Looking for something to do this weekend? The Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Weekend takes place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th April in Inniskeen, County Monaghan. The venue is the Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre. Read on for more information…

Why not explore your poetic abilities at the various workshops taking place over the course of the weekend? These will be facilitated by celebrated poet and author, Mary O’Donnell.

If you take part, the aim of the workshop is to enable you to attempt drafts for 2 poems, giving you the knowledge and confidence to complete the work in your own time. These are invaluable workshops as the assignments are appraised on a continuous assessment basis. You’ll also have the opportunity to read and discuss contemporary poetry and gain an insight on writing skills that have worked for other poets.

The course fee includes all workshops, lunches and refreshments.

About Patrick Kavanagh

Patrick Kavanagh was born in October 1904 in Mucker, Inniskeen, County Monaghan. He attended school until 6th class and worked with his father, a shoemaker, afterwards. He began writing verse in his early teens, and submitted his works to local and national newspapers.

He left Inniskeen and lived in London for 5 months in 1938. On his return to Ireland, he settled in Dublin, where he was known in literary circles as the “ploughman’s poet”. He worked as a journalist in Dublin and continued to write poetry.

1954 saw a turning point for Patrick Kavanagh. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and it was during this time that he re-discovered his poetic abilities. He finally received the recognition he had strived for and was given the opportunity to lecture at UCD and also in the US. He had the honour of representing his country at Literary Symposia and he judged the Guinness Poetry Awards.

During an outstanding literary career, he wrote, poetry, prose, newspaper articles, fiction and his autobiography. Popular works include: Tarry Flynn and the Great Hunger.

Patrick Kavanagh died on the 30th of November, 1967.

It’s not all about workshops…

Discover the hidden gem that is Monaghan town and check out the interesting architecture. Examples include St. Louis Convent Heritage Centre, St. Macartans Cathedral, The Courthouse, and the 17th century Market house.

If you want to trace your family tree you could visit Monaghan Ancestral Research, or maybe going back to nature is the order of the day at Rossmore Forest Park.

And if you need somewhere to stay for the weekend check out Monaghan accommodation.

Find out more about the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Weekend.