A cold childhood My unheated home wasn’t a temporary discomfort. The chill got into my bones.

Me in The New Statesman today on poverty.

Please share :)

Poetry Ireland are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Durcan.

A former Ireland Professor of Poetry and a long-time friend of Poetry Ireland, Paul’s contribution to the arts was immense.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his words.

Pigott Poetry Prize shortlist revealed Books newsletter: a roundup of the latest news and a preview of tomorrow’s pages

We're so pleased that Kerry Hardie's ninth collection We Go On is on the three-strong shortlist for the Pigott Poetry Prize 2025. The shortlist is featured in @irishtimes.com.
@writersweek.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...

End the blockade

Author Gaelle Belem is on the arts show Arena this Thu 15th May! @rteradio1.bsky.social @bullaunpress.bsky.social

“With survival comes a duty: to tell the story.” – Atef Abu Saif

In October 2023, Atef Abu Saif arrived in Gaza as a government minister. Within weeks, he was living in a tent in a refugee camp. His new book, Don’t Look Left: A Diary of Genocide, captures 84 harrowing days of war, fear, and loss.

200 Years of Great Writers and Artists on the Creative and Spiritual Rewards of Gardening Emily Dickinson, Virginia Woolf, Oliver Sacks, Rebecca Solnit, Bronson Alcott, Michael Pollan, Jamaica Kincaid, and more.

200 years of great artists and writers on the creative and spiritual rewards of gardening www.themarginalian.org/2022/05/07/w...

An oifig inniu!

As Anne Tannam concludes her remarkable 2 year term as our Poet in Residence, we want to express our deepest thanks for all she has brought to this role.

Through workshops, mentoring, & her island-wide tour, Anne created countless spaces for connection & creativity. Her impact is lasting.

That Clare Pollard ... blimey.

Sun & a delivery of beautiful poetry books from Cornwall @guillemotpress.bsky.social via Tyrone ( thanks @paulashields.bsky.social! no thanks Brexit) The Red Gate - John F Deane & Tony Martin is a particular beauty @poetryireland.bsky.social

Gustav Parker Hibbett wins John Pollard Prize Books newsletter: a roundup of the latest news and preview of Saturday’s pages

Gustav Parker Hibbett is the winner of the John Pollard International Poetry Prize! Congratulations Parker!! 💛🧡

Judge Eoin McNamee said of High Jump as Icarus Story: 'At once exalted and humble this is work of the highest order.'

@gphibbett.bsky.social

www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...

A scheme to speed up social housing has barely been used by Dublin councils Councils are reluctant to use the single-stage process because they take on more risk if something goes wrong, says Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin.

A scheme to speed up social housing has barely been used by Dublin councils. Councils are reluctant to use the single-stage process because they take on more risk if something goes wrong, says Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin. www.dublininquirer.c...

This photograph captures Sir David Attenborough seated outdoors on the rugged terrain of Skomer Island. Behind him, the ocean and coastal cliffs form a scenic backdrop under a clear sky. Sir David, dressed in a khaki jacket and light trousers, looks towards the camera with a gentle expression, exuding a sense of warmth, calm, and wisdom. Around him, puffins can be seen flying and perched on the rocky ground, illuminated in rays of golden sunlight as the sun sets behind the cliffs.

Happy 99th birthday to the man who gave voice to the wild. 🎉

Sir David Attenborough, thank you for a lifetime dedicated to the natural world, and for sharing its story with wisdom, wonder, and grace.

You've inspired generations to fall in love with nature.

Eyes down, Conclave watchers! A few facts for your scorecards:

- Shortest Conclave: 1503, three hours or so.

- Longest Conclave: 1268, three years or so.

- Last Conclave to elect someone from outside: 1378, Urban VI.

- Last Pope to exhume his predecessor and put them on trial: Stephen VI, 897.

DUBLIN LAUNCH! In association with Poetry Ireland @poetryireland.bsky.social we're doubly excited to launch Crowd Work by @samfurlong.bsky.social on Wednesday, May 28th at 6:30 pm in the @irishwriterscentre.bsky.social

Book your free tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-cro...

It was standing room only at Strokestown Poetry Fest celebrating poetry presses @revivalpress @machapress.bsky.social pic Eilis Martin& Natasha Cuddington. Then 50 years of @arlenhouse.bsky.social with Washing Windows V Ed @alanhayes.bsky.social @nualaoconnor.bsky.social Joan Newmann reading 1st

30 Days Wild Writing Clare Shaw (Bloodaxe) and Miriam Darlington (Guardian Faber) have joined forces to offer daily online wild writing workshops through June.

30 Days Wild Writing with Clare Shaw (Bloodaxe) and Miriam Darlington (Times, Guardian Faber). Every day through June, from 9-10am, every session recorded so you can watch any time. From mudlarking to memoir, owls to otters, poetry to prose, guaranteed to fill your pages with inspiration.

Happy Birthday!

Apple blossom

Very much looking forward to this shared event with @revivalpress at this year's Strokestown International Poetry Festival
featuring Eilish Martin, @bernadettegallagherwriter &
@godblessthechickpea. Do come along!

strokestownpoetryfest.ie/events/new-v...

EU values hijacked.

Happy May Day — Bealtaine traditionally marks the beginning of summer in Ireland. May is also the time to enjoy the native Hawthorn's stunning clouds of white flower. An important plant in folklore and a vital resource for pollinators.

#MayDay
#Bealtaine
#biodiversity

The Royal Irish Academy is ceasing activity on X (Twitter) - Royal Irish Academy The Royal Irish Academy is committed to creating, convening, and sharing knowledge for the public good and as an organisation we value Independence; Integrity; Curiosity; Openness and Rigour. Therefor...

Statement: The Royal Irish Academy is ceasing activity on X (Twitter)

www.ria.ie/2025/05/01/t...

Last whistle-stop poetry workshop done at Ballyroan Library with Edmondstown NS @poetryireland.bsky.social #poetryday

Poetry Day Stop 1!

@poetryireland.bsky.social the lovely Castletymon Library with 5th Class St Kevin's NS @dogwithoutlegs.bsky.social

Gorgeous exhibition by Louise Neiland on at the moment in Taylor Gallery Dublin. Looking forward to revisiting it en route to seeing the Evie Hone/ Maine Jellet at the Nat Gall

Stained glass by Evie Hone

The ‘Art of Friendship’ by Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone @nationalgalleryirl.bsky.social is absolutely beautiful - my first visit today but it won’t be my last. So beautiful to see so many works in conversation with each other

My favourite ways of saying “your zipper is undone” from five other languages…

5. Your post office is open (Hindi)
4. The fairground is open (Danish)
3. The window to society is open (Japanese)
2. The Gate of Heavenly Peace is open (Chinese)
1. The pharmacy is open, and the doctor asleep (Spanish)

May 5, 2025 cover of the New Yorker. Expository text: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cover-story/cover-story-2025-05-05

Barry Blitt’s first 100 days cover for the New Yorker.