Poetry Events at DBF24

We’re excited to bring you another year of dynamic and diverse poetry events, from showcases, open mics and late evening readings, to a career-spanning collection, yoga and a walking tour. Read on for a round-up of just some of the events at DBF24 that poetry lovers will enjoy and, as always, check out our full programme for more.

Poetry Ireland Introductions | Céadlínte

We’re delighted to once again be partnering with Poetry Ireland for Introductions | Céadlínte, two evenings of showcases featuring 16 of the most exciting new poets writing in English and Irish on the island of Ireland today, with musical performances also on the night. Introductions | Is sárthaispeántas d’Eigse Eireann é “Céadlínte” de 16 de na filí nua is spreagúla atá ag scríobh i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge ar oileán na hÉireann sa lá atá inniu ann. Seinnfidh ceoltóir den scoth in eineacht leis na filí.

Thursday 7 November at 7.30pm in The New Theatre, Temple Bar (with Niamh Twomey, Ben Keatinge, Maciej Baltruszewicz, Cliodhna Bhreatnach, Shakeema Edwards, Áine Nic an tSíthigh, Máire Ní Laoire & Éire Ní Fhaoláin). Book here.

Friday 8 November at 7.30pm in The New Theatre, Temple Bar (with Kevin O’Farrell, Aine Rose Connell, Mia Vance, Charlotte Buckley, Fionn Andrews, Cáit Pléimionn, Joanne Nic Cárthaigh & Sorcha de Brún). Book here

PROSE & POSE: Poetry Yoga: Landscape of the Body

In an event that merges the creative with the holistic, join us for this year’s PROSE & POSE: Poetry Yoga event where Paul Donnelly will lead you in a series of restorative yoga moves, with readings from Lani O’Hanlon‘s beautiful poetry collection, Landscape of the Body, during resting intervals. The perfect replenishing Friday lunchtime to lead you into the weekend.

Friday 8 November at 12.30pm in the Green Room of 1WML, Windmill Quarter. Book here

Creative Pathways to Participation with ATD Ireland

Creative Pathways to Participation is a publication written by ATD Ireland Community Activists and guests, showcasing the importance of creative outlets; for finding voice, self expression, self recognition and sharing insights on issues of social justice, equality and inclusion. Join us at our Festival Hub as contributors share poetry and short story readings, alongside a film showing.

Friday 8 November at 1pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle. Book here

Day of the Imprisoned Writer – İlhan Sami Çomak

To mark the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann dedicates this event to their first Honorary Member, Kurdish poet İlhan Sami Çomak, one of Turkey’s longest-serving political prisoners. The evening will feature contributions and discussion with Paula Meehan, Caroline Stockford, Ipek Ozel, Iggy McGovern and Burhan Sönmez, President of PEN International. With artwork by Gianluca Costantini on display.

Friday 8 November at 6.30pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle. Book here

Irish Writers Centre Bilingual Takin’ the Mic

Tá Takin’ the Mic ag Féile Leabhar Bhaile Átha Cliath le hghaidh sár-oíche filíochta, focal labhartha agus grinn i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. The IWC returns with their dynamic evening of poetry and prose in Irish an English, hosted by Zainab Boladale and with special guest author Soula Emmanuel. With an ‘open mic’ for writers, poets and musicians too, this promises to be an evening of both entertainment and inspiration!

Friday 8 November at 7pm, The Dublin Liberties Distillery. Book here

DBF After Dark Festival Club: Music and Poetry

The second night of our DBF After Dark Festival Club will see you right into the weekend. Come and join us for a relaxed evening of poetry readings with Jackie Lynam and Molly Twomey, and music by James Mahon, then stick around after to meet and mingle in the bar upstairs to kick your cultural weekend off in style.

Friday 8 November at 8pm, Bartley’s Lounge, The Grafton Hotel. Book here

Ash Keys

Ash Keys: New Selected Poems looks back on an extraordinary career, containg poems of love, violence, the natural world, art, psychodrama, family, the Great War, the Homeric past and Northern Ireland’s troubled present cohabit in these pages. We are delighted to have acclaimed poet Michael Longley in conversation with Olivia O’Leary as they delve into his new book, and explore the evolution of his writing.

Saturday 9 November at 3pm in the Studio, dlr LexIcon, Dun Laoghaire. Book here

Literary Cabaret

Step into the DBF Literary Cabaret in the atmospheric James Joyce lounge where poet and spoken word artist, Dagogo Hart, will be one of the guests joining Brendan MacEvilly for a relaxed evening of readings and discussion. Also featuring writers Richy Craven and Sarah Rees Brennan.

Saturday 9 November at 8pm, Bewley’s Grafton Street. Book here

In Spring We Turned to Water, Walking Tour with Michael Dooley

What better way to immerse yourself in a stunning poetry collection than as you walk through the beautiful National Botanic Gardens. Join poet Michael Dooley on a walk with pauses for readings from In Spring We Turned to Water, poems of intricate watchfulness and stunning revelation from the natural world, charged with folklores and heritages, water bodies, outsiders, and wild creatures.

Sunday 10 November at 2pm, the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Book here