Summer of Spoken Word: Celebrating Stories, Creativity, and Diversity in Dublin
As the days grow longer and the sun graces us with its warmth, the world of spoken word comes alive with a vibrant array of events and performances. From dynamic storytelling to mesmerising poetry, this summer promises to be a feast for the senses, with a diverse lineup of spoken word events set to captivate audiences.
Kicking us off with a lineup of events that celebrate the power of storytelling, creativity, and diversity, the International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) is set to deliver some unforgettable experiences for artists and audiences alike. Whether you're drawn to traditional tales, dynamic performances, or thought-provoking poetry, there's something for everyone to enjoy and explore in the world of spoken word.
The International Literature Festival Dublin stands as Ireland's premier literary gathering, captivating audiences since its inception in 1998. With a rich tapestry of readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, and more, ILFD showcases the finest writers from around the globe, spanning fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights, and screenwriters. Embracing diversity, ILFD fervently supports Irish language writing and emerging talent, championing new voices through commissions and public initiatives.
Words Upside Down: Moth & Butterfly Storytelling (May 20th)
Prepare to have your world turned upside down with an evening of dynamic oral storytelling at Words Upside Down. Hosted by the Moth & Butterfly ensemble, this multi-genre celebration of the oral tradition promises to delight both tellers and listeners alike. From traditional tales to personal stories to improvised yarns, this event is not to be missed. Merrion Square - Byzantium @ 6.00pm | Tickets €10
Áras Scríbhneoirí na hÉireann Tóg an Maidhc (May 21st)
Join the Irish Writers Centre for a bilingual evening of poetry and prose at Áras Scríbhneoirí na hÉireann. Featuring MC Liam Mac Amhlaigh and special guest writer Tanya Farrelly, this event will showcase the rich tapestry of storytelling in both English and Irish. With an open mic session for writers, poets, and musicians, all are welcome to participate in this celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity. Merrion Square - Byzantium @ 6.30pm
Seanchoíche: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories (May 22nd)
Step into a safe space for storytelling at Seanchoíche, where ordinary people share their extraordinary tales. Through poetry, comedy, spoken word, and storytelling, this event offers a platform for empathy, catharsis, and connection. Whether you're a seasoned performer or speaking in front of a crowd for the first time, Seanchoíche invites you to share from the heart and be part of a transformative experience. Merrion Square @ 7.30pm | Tickets €15
Story Riot (May 23rd)
Immerse yourself in the boundary-pushing world of Story Riot, where visuals, music, and poetic performance collide in a mesmerizing multi-sensory experience. Featuring Maeve Abyss, Simon O’Reilly, Osaro, and Abby Oliveira, this event pushes the boundaries of spoken word with innovative performances that challenge and inspire. Merrion Square Park @ 8.00pm | Tickets €15
Words Upside Down: Lifting the Gate with Ben MacCaoilte & Erin Lalor (May 25th)
Journey through time, memory, and nostalgia with Ben MacCaoilte and Erin Lalor as they lift the gate to the well of memory. With poetry, story, and music wrapped in the warm sounds of the harp and fiddle, this bilingual event invites audiences to embrace vulnerability, humanity, and personal history. Merrion Square Park @ 8.00pm | Tickets €12
Things I’m Learning to Love (May 25th)
Prepare to laugh, cry, and ponder the absurdities of life with Sunday Times bestselling writer Hollie McNish and her real-life partner Michael Pederson. From friendship to flags, newborns to Volvos, Hollie's gorgeously crafted poetry shines a poetic light on the things we've been taught to hate and might learn to love again. Merrion Square Park @ 8.30pm | Tickets €15
Check out our Spoken Word Gig Guide for more upcoming events in Ireland.