Host of events nationwide for 10th Poetry Day Ireland

Today marks the 10th birthday of Poetry Day Ireland with an ambitious programme of events taking place across the island.

The theme for this year is ‘Good Sports’ and organisers say they are inviting the nation “to read, write, and share a poem on the day”.

Highlights include a street poetry event organised by the James Joyce Centre in Dublin city centre at 1pm where participants are taken on a tour around Dublin to hear poetry performed along the way.

In Naas, Mae Leonard will be do a pop-up poetry roundabout visiting cafés, shops and libraries, reading her own lightweight and amusing poetry in English agus as Gaeilge between 12-4pm.

Robinson Memorial Hospital in Co Antrim has been running a week-long event called “There’s a poem in this place; medicine for the mind” and that will continue today.

The Ballina Karen Community Green Garden in Co Mayo will host a poetry workshop in their garden at 2.30pm.

At 6.30pm in the Lexicon library in Dun Laoghaire, there will be a special tribute to acclaimed poet Eavan Boland, where 20 writers will read their favourite Boland poem.

There are multiple open mic events taking place in cities and villages where poets are invited to perform their work.

Edenderry library in Co Offaly hosts an open mic poetry event that starts at 5.30pm, with a similar event in Red Books in Wexford.

Aspiring poets are also invited to bring along their work to Fethard town hall in Tipperary.

“Poetry in the Park” takes place in Gorey town park at 12.30pm.