Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2027

Cúirt – Ireland’s premier literary festival 📖

Cúirt 2027 Programme

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The 2027 festival will run in 20 to 25 April, 2027 (to be confirmed)  and feature an eclectic and exciting range of Irish and international writers in Galway for readings, workshops, discussions, book signings and much, much more.

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What’s On for Cúirt 2027

One of Europe’s longest-running literary festivals returns to Galway this spring as the Cúirt International Festival of Literature celebrates another week dedicated to storytelling, poetry and ideas. Expected to take place from 20–25 April 2027, the festival will once again transform the city into a meeting place for readers and writers, with conversations, readings, workshops and performances unfolding across a variety of cultural venues.

Founded in Galway and now recognised as one of Europe’s oldest literary festivals, Cúirt continues its tradition of bringing together Irish and international voices while championing new writing and creative exchange.

Celebrating Irish Voices

Irish writing will be strongly represented throughout the week, with a diverse range of authors appearing in conversation, readings and panel discussions. Among those who took part in the latest festival were Mary Costello, Ardal O’Hanlon, Edel Coffey, Neil Jordan, Vona Groarke, Jessica Traynor, Louise O’Neill, Liz Nugent, Mary O’Malley, Rita Ann Higgins, Susannah Dickey and Sinéad Morrissey.

Many events will see writers discussing their latest work and reflecting on the creative process.

International Writers in Conversation

Cúirt has always maintained a strong international outlook, and the 2027 edition continues that tradition with a programme of visiting authors from across the globe.

Through readings, discussions and workshops, these writers will explore themes ranging from identity and memory to politics, culture and translation, offering audiences the chance to engage with perspectives from beyond Ireland’s borders.

Literature in Irish

The Irish language remains an important part of the festival programme, with many events taking place as Gaeilge.

Talks, Poetry and Literary Collaboration

Poetry will once again play a central role in the festival through the Cúirt Poetry Sessions, organised in partnership with Poetry Ireland. Meanwhile, the Galway Arts Centre will host a series of curated sessions from its Writer in Residence.

Cúirt will also collaborate with leading literary journals including The Stinging Fly, ROPES, Banshee, Pigs Back, Ragaire, PVA and Tolka, highlighting emerging voices and contemporary literary culture.

Events for Young Readers

Cúirt also places strong emphasis on engaging younger audiences. Young readers can enjoy storytelling sessions during Children’s Story Time at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, while workshops and reading clubs offer opportunities for children to discover new stories and develop their own creativity.

Venues

Events will take place across various cultural venues in Galway, including Town Hall Theatre, Mick Lally Theatre, Nuns Island Theatre, Galway Arts Centre, An Taibhdhearc, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop and The O’Donoghue Centre at the University of Galway.

These spaces will host everything from intimate readings and literary debates to workshops, exhibitions and live performances, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere throughout the city.

For the complete schedule and ticket information, please visit the official Cúirt International Literature Festival website.

Cúirt: What to expect

Cúirt tickets and enquiries

Information for all the Cúirt events is available online at www.cuirt.ie, or from the Town Hall Theatre on 091 – 569777 or from the Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street, on 091 – 565886.