The Cúirt International Festival of Literature
12th – 17th April

The Cúirt Festival Kicks of the Festival season here in Galway. I am looking forward to attending a few readings. The word Cuairt or ‘ag dul ar Cuairt’ means to call to some ones house. Until the mid 1940s to ‘dul ar Cuairt’ was the way in which people kept our culture alive. As many as 20 people would gather in houses singing, talking may even play music compose poetry and tell stories that would continue on into the early hours of the night.

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is a continuation of this tradition and an annual celebration of the very best of contemporary writing in poetry, fiction and memoir. Authors from around the world are coming to Galway to many small rooms to tell their stories.

From its genesis as a festival dedicated to poetry, to the present day, Cúirt has always placed the writer and the reader at its core. Many of the guest authors this year have never been to Cúirt before; some are coming with debut collections or novels. There will also be a lot of Irish writers who have been recognised nationally and internationally for their literary talent.

In 2011, I am told that this edition of Cúirt will cast a look back at the past with an evocative exhibition of recordings and images from the festival’s rich history.

I have also read that an Cúirt’s new associations with The New Yorker and Granta will see several irresistible voices in short fiction and memoir visit Galway to read from, and discuss their work.

Alongside readings in poetry and prose, the packed programme features a wide range of launches, exhibitions, readings for younger people and special events in theatre and film, making a visit to Galway an irresistible prospect in late April.

There is much to celebrate at this year’s festival – visit Galway in April and celebrate Cúirt and the written word. As well as events being held in the City, events will also be held in Co Galway this year.

We have great deals and offers available here in Claregalway Hotels which will allow you build your own festival program.

www.claregalwayhotel.ie/specialoffers

For more information on The Cúirt Festival visit their website for a full list of fixtures:

www.cuairt.ie