Fingal Poetry Festival returns with The Big Poetry Day Out

Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries from September 15 - 16, this year launching The Big Poetry Day Out. This trail of events showcases emerging and established poets from across the island.

The aim of The Big Poetry Day Out is to connect people with the written and spoken word in an inclusive and celebratory way - with readings, music, seaside walks, childrens’ open mics, and more.

Along with their new launch, the annual Fingal Poetry Grand Slam returns, gathering new and familiar names onto one stage. On Friday, September 15, join host Sheila Ryder in Skerries' Little Theatre for powerful performances from Stephen James Smith and the finalists of Fingal Poetry Festival's regional community Slams.

Festival organisers believe music tells stories, just as poetry does - and so, over the weekend, poets will be joined by local musicians, such as RVE, Naoise Mac Conghail, Lucy Killian, Lola Coady, Sarah May Rogers, and Oscar Churcher & Diarmuid Slattery.

On Saturday, The Big Poetry Day Out winds through Skerries from morning to nightfall.

In the morning, Enda Coyle-Greene will bring attendees for a seaside walk punctuated by poetry from featured poets Maeve O'Sullivan, Victoria Melkovska and Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin. Those in attendance are also welcome to bring along a poem of their own to share.

Joe May’s pub is the perfect spot for some lunch, while listening to the work of Anne Tannam and Marcus Mac Conghaíl.

After lunch, Floraville Park transforms into a hub of family-friendly fun. There will be something for all ages with featured poet Lucinda Jacob, art activities, games, and even an open mic for children and young adults. Local author Jane Landy will read from Claus Clamhsánaí, the new translation into Irish (by Gabriel Rosenstock) of her successful children’s book Gringer the Whinger.

As the evening approaches, the Bridge Club will see readings by Jessica Traynor and Paddy Bushe, judges of the 2023 Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh, and the unveiling of the winning poems.

If you'd rather spend an hour or two chatting away, The Gladstone Inn offers Craic agus Comhrá, a casual Irish language conversation group that takes the old saying “is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste” to heart.

Finally, the festival returns home to Skerries Mills — the place where it all began four short years ago. At their most special Poetry at the Mills events to date, featured poets Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Harry Clifton, and Caitríona Ní Chléirchín, will share some of their favourite pieces.

The Fingal Poetry Festival is guided by a strong-held belief in inclusivity, insisting everyone is welcome at the festival events. A limited number of assisted listening audio sets will be available for our Poetry Walk by the Sea, with some events to include ISL interpretation.

Fingal Poetry Festival is supported by Fingal County Council, Fingal Libraries, Poetry Ireland and DHL Global Forwarding.

Check out the events and book tickets - here.