February spoken word and storytelling events in Ireland

February is shaping up to be an exciting month for Ireland’s spoken word and storytelling communities, with a diverse range of events happening across the country. From open mics and poetry slams to intimate storytelling nights and bilingual performances, there’s something for everyone who loves live literature. Here’s what’s coming up this month.

Festivals

Kicking off the month, the Moth & Butterfly Storytelling Festival’s flagship storytelling show Horizons takes place on February 1st at Blue Teapot Theatre, Galway, followed by Feast of Fools, an interactive storytelling show at Athenry Heritage Centre on February 2nd. Mangoes on the Beach, a performance by British-Indian storyteller Peter Chand, offers an enchanting evening at Rouge Restaurant, Galway, on February 2nd.

On February 18th, the poetry launch of A Flake of My Soul at the Central Library, Waterford, celebrates the work of the Friday Writers Group. Sunshine: Sharing Writings to Brighten Our Souls takes place on February 21st at The Book Centre, Waterford, offering an uplifting literary experience.

Bilingual Events

For the gaeilgeoirs among us, Outspoken at Red Books, Wexford, on February 28th is a bilingual spoken-word open mic embracing poetry, storytelling, and music in both Irish and English. Similarly, Brigit x Seanchoíche on February 1st in Dublin celebrates themes of wisdom, nature, and rebellion through multilingual storytelling and spoken word.

For families, A Bilingual Family Storytelling Show with Máirín Mhic Lochlainn and Daniel Serridge takes place on February 1st at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway, providing an interactive and engaging event for children and their adults.

Open Mics

For those looking to share their work in an open and welcoming environment, there’s no shortage of open mic nights in February. Regular favourites include The Circle Sessions (Mondays at The International Bar, Dublin), Smithfield Creatives (Thursdays at The Bernard Shaw, Dublin), and Words by the Sea in Dún Laoghaire on February 12th.

The First Wednesday Series at The White House Bar in Limerick returns on February 5th, offering an evening of poetry and spoken word. Waterford’s SpeakEasy Poetry & Open Mic takes place on February 7th at Phil Grimes Pub, while The Sunflower Sessions hosts its regular last-Thursday-of-the-month gathering on February 27th at The Lord Edward, Dublin.

Other notable open mic events include First Fridays at the Museum of Literature in Dublin on February 7th, Kerry Writers' Museum Open Mic Readings on February 6th, Illuminations Open Mic in Sligo on February 6th, Purely Poetry Open Mic in Belfast on February 7th, and Dublin's Finest at Sin É on February 23rd.

Silver Tongued Deviance in Derry on February 27th is an open mic event hosted by storyteller, poet, and spoken word artist Frank Rafferty. Dolcáin's Cellar, a monthly open mic featuring spoken word, music, and comedy, takes place on February 27th in Clondalkin, Dublin.

Poetry & Storytelling Nights

Ireland’s storytelling tradition is alive and thriving, with plenty of events celebrating the power of the spoken tale. The Yarn Story Circle in Bray on February 5th and Cork Yarnspinners on February 6th provide intimate spaces for storytelling enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Motherlands: Storytelling at Biddy’s O’Barnes in Kerry on February 2nd keeps the folk tradition alive with tales connecting past and present.

Fans of Irish mythical storytelling won’t want to miss Candlelit Tales: Irish Love Stories on February 26th at The Harbour Bar, Bray, where live music and storytelling merge for an immersive experience. The Foyle Yarnspinners in Derry offers a night of stories and song on February 10th at the Verbal Arts Centre, while The Grapevine at Prim’s in Kinsale on February 17th brings together rookies and seasoned storytellers alike.

Additional storytelling nights include Ardkeen Library Storytelling Group, which runs every Thursday in Waterford, Castleisland Arts Night in Kerry on February 23rd, and IMBAS, a monthly spoken word, poetry, and storytelling event in Cork on February 21st.

Sling Slang, a spoken word event, takes place on February 19th at Maureen’s in Cork, while The 1916 Centenary Performing Arts Club meets on Saturday, February 8th in Dublin for drama, poetry, music, and historical debates.

Wayne Power’s Slip of the Tongue, a lively open mic combining spoken word, comedy, drag, original music, and poetry, takes place in Waterford on February 6th.

Slams & Competitions

For those who thrive on the energy of live competition, Talkatives returns on February 16th at The Pawn Shop, Dublin, bringing poets and rappers head-to-head in a slam-style contest. This high-energy event pits five poets against five rappers, judging their flow, content, and delivery.

Meanwhile, The Dublin Story Slam on February 4th at The Sugar Club continues its tradition of storytelling competitions, where everyday people share extraordinary personal tales. This month it’s tales of love.

Special Events

Project Arts Centre will celebrate its reopening with Rekindle on February 4th featuring spoken word and music. Ó Bhéal in Cork showcases new creative writing from UCC’s MA programme on February 10th. The Civic Comedy Club in Tallaght hosts a night of comedy on February 1st. Emmet Kirwan’s Accents will be performed in Tallaght’s Civic Theatre on February 1st and again at the Belltable in Limerick on February 13th.

Online Events

For those unable to attend in-person events, there are several online options available. Cultivating Voices Live Poetry Online hosts multiple virtual open mics throughout the month (February 2nd, 9th, and 16th), welcoming poets from around the world.

Lime Square Poets continues to offer a weekly online poetry event with a featured poet and open mic every Thursday from 7:45pm GMT. No plans for Valentinine’s Day? Poetry Lit! presents a special online evening featuring guest poets John Wheway and Tim Turnbull.

Whether you’re a performer, a poetry lover, or someone who enjoys a good story, February offers a rich calendar of spoken word events across Ireland. With an array of open mics, storytelling nights, poetry slams, and festivals, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in Ireland’s vibrant live literature scene.