Two hooded figures with lamps approach a moonlit, isolated cottage. A woman answers the door. We have come for the child, says the hooded figure So soon? she asks It is time, says the hooded figure. The woman is distraught. We should never have got him a library card! What is done cannot be undone, says the hooded figure We couldn’t see the harm! We just wanted him to enjoy reading! For most, it ends there, says the hooded figure, turning away and walking into the wilderness Oh lord, What have I done! says the woman, the child walks past her and out into the darkness with them. Do not cry mother. I am a writer now.

my latest books cartoon for @theguardian.com

Got this collection last week from No Alibis Bookstore, Belfast's best bookshop. Am completely bowled over by it (by Pulse, yes, but also by the fabulosity of No Alibis). Last page of first story.

Boyhood by David Keenan: One of those special books that enter the world still unfolding Scottish writer’s novel is propelled by an anarchic energy whose literary style approaches the quality of a troubled dream

My review of David Keenan’s new novel, Boyhood. I have never quite read a book like it. It’s very good, and if you’re looking for something unexpected check it out. Even then you’ll be surprised.

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

The Four Pillars Press - Poetry Pamphlet longlist #Poetry

www.3pillarspress.com/post/longlis...

Currently reading: Four Night Seas, a marvellous collection of short stories by Niamh MacCabe @niamhmaccabe.bsky.social , published by @lilliputpress.bsky.social
#ShortStories

Happy to have 2 new poems in the summer issue of #TheStingingFly #poetry

Huge thanks to Eds. Annemarie Ní Churreain & Lisa McInerney

The gorgeous cover art is by Diarmuid Breen & design is by Eimear Gavin

The summer edition will be launched at @ilfdublin 16 May ilfdublin.com/whats-on/fes...

Stunning artwork!

That fabulous cover image is by Jackie Roantree, an artist based on Inis Mór. She creates some lovely work with striking colour. I love discovering new artists. www.instagram.com/jackieroantr...

Currently reading: Crannóg 64, the latest fabulous issue, and goodness the first poem in the journal is sublime… ‘The Mapmaker’s Quiet’ by David Anson Lee.

The journal is filled with most outstanding writing. #poetry #prose

Walks with Prof #home

From paper to pixels, how the 1926 Census was brought to life It took many years to conserve, digitise and index millions of records to get the 1926 Census ready for publication

From paper to pixels, how the 1926 Census was brought to life. It took many years to conserve, digitise and index millions of records to get the 1926 Census ready for publication, explains @zoereid.bsky.social National Archives of Ireland www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...

Big winds so the Sea Eagle’s gone fishing #Home #ForTheBirds

Just read - ‘The Correspondent’, an extraordinary and brilliant novel by Virginia Evans, published by Michael Joseph. Evans certainly sets the bar high for debut novelists.

Thanks so much Peggy Hooker for sending this wonderful read. #Novels #ReadingTime

The swallows have returned, are feeding on the wing by our boathouse. #ForTheBirds

Looking forward to discussing conflict, activism, food and the radical possibilities of artistic practice as part of the PATHOS public engagement programme @ilfdublin.bsky.social - Stirring the Pot with Hannah Khalil, Roxana Manouchehri & Bojana Janković. Tickets here: share.google/ZYjGWwwsgLKW...

NEW: Lebanon is Gaza 2.0. That’s what Israeli ministers are saying in their own words. Believe them.
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www.thenerve.news/p/lebanon-wa...

A robin in a nest it has made in the folds of an outdoor table umbrella

Over the weekend, one of the tables outside the tea room at Arlington Court, Devon, was cordoned off - because a robin built a cosy little nest inside the umbrella!

To give them some peace and avoid disturbance, we've temporarily closed off the area until they choose to move on.

📷 Barry Edwards

Gabriel Rosenstock imithe ar shlí na fírinne. Laoch ar lár. Croíbhriste. My dear friend and wonderful poet Gabriel Rosenstock has left us. He was one of a kind.

My debut poetry collection, ‘Midnight at the Saltmarsh’, will be published in May by @thegallerypress.bsky.social

To have this beautiful Paul Henry painting, ‘Incoming Tide, Achill’, as the cover is beyond my wildest dreams! 🌕 🌊

Available to pre-order
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

gallerypress.com/product/midn...

Autumn, a gorgeous, sensual poem by Jamie O’Halloran @jamieohalloran108.bsky.social from her collection ‘Ballast’ #poetry

Poetry and Politics - Peter Sirr’s fascinating essay that asks ‘What use is poetry?’ #Essay in the Dublin Review of Books

drb.ie/article/poet...

Nocturne - A new poem from Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin in the latest issue of Dublin Review of Books #Poetry

drb.ie/article/noct...

Love this poem ‘A Bit of Bad Language’ from Philip Lynch’s collection ‘Moving On’ @salmonpoetry.bsky.social #Poetry

from Longfellow’s The Old Clock on the Stairs #Clocks #MovingTime #SummerTime

Just read - ‘The Lock-Keeper’s Wife @lilliputpress.bsky.social , a beautiful, tender book, by John MacKenna #Novel #ReadBooks

One of the greatest Irish novels, unpacking the obligations of family & documenting an Ireland of stifling morality, thankfully long gone. McGahern excels at small-town claustrophobia and there is no better chronicler of Leitrim's green lanes. Honoured to write this foreword. @faberbooks.bsky.social

North Sea Poets Bulletin - New workshops! New Studios! New webinars! A Weekend Update from North Sea Poets - 28th March 2026

open.substack.com/pub/northsea...

Homemade pesto from wild garlic.