The Éigse Michael Hartnett Poetry, Arts & Literary Festival vibrantly honours the poetry and memory of one of Ireland's best loved poets. It is a celebration of the word in all its guises, poetry, song, drama, dance, stories and conversations.
This festival is an exciting weave of Irish and international poets and writers, singers, dancers, actors and storytellers with the weekend comprised of readings, lectures, concerts, dance and theatre performances. Irish poets and writers collide with international literary guests creating a festive weekend that lends itself to lively gatherings, easy conversations and spirited debates.
Events sprawl over the town of Newcastle West, a Medieval town described as 'the heart of Desmond country'. Bustling and energetic, the town's library, court house, Medieval castle, shops, pubs and streets become ad hoc performances spaces. The festival's outreach programme extends into all the towns primary schools, a wide number of the county's post primary schools, the community hospital for the elderly, day care centres and the local Cheshire Home.
