Exploring Ireland’s Vibrant Spoken Word September Events
As the summer winds down and the crisp air of September rolls in, Ireland’s cultural scene is heating up with a plethora of spoken word events, open mics, and poetry slams. This September promises to be a month rich in artistic expression, storytelling, and community engagement across the country. Among the many events, two standouts are the much-anticipated BND Magazine launch—Ireland’s first and only spoken word magazine—and The Munster Poetry Slam in Limerick.
Kicking off the month, The Munster Poetry Slam returns to Limerick on Wednesday, September 4th, at the Whitehouse Bar. This event, running from 7:30pm, is not just a competition but a celebration of raw, unfiltered expression. Poets from all over the region will gather to share their words, vying for the top spot in this electric atmosphere. The slam is a perfect opportunity to experience the power of spoken word poetry, where every line delivered is charged with emotion and intent.
On the same evening, the First Wednesday Series at the Whitehouse Bar in Limerick offers an open mic format, hosted by The Poetry Collective and Lime Square Poets. This event, starting at 7:30pm, brings together poets and spoken word artists in a dynamic space for both seasoned performers and new voices.
September 5th is packed with events, starting with the Smithfield Creatives Open Mic in Dublin at the Bernard Shaw. This event, running from 7:00pm, is known for its eclectic mix of storytelling, spoken word, hip-hop, and comedy, providing a platform for diverse artistic expressions.
If you’re in Sligo, Illuminations at Bookmart offers a monthly open mic from 8:00pm, where poets and storytellers light up the night with their creative flair. Meanwhile, in Cork, the Cork Yarnspinners gather for an evening of storytelling, poetry, and song at Counihan's Bar from 8:00pm providing a cosy setting for sharing traditional tales and modern narratives.
For those who prefer a virtual gathering, Lime Square Poets hosts their weekly online poetry event, featuring a guest poet and an open mic session starting at 7:45pm. This event is perfect for those looking to engage with a global community of poets from the comfort of their own home.
The Queen’s Cauldron takes place on Friday, September 6th, at The International Bar from 7:00pm. This event, known for its blend of music and spoken word, offers a stage for diverse voices in an intimate setting. On the same night, Friday Night Live presents Dublin’s best stand-up comedy, offering hours of laughter from 7:30pm in Sin É.
Saturday, September 7th, sees the 1916 Centenary Performing Arts Club gathering from 7:30pm in the Teacher’s Club for their monthly session in Dublin of drama, poetry, music, and historical debate—a unique blend of art and discussion that honors Ireland’s rich cultural and political history.
On September 8th, Cultivating Voices Live Poetry Online offers a virtual open mic from 3:30pm, connecting poetry enthusiasts from around the globe.
Cork’s Ó Bhéal hosts a special hybrid poetry session on September 9th from 7:30pm to 11:30pm, featuring acclaimed poets Paul McMahon and Massimo Lavelle, followed by an open mic. The same evening, The Circle Sessions at the International Bar in Dublin provides a platform for spoken word, storytelling, and music from 8:00pm.
The new season of ArtNetdlr Open Mic kicks off in Dún Laoghaire on September 11th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Walter’s, followed by DeBarra's Spoken Word featuring Claire Barton in Clonakilty, Cork, from 8:30pm.
On September 12th, the Poetry Kiln Collective presents an Open Mic Night at Kilcock Library in Kildare from 6:30pm. Meanwhile, Smithfield Creatives Open Mic continues at the Bernard Shaw in Dublin from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, and Seanchoíche returns to The Fumbally Cafe in Dublin for an evening of storytelling starting at 7:30pm.
From September 13th to 15th, the Fingal Poetry Festival 2024 in Skerries offers a diverse and inclusive celebration of poetry, music, and community. The Skerries Grand Slam Final takes place on the evening of September 13th, where the 2024 Slam Champion will be crowned in a spoken word extravaganza from 7:00pm. Also on September 13th, Poetry Lit! hosts an online reading series from 7:00pm, and in Dublin, literary phenomenon Dr. John Cooper Clarke performs at The Helix from 7:30pm.
On September 14th, Speak Your Truth presents The Poetry Lounge in Waterford from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, offering a platform for powerful poetry. The weekend also includes the Poetry Slam - Aspects North Down Heat in Bangor on September 21st from 6:00pm.
The highlight of the month is the launch of BND Magazine, Ireland’s first and only spoken word magazine, on Saturday, September 28th. This landmark event will take place at Mind the Step in Dublin, with doors opening at 6:45pm and the event starting at 7:00pm. The magazine represents a significant moment for the spoken word community, providing a dedicated platform for poets and performers to showcase their work in print.
The launch event promises to be a night of celebration, networking, and live performances, bringing together some of the country’s most talented spoken word artists. It’s a must-attend for anyone passionate about poetry, spoken word, and the evolving literary landscape in Ireland.
As September comes to a close, the Leinster Poetry Slam on September 29th at Sin É, Dublin, will see poets competing for a chance to represent Leinster in the All Ireland Poetry Slam. That same night, Castleisland Arts Night in Kerry offers a relaxed environment for open mic performances of music, storytelling, and spoken word.
For a final dose of inspiration, The Circle Sessions, a weekly open mic at the International Bar in Dublin on September 30th provides a night of poetry, music, and storytelling—a fitting end to a month filled with creativity.
Whether you’re attending the BND Magazine launch, competing in a poetry slam, or sharing your story at an open mic, this month promises to be unforgettable for Ireland’s spoken word community. For more details on these events and others happening throughout September, be sure to check out the Boundless & Bare Events Guide.