Somewhere on the list of things that go together well: poetry and performance. Part of the art form’s historical development took place in communal spaces, from coffee houses to old-timey feast halls. Though poetry can now be seen in print, much of its special flavour is best experienced by through witnessing, by ear and eye. That’s especially true of the Fingal Poetry Festival, which returns to Skerries from September 13th until the 15th. The festival’s programme is well-suited to the variety of venues around town, from sailing clubs and woodland trails to mills and obelisks.

Now entering its fifth iteration, the Fingal Poetry Festival has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading forums for creative minds in the modern poetic landscape where writers and artists are increasingly availing of new ways to fuse the spoken word with immersive performance.

Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s no need to worry about missing out on the action. The action-packed programme boasts a number of exciting events, with something for everyone to enjoy all weekend long.

On Friday, festival-goers can join Japanese land artist Mayumi Nakabayshi in creating a massive mandala with found natural materials on Red Island. Later that evening, the Little Theatre will host the Grand Slam Final to crown the Skerries Slam Champion. With Sheila Ryder as MC, the finalists of four Fingal Library poetry slams will be joined by guest poet Samuel Yakura for an unforgettable night of mind-bending and eye-opening verse. If you’re looking to talk shop or take in some tunes, be sure to stick around the Little Theatre for some post-slam craic agus ceol with bilingual poet Ben McCaoilte.

Saturday kicks off bright and early with the ‘Big Poetry Day Out’. It was Mary Oliver who said “Poetry begins as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth.” As such, the Fingal Poetry Festival will offer food for thought al fresco with the Poetry Walk at the Harbour.

As the salty sea brine hits your face, take a moment to bask in the surroundings with poets Lani O’Hanlon and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin, sean nós dancer Nada Ní Chuirrín, and music by Brenda Castles. You can even bring along a poem, by yourself or a favourite, to share with the group!

Poetry Walk By The Sea 2022.

Sinead White will showcase her brilliance on vocals at ‘Poems Signed, Sealed, Delivered' - an event unique to Fingal Poetry Festival that sees spoken poetry interpreted through Irish Sign Language and signed performances by the Deaf Poets’ Society interpreted into English. Be sure to stick around for readings by lauded poets, Annemarie Ní Chuirrean and Philip Cummings.

If you’re itching for a wander, don’t forget to check out ‘An Cosán Filíochta’, a self-guided trail of the ‘Poetry in Windows’ to get to know Skerries in a new light! Populated around the town’s shop windows, poems are envisioned through artistic animations. Here, you will have the chance to guess what poems are being interpreted for a prize if you get them all right!

Revellers looking for their afternoon tea fix can head on over to Prosper Fingal at 3:30pm for more poetry and music to accompany their cuppa, as winners from all over the world will be announced for the Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh competitions, with readings by poets Peter Sirr and Bríd Ní Mhóráin and music by Lola Rose.

Jessica Traynor at Fingal Poetry Festival '23.

Then, round out the day at ‘Poetry and All That Jazz’ where poets Leontia Flynn and Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha will perform readings alongside tunes from the Nigel Mooney Organ Trio and jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.

There’s loads for the little ones, as well. On Saturday, Floraville Park will transform for the Family Poetry Fest, with children’s author Lucinda Jacob, young local poets and musicians. On top of that, parents can rest assured with a slew of activities for the kids, from crafts and games to an open mic for children and young adults to showcase their creativity.

On Sunday, poet Damien B. Donnelly will close out the festival with the Ardgillan Poetry Walk, a guided woodland tour with readings from the wordsmith himself. Afterwards, the poet Brian Kirk and musician Mick Morris will usher the grand finale at Ardgillan Castle. The daring and the curious alike are encouraged to bring a poem, written by themselves or a favourite, to share for everyone.

When it comes to Fingal Poetry Festival, inclusivity is the name of the game. As such, organisers have timed the events so there’s no need to worry about catching the last bus or train. Every venue will also be accessible to attendees with reduced mobility. As well as a number of free ticketed events, the festival offers tickets at reduced prices if you are unwaged or on a low income. Many of the events are free, but be sure to book your tickets at www.fingalpoetryfestival.com.

The festival serves as the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family, and toast the power of the written word. Because, as we all know, poetry is better when shared. So what are you waiting for?

Fingal Poetry Festival runs from September 13th to the 15th in venues all around Skerries.