Ireland's booming spoken word scene, must-attend events this October
Ireland’s spoken word scene is thriving, and this October, it’s buzzing with an eclectic mix of events that celebrate storytelling, poetry, and improvisation. From intimate open mics to large festivals, there’s something for everyone across the country. Here’s your complete guide to the must-attend spoken word and literary happenings throughout the month.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just a curious listener, these recurring events provide a regular platform for the spoken word community to come together. The Fermanagh Writers meet in Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, the Smithfield Creatives host a vibrant open mic night at the Bernard Shaw. Featuring storytelling, spoken word, music, hip hop, and even comedy, this event is a great networking opportunity for artists of all kinds. Similarly, the Circle Sessions offers a mix of spoken word, poetry, storytelling, and live music, making it a staple in the Dublin creative scene every Monday night in International Bar, Dublin.
If you prefer tuning in from home, you can join Limerick’s Lime Square Poets on Thursdays for their weekly online poetry event, where featured poets are followed by an open mic session. Also in Limerick, the First Wednesday Series brings poets together at the Whitehouse Bar, offering both a stage for established poets and an open mic for newcomers. As the name suggests, this event takes place on the first Wednesday of the month.
On October 3rd, take part in the monthly Open Mic at the Kerry Writers’ Museum, perfect for spoken word enthusiasts and those eager to share their work. In Dublin, head to the Sugar Club for one of the city’s most popular storytelling events, The Dublin Story Slam, where ordinary people share extraordinary stories. This month’s theme is Fear. In Sligo, Illuminations, a monthly open mic night, is held at Bookmart, creating an intimate and atmospheric space for poetry and storytelling. That same evening in Cork, Cork Yarnspinners meet at Counihan's Bar to share a night of stories, poems, and songs in a relaxed setting.
On October 4th, the Knocklyon Literary Festival Open Mic takes place in Dublin, giving local poets and prose writers a chance to showcase their work at Ballyboden St. Enda’s GAA. The festival continues on October 5th with a poetry workshop led by Colm Keegan, designed to inspire both emerging and experienced writers. That afternoon, storytelling takes centre stage in Cavan at the Border Talk Project Finale, a celebration of stories from the region at the Cavan County Museum. In Dublin, Nighthawks at the United Arts Club promises an eclectic evening of storytelling, comedy, spoken word, and music in the iconic venue on the evening of October 5th.
On October 6th, the Fermanagh Live Festival features Music and Song, Poetry and Folktales of Ukraine, with Teresa Godfrey reading from her poetry collection alongside Ukrainian folktales and music in Enniskillen. Later that day, the Cultivating Voices Live Poetry online event brings poets from around the globe together in a live poetry open mic session. On October 7th, as part of the Ballina Fringe Festival, Martin Dyar and the Ox Mountain Poets perform in Ballina, offering an evening of contemporary and classical poetry. Finally, The Circle Sessions on October 7th will provide another night of spoken word, music, and storytelling at the International Bar in Dublin.
On October 11th, Poetry Lit! Online Reading Series offers poets from around the world the chance to connect and share their work. October 12th marks another meeting of the 1916 Centenary Performing Arts Club in Dublin, where performers gather for a night of drama, music, poetry, and debates. On October 14th, Colm Keegan returns with a poetry workshop as part of the Red Line Book Festival in Lucan, while Ó Bhéal hosts a bilingual poetry event in Cork, blending in-person and online performances.
As the month progresses, more festivals, workshops, and storytelling events continue to unfold. In Dublin, Rising Tide showcases the best of spoken word and music on October 16th with Emmet Kirwan, Jan Brierton, Kev Kennedy, Fergus Costello, Jess Flood, Leon Dunne, and MC Dave Hynes in Pearse Street Library. Also on the 16th, Moth & Butterfly presents The Slow Fade in Galway on the same day, a unique performance blending storytelling and improvisation at Rouge Restaurant.
On October 17th, Runaway Poets in Boyle offers an evening of poetry and an open mic session in Boyle, Roscommon, while in Cork, IMBAS takes place on October 18th at Alchemy Coffee and Books, featuring poetry, storytelling, and music.
As October draws to a close, the final days offer even more open mics and creative festivals to enjoy. Purely Poetry Open Mic in Belfast on October 25th welcomes poets of all levels at Crescent Arts Centre. In Belfast on October 26th, the Coven Comedy Club provides a relaxed afternoon of comedy, highlighting Northern Ireland’s rising comedic talent.
In Kerry, Castleisland Arts Night takes place on October 27th, a monthly event that brings together art lovers for an evening of spoken word, storytelling, and music. In Dublin, Dublin’s Finest on October 27th at Sin É offers a night of spoken word, music, and performance.
To close out the month, October 31st sees The Sunflower Sessions at the Lord Edward in Dublin, offering a lively open mic for poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists, while in Clondalkin, Dolcáin’s Cellar presents their open mic event featuring music, comedy, and spoken word at Monks Kitchen. And finally, in Derry, local spoken word artist Frank Rafferty hosts Silver Tongued Deviance, an open mic for spoken word performers and singers.
With such an array of events, October 2024 promises to be a month packed with creativity and inspiration for Ireland’s spoken word enthusiasts. Whether you want to perform or simply enjoy the art of storytelling and poetry, there’s something for everyone.