Heading to Cúirt This Weekend? Here are 10 Events You Won’t Want to Miss

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is underway across Galway this week, bringing writers, readers and performers into venues across the city, from the Town Hall Theatre to Nuns Island and the University of Galway.

This year’s programme covers a range of genres and formats, with everything from hands-on writing workshops with authors Jan Carson and Sarah Moss to an evening with Neil Jordan, and a rare in-person appearance from Palestinian poet Fatena Abu Mostafa.

There’s also space for the reflective: a tribute to Manchán Magan, poetry from Mary O’Malley, and smaller, family events like the Sunday Breakfast Club with Méabh McDonnell. Tickets are now available at a range of prices, with many more events running throughout the weekend.

Here are 10 on our must-see list:

Friday 24 April

Jan Carson: Introduction to the Short Story

This lively, practical workshop draws on bestselling author Jan Carson’s own experience to explore character, structure, voice and editing, while also offering insight into the publishing process. Participants will have the chance to begin developing their own short story during the session.

When and where: 10:00am–1:00pm, O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway.
Tickets: €65

Debut Fiction: Juliano Zaffino and Caragh Maxwell

Juliano Zaffino’s The Steps is described as both unsettling and emotionally precise, while Caragh Maxwell’s Sugartown follows a young woman returning home to Ireland after a breakup. Together, the two writers explore family dynamics, displacement and the realities of starting again. Set to be a fascinating exploration of the creative process of two hugely exciting debut authors.  

When and where: 4:00pm, The Mick Lally Theatre.
Tickets: €10/€12

Neil Jordan: The Library of Traumatic Memory

Filmmaker and writer Neil Jordan discusses his novel The Library of Traumatic Memory, a speculative story set in 2084 where memories can be archived, edited and even resurrected. Blending science fiction with questions of grief, love and ethics, the event will see him in conversation with Charlene Lydon of the Galway Film Fleadh.

When and where: 8:30pm, Town Hall Theatre.
Tickets: €20/€22

Saturday 25 April

Language and Light: Foraging and Cyanotype Workshop

Guided by the work of Manchán Magan, this workshop combines a foraging walk with cyanotype printmaking. Participants will explore plant life through Irish (speakers at all levels – or none – are welcome) and create prints using sunlight, linking language, landscape, and memory in a hands-on way.

When and where: 12:00pm–3:00pm, Galway Arts Centre.
Tickets: €65

Fatena Abu Mostafa: From Gaza to Galway

After previously sharing her work remotely and expressing her hope to one day visit Galway in person, poet Fatena Abu Mostafa now appears in person. In conversation with Vincent Woods, she will reflect on her journey to Ireland and share her poetry with a live audience.

When and where: 5:30pm, Galway Arts Centre, Nuns Island Theatre.
Tickets: €5/€8

A Tribute to Manchán Magan

Following his death in late 2025, this event brings together writers and artists to reflect on Manchán Magan’s remarkable work and legacy. Through words and music, contributors will consider how his thinking on language and the natural world continues to resonate.

When and where: 8:30pm, Town Hall Theatre.
Tickets: €20/€22

Sunday 26 April

Sunday Breakfast Club with Méabh McDonnell

A relaxed morning event for younger audiences, this session combines storytelling with pastries. Méabh McDonnell, author of Any Way You Slice It, shares stories in an informal setting designed for ages 10 and up.

When and where: 10:00am, Galway Arts Centre: Nuns Island Theatre.
Tickets: €10 (adult and child), €8 per additional child

Dean Fee: Starting to Write

Struggling to put pen to page? Writer and editor Dean Fee leads a workshop focused on childhood narratives in fiction and non-fiction, exploring how early experiences shape storytelling. An exciting chance to start bringing the stories in your head to life as you'll get to develop your own story in the session.

When and where: 11:00am–2:00pm, O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway.
Tickets: €15

Sarah Moss: Fiction Masterclass

Prize-winning author Sarah Moss, known for novels including Ghost Wall, Summerwater and Ripeness, leads a masterclass exploring writing practice, craft and technique. The session includes a conversation followed by audience Q&A.

When and where: 2:30pm–4:30pm, O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway.
Tickets: €65

Poetry Reading: Mary O’Malley, Liam Carson and Paul Perry

This reading brings together three poets whose work moves between past and present, from the myth-infused world of Mary O’Malley’s The Shark Nursery, to the shifting landscapes of Liam Carson’s Belfast Twilight, and Paul Perry’s Clockhammer, which explores time, memory and their distortions.

When and where: 4:00pm, The Mick Lally Theatre.
Tickets: €10/€12

For the full programme and tickets, visit cuirt.ie.