Fingal Poetry Festival 2024: A Weekend of Words, Music, and Nature
The Fingal Poetry Festival 2024, Ireland’s friendliest and most inclusive poetry festival, is back for its 5th year from September 13th to 15th, offering a vibrant celebration of words, music, and community. The festival, held in the charming seaside town of Skerries, promises an exciting lineup of events catering to all ages and interests. Alongside new and innovative offerings, the festival will reprise beloved activities such as Poetry Walks by the sea and through the forest, ISL-interpreted lunchtime readings, and a Family Fest designed for younger poetry enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the integration of music with poetry, reflecting the deep connection between these art forms. Whether you’re a fan of blues, jazz, or traditional Irish music, you’ll find something to delight your ears as well as your literary senses. The festival has also assembled a diverse lineup of poets who will read in both Irish and English, ensuring a rich cultural experience.
From creating a giant mandala with natural materials at the seaside to crowning the Skerries Slam Champion, the festival’s events are as varied as they are engaging. The Skerries Grand Slam Final on Friday evening is expected to be a standout, featuring guest poet Samuel Yakura and music by Amano. Saturday’s offerings include the much-loved Poetry Walk at the Harbour, a unique Poetry and Art Workshop with Prosper Fingal, and a family-friendly Poetry Fest at Floraville.
As the day progresses, attendees can enjoy Poetry and Music at the Monument, followed by the festival’s headline event, Poetry and All That Jazz, at the Little Theatre. This evening concert features readings by acclaimed poets Leontia Flynn and Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, accompanied by the Nigel Mooney Organ Trio and jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.
The festival concludes on Sunday with a peaceful Ardgillan Poetry Walk through the High Woods, offering a fitting end to a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and celebration. This year’s festival truly has something for everyone, making it a must-attend event for poetry lovers and those new to the art form alike.