Doolin Writers’ Weekend Participants Announced
Press Release:
The organisers of the Doolin Writers’ Weekend, one of Ireland’s newest and most popular annual literary festivals, have announced the line-up of participants in this year’s festival which takes place in Doolin, County Clare, on the weekend of the 4-6th March 2016.
Organised by Hotel Doolin, the festival features readings by some of Ireland’s leading writers including Joseph O’Connor, Danielle McLaughlin, Elaine Feeney, Billy Ramsel, June Caldwell, E. M Reapy and Neil McCarthy, as well as workshops hosted by Dermot Bolger, Lia Mills, Stephen Murray and E.R Murray.
The fourth annual Writers’ Weekend also will feature music from Sonny Condell and a plethora of local tradition Irish musicians, a seminar with publishing whirlwinds Banshee Lit, an open mic hosted by Dave Lordan, and book launches by Catherine Dunne and Anthony Glavin. Salmon Poetry, meanwhile, will be launching ‘Even The Day Breaks’, an anthology celebrating 35 years of Salmon Poetry on the Saturday evening of the festival.
“The Doolin Writers’ Weekend is an eclectic mix of workshops, readings, music and food and has something for every level of writer from beginners to expert wordsmiths and lovers of literature alike,” said event organiser and Doolin Hotel General Manager, Donal Minihane.
Mr. Minihane said the Writers’ Weekend location in the heart of the Burren has “helped to draw large attendances while it has also proven to be an alluring proposition for many of Ireland’s leading writers”.
“Located amidst the breadth-taking beauty of North Clare, Doolin is surrounded on all sides by natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the Burren and has always been a tonic for the soul of the weary traveller,” said Minihane. “Famed for its warm welcome and traditional Irish music Doolin has also long been a haunt of artists and writers including J.M Synge, George Bernard Shaw, Dylan Thomas, Augustus John and Oliver St. John Gogarty. We look forward to welcoming some of Ireland’s top writers back to Doolin next month.”
Mr. Minihane said the Writers’ Weekend is “delighted to play host” to the launch of Salmon Poetry’s 35th anniversary anthology.
“Salmon Poetry revolutionised Irish poetry, making it a place where, finally, the diverse voices and experiences of working class women and men were welcomed, recognised and heard. Among many other proud achievements, Salmon was the first to publish Rita Ann Higgins, Ireland’s leading contemporary poet and a champion of literary radicalism,’ he commented
A Weekend Pass to the Doolin Writers’ Weekend this year is €99/€75 (student). The pass includes an invitation to the Opening Night Drinks Reception and Talk by Joseph O’Connor, entrance to John Sonny Condell gig on Friday night, a workshop of choice on both Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, entrance to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and dinner on Saturday night.
The weekend will also see the presentation of the winners of the Doolin Short Story and Poetry competitions. First prize in each category is €1000 and publication. Closing date is Friday 5th February.
Visit: www.doolinwritersweekend.com.
