Featuring an array of some of the most exciting Irish and international writers at work today, the 40th Cúirt International Festival of Literature will take place in Galway from Tuesday 8th - Sunday 13th April. Spanning over 50 events, the programme includes poetry, fiction, memoir, non-fiction, masterclasses & workshops, exhibitions, and family events.
“Over the last 40 years, Cúirt has played host to hundreds of writers, poets and performers, and entertained and inspired thousands of people from Galway and around the world. We’re looking forward to celebrating all the people that have played a part in our history, in the memories and ideas formed in our theatres, cafes, pubs and streets. And hopefully creating many more for the years to come.”
- Festival Director Manuela Moser shares her thoughts on 40 years of Cúirt.
This year’s edition of Cúirt Festival will centre the theme of celebration, showcasing a range of stellar writing talent, alongside a special programme of commemorative events, such as interactive archival projects and the revival of the Cúirt Annual Lecture. A lineup of leading Irish and international writers will be announced at the programme launch on February 19th. The festival has also revealed a double billing of Booker Prize winners, with Anne Enright and Roddy Doyle taking centre stage. Further star novelists will be revealed at the launch. Galway City will welcome writers from across the globe, as the programme promises leading literary voices from both Ireland and beyond.
Ahead of this year’s milestone festival, we spoke with members of the festival’s advisory panel (from both past and present), who each have their own relationship with Cúirt. Writer and editor John Patrick McHugh, poet, novelist, and playwright Elaine Feeney, and poet Eva Bourke have all attended the festival both as participating artists and as enthusiastic festivalgoers.
Reflecting on Cúirt Festival’s 40-year journey, Eva Bourke tells us, “Festivals appear and vanish. The fact that Cúirt has kept going for so long is due to its consistently high quality over forty years and the dedication of the organisers, the committees, funders and directors. It’s a good reason for celebration, and I am looking forward to this year’s edition.” Adding to this, Elaine Feeney comments, “We’re living in very strange and unsettling times, and I believe literature is more important now than ever.” She continues, “For audiences in the West of Ireland, having a festival like Cúirt is vital—we are a university town, and have lots of budding creatives, so it’s a space where ideas are shared, voices are heard, and creativity is celebrated. Its impact on the literary community and beyond cannot be overstated.”
Galway writer John Patrick McHugh explains that every edition of Cúirt provides “a chance for the local and international to mingle in Galway, for writers and readers to meet,and an opportunity for ideas to be exchanged and heard. It is always a warm and friendly festival with a nice level of devilment and fun alongside the obvious cultural riches.” As a member of this year’s panel and his novel Fun and Games set for release on April 24th, this year’s festival is especially near and dear to John Patrick McHugh. “Having long enjoyed going to events and discovering new writers and books, it will be a true honour and privilege to be taking part in the 40th edition of this famous and brilliant festival,” he says.
This year’s festival programme is unique because it not only celebrates the journey of Cúirt so far, but looks ahead to spotlight new emerging literary talents. Elaine Feeney teases,“Manuela Moser and the Cúirt team have been curating a lineup of diverse, engaging, and dynamic events over the past couple of years, and this year is no exception.” Speaking of her own festival favourites, Elaine says that, “I always enjoy the showcase events—they’re an incredible opportunity to hear fresh, emerging voices. Poetry is always a highlight for me, and, of course, the post-event pints and conversations are just as lively and inspiring!”
Cúirt International Festival of Literature is supported by its principal funders: the Arts Council, Galway City Council, and Galway County Council. Tickets for all events are on sale from February 19th at cuirt.ie or through the Town Hall Theatre on 091 569 777.
Feature photo by Bríd O'Donovan
Additional photos by Emilijia Jefremova
All photos courtesy of Cúirt International Festival of Literature
