Ireland’s Spoken Word Scene Blooms This June

June is shaping up to be a vibrant month for spoken word across Ireland, with a rich variety of events taking place nationwide. From online open mics and cosy community gatherings to major festivals and bilingual showcases, the energy around live literature is unmistakable. Here’s a look at what’s coming up this June.

Festivals & Touring Shows

Every Blooming Thing, the acclaimed spoken word tour from Colm Keegan and Erin Fornoff, continues its nationwide tour with stops in Cavan (June 5th), Longford (June 6th), and Roscommon (June 7th), each night featuring a guest poet and musician.

Talkatives brings its high-octane blend of poetry and rap to the Beyond the Pale Festival from June 13th to 15th, while Seanchoíche joins the programme with live storytelling sessions exploring the themes of ‘embarrassment’ and ‘love’ on June 14th and 15th.

Open Mics

Ireland’s open mic scene continues to thrive this June, offering platforms for both newcomers and seasoned performers. Dublin's staple The Circle Sessions holds weekly gatherings every Monday at the International Bar, while Smithfield Creatives hosts vibrant Thursday night showcases at the Bernard Shaw.

Lime Square Poets, meanwhile, keeps the rhythm going online every Thursday evening, providing a virtual stage for poets far and wide. Hold That, Keep That returns to The Back Page on June 3rd, known for its supportive community and punchy spoken word atmosphere. Words by the Sea lights up Dún Laoghaire on June 11th.

On June 19th, The Poetry Kiln Collective presents a dynamic Poetry Open Mic in Kilcock Library, embracing everything from comedy and music to rap and spoken word. Wrapping up the month, Dublin’s Finest at Sin É on June 29th gathers a regular crowd for a lively artist-run finale.

More opportunities abound: the First Wednesday Series (June 4th) at the Whitehouse Bar in Limerick, Illuminations Open Mic in Bookmart, Sligo (June 5th), and Literary Listowel at Kerry Writers’ Museum (June 5th) bring regional energy to the national stage. Dublin’s First Fridays continues at the Museum of Literature on June 6th.

Silver Tongued Deviance makes noise in Derry on June 26th, hosted by poet and performer Frank Rafferty, while The Sunflower Sessions return to the Lord Edward in Dublin that same evening. Also on June 26th, Dolcáin’s Cellar Open Mic offers an eclectic open mic at Monk’s Kitchen in Clondalkin.

From Castleisland’s monthly Arts Night (June 29th) in Kerry to The Oil Slick Open Mic in Galway’s Salthouse (June 30th), the country brims with opportunities to share words and connect.

Inclusive Spaces

Celebrating creativity in all its forms, inclusive open mics ensure that diverse voices are heard and honoured. Marrowbone Books hosts a Queer Poetry/Music Open Mic on June 5th, creating a space for LGBTQ+ performers in an intimate, supportive setting. Outhouse Dublin follows suit with their Open Mic Night on June 27th, welcoming queer musicians, poets and spoken word artists into a joyful and affirming gathering.

Storytelling Events

Ireland’s deep oral tradition finds fresh expression this month in a variety of storytelling nights. On June 4th, The Yarn Story Circle in Bray opens its upstairs room at the Town Hall for an inclusive evening of personal and traditional tales. The following night, Cork Yarnspinners holds its beloved monthly gathering in Counihan’s Bar, weaving stories, poems, and songs in the heart of the city.

In Galway, Moth & Butterfly hosts Bitter and Sweet on June 16th, blending narrative and improvisation with acclaimed guest storyteller Clare Murphy. Grapevvine returns with two events: Book’d @ Prim’s in Kinsale on June 23rd themed “Once in a Blue Moon,” and a preview of Murphy’s new show The Spanking Goddess and Other Discarded Tales—a fierce reimagining of Celtic mythology—set to premiere in September.

Meanwhile, on June 9th at Deansgrange Library, Sorcha Hegarty leads a Storytelling Circle that explores the intersection of folklore and everyday life. For those drawn to theatrical traditions, The 1916 Centenary Performing Arts Club convenes on June 14th at The Teacher's Club in Dublin for an evening of poetry, music, drama and historical reflection.

Spoken Word & Music

June brings a harmonious fusion of music and poetry. On June 7th, a Teen Poetry Slam and Film Screening at Naas Library will showcase young talent in collaboration with InSync Youth Service. Cruinniú na nÓg adds to the celebration of youth voices with performances and workshops across Ireland, including Waterford’s The Young Triangle.

On June 8th, poet Phil Lynch launches his latest collection Moving On in Dun Laoghaire, joined by live music from Blue Lilac. Kevin Branigan hosts an afternoon of poetry and music at Rathfarnham Castle on June 21st, weaving together verse and melody in a historical setting.

Poetry & Pastries in Bread 41 Greystones on June 22nd offers poetry in aid of youth mental health services provided by Jigsaw. And in Galway, Poppy Lane Sessions welcomes Ben MacCaoilte and Erin Lalor on June 20th for a special night of spoken word and song.

Online Events

For those joining from home, Cultivating Voices Live Poetry returns with virtual open mics on June 1st, 8th, and 15th, gathering global voices in a warm, online setting. Lime Square Poets continues its Thursday evening readings online, offering consistent inspiration from Ireland and abroad.

Poetry Lit! presents its monthly digital reading series on June 13th, inviting international voices into Irish living rooms. On June 28th, Candlelit Tales hosts an online storytelling circle steeped in Irish mythology, connecting old legends with contemporary listeners.

Outspoken in Wexford returns on June 20th with its unique bilingual format, celebrating voices in both Irish and English. Looking ahead, Seanchoíche Belfast will bring an Irish-language storytelling night to Féile an Phobail on July 31st.

Whether you’re a first-time performer, a seasoned poet, or someone seeking inspiration, June’s spoken word calendar is packed with opportunities to connect, create, and be moved. For full listings and updates, visit: www.boundlessandbare.com/eventsguide