Summer & Winter School Events in Ireland

Events by Type:

What are these summer and other schools?

Schools, in their meaning here, are for the most part based around the work of one of Ireland’s well known writers, poets or artists. However their themes vary from those rigidly based on the subject’s work, often in a quite academic sense, to those who use the artist’s work to define a theme of wider and more contemporary interest to society. Most comprise a series of debates, talks, workshops, organised outings and other events around a specified theme that changes annually.

Although they may at first sound like somewhat stuffy events, they are often anything but. There is invariably a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere and people become devotees of their favourite schools, returning year after year to renew old friendships and make new ones. All share one thing – as keen an interest in the social side of the summer school as in its topic!

Macklin Autumn School

Charles Macklin Autumn School

A weekend of lectures, workshops, poetry, drama, music and fun in beautiful Inishowen to celebrate the life of Charles Macklin.

Born in Culduff Macklin is still remembered more than 200 years after his death for his role as Shylock in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.

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Trevor-Bowen Summer School

Trevor/Bowen Literary summer school

A weekend of literary talks, workshops, readings and screening held annually in celebration of the life and work of William Trevor and Elizabeth Bowen.

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The Merriman Winter School

This is an annual event, conducted mostly through the Irish language, held in honour of the Irish poet Brian Merriman.

It tackles fairly weighty topics and is attended by some of Ireland’s foremost academics working in the Irish language, but also has a very lively social side.

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Willie Clancy Summer School

Willie Clancy Summer School

This is Ireland’s premier traditional music summer school, held annually in memory of the late, great piper Willie Clancy.

Students from all over the world flock to Miltown Malbay for daily classes taught by masters in Irish music and dance. There is also a programme of lectures, recitals, dances and exhibitions and many informal sessions.

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Yeats Winter Weekend

A more recently established companion to the better known Yeats Summer School , this weekend event is an opportunity to learn more about one of Ireland’s greatest poets as well as getting to know the places he loved and which influenced his poetry.

Lectures, readings and discussions on themes related to the work of Ireland’s best known poet comprise the bulk of the weekend’s programme.

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Kate O'Brien Weekend

Kate O’Brien Weekend

Now in its 25th year, this is an annual celebration of the life and work of Limerick born novelist, playwright, journalist, travel writer and biographer Kate O’Brien.

Lectures, readings, discussions and concerts form the basis of the programme, with a topical emphasis this year on matters financial.

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