these and other questions, with examples drawn from great literature down the ages.

WORKSHOP – ZINE MAKING

An accessible introduction to creating, storytelling and self-expression, the Irish Writers Centre welcomes participants at Write by the Sea to create their own mini publications. Facilitators CC Darlington and Veronica Victor will guide participants in making their own bespoke zines — small, independent publications created through writing, drawing and collage. Materials provided, though participants may bring their own supplies.

PANEL DISCUSSION: Wired our own Way

One in 27 Irish schoolchildren are now diagnosed as autistic, and growing numbers of adults are discovering they are too. Wired Our Own Way: An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices is a powerful new collection of essays by autistic Irish adults. Contributors Nuala O’Connor and Jennifer Poyntz, editor Niamh Garvey and host Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan discuss how autism varies from person to person, and how diagnosis can shape identity, self-understanding, and self-compassion.

CONVERSATION: John Banville & Victoria Kennefick

Internationally acclaimed novelist, Wexford native and Irish Writers Centre Ambassador John Banville (Venetian Vespers, The Singularities, Snow) and award-winning poet Victoria Kennefick (Egg/Shell, Eat or We Both Starve) will discuss the power of form, prose and meticulous storytelling.