UPCOMING READINGS/WORKSHOPS/EVENTS
2023
May 2023
April 27 2023
Poetry Day Ireland
I’ll be representing County Clare in the special Poetry Day Ireland podcast from Eat the Storms: 32 Counties/32 Poets
April 7 2023
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
March 3 2023
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
February 3 2023
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
February 2 2023
Vital Signs, Poems of Illness and Healing – Poetry Ireland reading event
Venue: The Atrium, Concert Hall Building, University of Limerick
Time: 2pm
Moderated by Prof. Eoin Devereux, with readings by Victoria Kennefick, the anthology’s editor, Martin Dyar, and myself. Additional readings from Dr Sarah Moore-Fitzgerald, Donal Ryan, and the President of the University, Kerstin Mey.
The event is free, but you’ll need to book at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/516539332047
January 6 2023
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
2022
December 2 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
November 4 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
November 3 2022
” The Library – our gift to ourselves.”
Poetry reading for librarians, Clare County Library
Venue: Buttermarket Building, Ennis, Co. Clare
October 12 2022
Launch of Vital Signs, an anthology of illness and healing ed., Martin Dyar, pub., Poetry Ireland
Venue: Hodges Figgis Bookshop, Dawson St., Dublin
Time: 6.30pm
October 7 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
September 30 2022
Launch of Crannóg 57 & reading
Venue: The Crane Bar, Sea Road, Galway
Time: 6.30pm
September 23 2022
Culture Night 2022
Venue: Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan
Time: 7.30-10.30pm
September 19-26 2022
Writer’s Residency at The Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Co. Monaghan: part of my Arts Council of Ireland Agility Award.
September 11 2022
Poetry reading and music
Venue: The Courthouse, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Time: 7.30pm
September 2-11 2022
‘In the Beginning’ an exhibition of paintings by Pam Fleming, with accompanying ekphrastic poems by local writers
Venue: The Courthouse, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Time: 11am-4pm daily
September 2 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
August 5 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
July 1 2022
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
Great to see the return of this popular live event after the Covid hiatus!
June 5-10 2022
Writer’s Residency at The River Mill, Co. Down: part of my Arts Council of Ireland Agility Award.
PAST EVENTS:
2021
September 16 2021
Poetry Town Ennistymon
Venue: Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Ennistymon
Time: 9.40am
‘Why Poetry’ – Workshop for 3rd years
Part of the Poetry Ireland/Poetry Town project
September 11 2021
Poetry Town Launch
Venue: Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon
Time: 7pm
Main launch and reading by Grace Wells, Town Poet Laureate for Ennistymon with readings from some other poets, and music.
May 11 2021
Bealtaine Festival Online
Clare County Library is hosting via Zoom at 11.30am
Reading Paula Meehan – her selected poems ‘As If By Magic’ is the festival’s book choice this year.
2020
Well loveens, the less said about 2020 the better!
Autumn 2020
CANCELLED due to COVID19 restrictions
Doire Press 10th Anniversary Readings, Galway
July 3-5 2020
CANCELLED due to COVID19 restrictions
Shannon Literature Festival, Shannon, Co. Clare
March 7 2020
Ennis Book Club Festival – Seven Sisters Poets Poetry Reading
Venue: Record Break Café, off Market Street, Ennis Time: 5.00 – 6.45pm
Free event
March 6 2020
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
February 7 2020
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
January 25 2020
Burns Night readings – with Ruth Marshall
Venue: Banner Books, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Time: 6.00-8.00pm
Readings, plus vegan ‘haggis’ and a wee dram, in celebration of Robert Burns.
January 3 2020
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
2019
December 7 2019
Featured on the Poetry File
Evelyn Grant’s Weekend Drive, Lyric FM Radio
Time: 6.05pm Link to reading: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/html5/#/lyric/21673919
December 6 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
November 22 2019
Winter Warmer Poetry Reading – with some of the Seven Sisters Poets
Venue: Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon Town Centre, Co. Clare
Time: 7.00pm
November 14 2019
The Wonder Poetry Workshops with secondary school students
As a part of the One Book, One Community project
Venue: Ennistymon Library, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am and 12.00pm-1.30pm
November 8 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
October 24 2019
School children’s poetry workshop
Venue: Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, Co. Clare
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
October 23 2019
School children’s poetry workshop
Venue: Ennistymon Library, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm AND
School children’s poetry workshop
Venue: Dr. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Time: 1.45pm – 3.15pm
October 7 2019
Featured on the Poetry File
Evelyn Grant’s Weekend Drive, Lyric FM Radio
Time: 6.05pm https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/rte-guide/20191007/282943862011214
October 4 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
September 6 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
August 10 2019
Feakle Festival
Poetry Reading – a two-hander with Nicki Griffin
Venue: Moloney’s
Time: 2.00-3.00pm
August 09 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
July 24 2019
John Hewitt Summer School – Billy Collins Masterclass
Venue: Market Place Theatre, Armagh
Am so looking forward to taking part in this masterclass!
July 5 2019
First Friday Readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
June 15 2019
Cruinniú na nÓg – poetry readings
Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee Public Library
Time: 11.00 am
The children from Kilrush and Kilkee will read poems developed during our workshops
June 6- 7 2019
Schoolchildren’s poetry workshops
Venues: Kilrush Public Library and Kilkee Public Library
Times: 11.00am – 12.00pm and 13.00pm – 14.00pm each day
June 7 2019
First Friday readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
June 1 2019
Poets’ Corner – solo reading with music from Bridget O’Neill
Venue: The Record Break Café, off Market St., Ennis
Time: 3.00pm
May 31 2019
Venue: Lyric FM studios, Limerick
Recording two poems for the ‘Poetry File’ slot – to be broadcast in September 2019
May 25 2019
Ennistymon Book Town Festival – Salmon Garden Party Poetry Readings
Venue: Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre
Time: 2.o0 – 3.30pm
May 23 2019
Schoolchildren’s poetry workshop
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 10.00 – 11.30am
May 17 2019
Heart of Gort Festival
Writers’ Panel Discussion – ‘Writing Place’
Venue: Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort
Time: 7.30pm
May 3 2019
First Friday readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
May 2 2019
Poetry Day Ireland
I’ll be taking part in Label Lit this year, so expect to see poetry around the Burren! https://labellit.wordpress.com/
Also:
Schoolchildren’s poetry workshop
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 10.00 – 11.30am
with Ennis Educate Together 3rd & 4th classes.
April 25 2019
A Seven Sisters reading – just our own work this time!
Venue: Richardson’s Eyre Square, Galway
Time: 7.30pm
April 5 2019
First Friday readings
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm
Everyone is welcome to bring along a poem to read.
Sunday 3 March 2019
Ennis Book Club Festival 2019
RTÉ’s Sunday Miscellany Live – Reading/Recording
Venue: Glór Theatre, Ennis
Time: 11.30am
Saturday 2 March 2019
Ennis Book Club Festival
Seven Sisters Poetry Corner – joint reading
Venue: The Record Break Café, off Market St. Ennis
Time: 3.00pm
Thursday 24 January 2019
Launch of the Irish edition of North (Issue 61)
Venue: Poetry Ireland, Parnell Square, Dublin
Time: 7.00pm
2018
Wednesday 12 December 2018
Staccato Literary Salon
Venue: Toner’s, Baggot Street, Dublin
Time: 7.45pm
Friday December 7 2018
Schoolchildren’s poetry workshop
Venue: Shannon Town Library, Smithstown, Shannon
Time: 10.30am
Wednesday 28 November 2018
Launch of Ballyvaughan, Poems from Home
A launch for family and friends of the book written by all of the children at the national school during a Creative Ireland-funded three-day workshop in October.
Venue: Ballyvaughan National School, Ballyvaughan
Time: 1.30pm
Friday 9 November 2018
Schoolchildren’s poetry workshop
Venue: Miltown Malbay Library, Miltown Malbay
Time: 10.00am
Saturday 3 November 2018
Wexford Literary Festival, Enniscorthy
New Voices – Reading
Venue: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy
Time: 5.15pm
Friday 21 September 2018
Culture Night – ‘The Book that Made Me A Reader’
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 6.30pm
Tuesday 28 August 2018
At the Edge Readings
I’m reading along with Tanya Farrelly and David Butler, and introduced by Kate Ennals
Venue: Johnston Library, Farnham Centre, Cavan Town
Time: 6.30pm
Sunday 08 July 2018
‘This Water Has Passion’
Venue: Coole Park, Gort, Co. Galway
Time: 10.00 am onwards
Pop-up open air group poetry reading – part of a series organised & filmed by Kevin Bateman
Saturday 09 June 2018
Wild Atlantic Poets – in conjunction with the Ennis Book Club Festival (new date after the Festival’s cancellation in March).
Venue: The Record Break Café, off Market St., Ennis
Time: 11.00am
Thursday 31 May 2018
Wild Writers’ Salon – Listowel Writers Week readings from various writers, & music, hosted by Annemarie Ní Churreáin
Venue: Listowel Library, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Time: 6.00pm
Monday 30 April 2018
Poetry Workshop with primary school children from Ennis, presented by Clare Library Services – part of a series of four being held until the end of May 2018. (I’m giving the first workshop, Ruth Marshall the next two, and Sinéad Nic Síoda the final one.)
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 10.30am
Thursday April 26th 2018
POETRY DAY IRELAND ‘Beyond Borders’ Poetry Readings, hosted by Clare Library Services
Please bring a favourite poem to read , especially one by a non-Irish poet. Members of the Poetry Collective will read work by other poets, as well as their own.
Venue: DeValera Library, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 11.00am
ALSO – The Poetry Collective hosts the prize-giving and readings by winners of the Every Child A Poet poetry competition for children from national schools in Co. Clare.
Venue: Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis
Time: 4.00pm
Thursday 29 March 2018
Lunchtime readings by members of the Poetry Collective
Venue: DeValera Libarary, Harmony Row, Ennis
Time: 1.00pm
Saturday 03 March 2018
The Ennis Book Club Festival
‘Clare Voices’ – Readings
Venue: The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
Time: 2.00pm
Also, Readings by The Poetry Collective
Venue: The Record Break Café, Market St. car park
Time: 3.15pm onwards
All Ennis Book Club Festival events were cancelled due to Storm Emma/Severe snow. [SOB!]
Saturday 17 February 2018
Seven Sisters Reading – inspired by #FIRED! [See AWomanPoetsCanon.com ]
Venue: The Record Break Café, off Market St., Ennis
Time: 1.00pm
Friday 9 February 2018
Over the Edge Showcase – Writing published in 2017
Venue: Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
Time: 6.30pm
Monday 29 January 2018
Highflautin’ at the Liquor Rooms
Venue: The Liquor Rooms, Wellington Quay, Dublin
Time: 7.30pm
Tuesday 23 January 2018
Launch of the Ennis Book Club Festival – Reading
Venue: Temple Gate Hotel
Time: 12.30pm
2017
Sunday 10 December 2017
Reading poetry for Christmas, and from This Little World.
Venue: The Ennis Book Shop, Abbey St., Ennis
Time: 1.30pm
Saturday 11 November 2017
Leaves Literary Festival – organised by the Arts Office, Laois Co. Council.
Venue: Emo Court, Co. Laois
Time: 3pm
Monday 09 October 2017
Ó Bhéal – MC Paul Casey
Venue: The Hayloft Winthrop Street, Cork City
Time: Ah sure, come at 8.30pm for all the craic – we’ll be reading around 10pm!
I’m a featured reader alongside the American poet, Tamara Miles.
Thursday 28 September 2017
An Evening of Music and Readings
Venue: The Aula Maxima, National University of Ireland, Galway
Time: 7.00 pm
Thrilled skinny to have been invited to be a part of an evening of music from ConTempo Quartet and readings from the students of the MA in Writing. I can’t wait to hear the results of a year’s collaboration at d’aul Alma Mater!
Saturday 23 September 2017
Che Do Bheatha Festival, Kilkee
Venue: The Sweeney Library, Kilkee
Reading and Open Mic with the Clare Poetry Collective – at what has to be the best-named festival – EVER. (Deserving of a fine bowl of chowdah, aftah!)
Friday 22 September 2017
CULTURE NIGHT – Reading with the Clare Poetry Collective
Venue: De Valera Library, Ennis
Time: 5.00pm
Reading a selection of poems. We also invite you to read yours – or a poem that you happen to like!
II
CULTURE NIGHT – Reading with Eleanor Cummins, in the company of books!
Venue: The Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre, Ennistymon
Time: 7.00pm
Reading some poems, and looking forward to hearing Ellie’s work.
Wednesday 13 September 2017
Clifden Arts Festival
Doire Press Readings – with writer Martin Malone
Venue: Clifden Library
Time: 4.00pm
I’ll be reading poems from This Little World (Doire Press, 2017), and Martin will be reading fiction.
Wednesday 19 July 2017
West Cork Literary Festival, Bantry, Co. Cork
Venue: Bantry Book Shop, William St., Bantry Time: 11.30am
I will be reading from my poetry collection This Little World (Doire Press, 2017). I look forward to your company, and this wonderful festival!
Wednesday 12 July 2017
Utter Word – MC Aoibheann McCann
Venue: Oranmore Library Time: 7.30pm
Doire Press: Readings & panel discussion. With Lisa Frank from Doire Press, and writer Celeste Augé
Followed by an Open Mic
Tuesday 4 July 2017
‘On the Nail Literary Gathering’ with Limerick Writers’ Centre.
Venue: Chez le Fab Café Time: 8pm
I will be reading with Terry McDonagh, and signing copies of THE BOOK, of course!!
Saturday 1 July 2017
The Ennis launch of This Little World takes place at 1pm at the Record Break Café – that great place for coffee … where the Poetry Collective and their gang like to hang out. Also on the bill will be music and poetry from Mike & Austin Durack.
And sure, there’ll be a few books for sale too!
Thursday 29 June 2017
The ‘Over the Edge Writers’ Gathering’ is being held in The Kitchen at Galway’s City Museum at 8pm. I’ll be reading from This Little World. If you can come along, it would be great to see a friendly face. Pass it on!
Saturday 17 June 2017
Join me and Lisa & John from Doire Press for the launch of my first poetry collection This Little World, at 1.00pm in the Galway Arts Centre on Lr. Dominick Street in Galway.
There’ll be wine, a few poems read, and books signed! Everyone is welcome.
27 April 2017 National Poetry Day
Venue: De Valera Library, Harmony Row Ennis Time 1.00pm
I will be reading with others members of the Poetry Collective at the Library’s lunchtime event. Please come along, and bring one of your favourite poems to read for us. It’s your Poetry Day too!
There will be a special Poetry Day Open Mic at the Record Break Café at 7.30pm that evening. Everyone welcome.
Friday 3 February 2017
I’m reading at February’s poetry slot at the Record Break Café in Ennis.
Door open at 7.30pm with poetry is from 8-9pm, followed by music from Pele, a local musician and a pal of my sister’s as it happens!
This time, I’m delighted to be joined by Limerick poet & playwright Mary Coll, who will be reading from her new collection, Silver. Join us for what promises to be a great evening.
And remember, Sinéad makes great coffee!
Saturday 21 January 2017
Reading at the Open Mic at Shannonside Winter Music Festival in Bunratty.
The first poetry event in the festival is Cork’s spoken event, ÓBhéal, on tour – with Paul Casey as MC. It promises to be a great evening of guest readings, open mic, and for me … my first attempt at the Ó Bhéal five word challenge!
Saturday 7 January 2017
I’d a great day in Galway at the #Herstory Nollaig na mBan Open Mic.
© Karen J McDonnell
The event was hosted at the Cornstore by Galway2020 who not only provided a great – still festive – space, but also coffee, biccies and buns. Thanks, Nollaig and the gang!
See the main page for the full blog.
2016
Saturday 8th July 2016
ESF Poetry Breakfast at the Record Break Café , Ennis.
Join the Poetry Collective for coffee and poetry at 11.00am.
2015
Friday 4th December 2015
I will be reading poems with writer Frank Golden and students of the Burren College of Art at 8.00pm this evening, here in Ballyvaughan.
A fire and candles will be lit in the old tower and we will swap themes in poems and prose. There really should be a great atmosphere in such an interesting venue.
Wednesday 11th November 2015
Looking forward to meeting new friends and reading old and new work at the weekly White House Poets gathering. There will also be an open mic. https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouseLimerickPoetry/
Time: 9pm Location; The White House Pub, 52 O’ Connell Street, Limerick.
Saturday 5th September 2015
Looking forward to a return trip to the Beara Peninsula. I’ll be reading at 6.00pm at the Sarah Walker Gallery with the other prizewinners.
Saturday 11 July 2015
C. Karen McDonnell
Laura Mulcahy is hosting a Teeny Tiny Arts Fest in aid the Irish Pal Fest, next Saturday, 11 July in Ballymacahill, Ennis.
The Clare Poets will be reading from 6-8pm. I will read from Unsettled, A West Bank Journal.
Please support this cause.
Friday 1 May 2015
I will giving a poetry reading in the Record Break Café, Lower Market, Ennis at 8.00pm on May 1st.
Thanks to Sinéad for the invitation to her great space.
Come along and keep me company, have a coffee, and listen on to more poetry from Donal, and music afterwards.
Friday 6 March 2015
I will be reading with The Poetry Collective in Glór Theatre & Gallery, Ennis at 6.30pm
The readings are in conjunction with an art exhibition ‘To be or nought to be’ – the result of a collaboration between poets from Clare and artists who responded to specific poems. Nearly a year in the making, it’s fantastic to see the final results.
For a preview, see the webpage of artist Carmel O’ Doherty, w ho coordinated the project with poet Patrick Stack.
All are welcome to Glór on Friday!
2014
February 2014
Words on the Waves awards and launch of Crannóg
2013
Saturday 4 May 2013
My first gig as a featured poet – at the Strokestown International Poetry Festival. I read with the poetic force of nature that is Sarah Clancy and met her for the first, but not the last time. Grateful always to John Kenny and Martin Dyar for setting me on the path.
Karen J McDonnell 