A New Chapter in Cork’s Open Mic Scene

Following a powerful inaugural event on May 12th, the second installment of Ó Bhéal go Béal returns to The Long Valley on Monday, June 9th. This newly launched poetry night carries forward the legacy of the city’s beloved Ó Bhéal series.

The evening opens at 7:30pm with a curated screening of poetry films from Cork and beyond, selected by filmmaker and poet Colm Scully. At 8:30pm, the popular Five Word Challenge invites audience members to create spontaneous verse using five words provided on the night. At 9:30pm, acclaimed Irish poet Liz Quirke will take the spotlight. Renowned for her lyrical clarity and emotional resonance, Quirke’s reading promises to be a memorable highlight. The night rounds off with a communal open mic at 10:30pm — an open invitation for poets of all levels to share their work with an engaged and supportive audience.

Ó Bhéal go Béal has been established to inherit and carry forward the ethos of Ó Bhéal — a space that, since its founding in 2007 by Paul Casey, has fostered one of Ireland’s strongest grassroots poetry communities. With Paul’s support and blessing, this next phase promises to retain the series’ core values: free entry, open access, literary excellence, and a space where new voices are always welcome. With its blend of film, live poetry, and open mic energy, Ó Bhéal go Béal continues to provide Cork’s creative community with a vital monthly space to gather, perform, and be inspired.

For updates and event details, visit: www.instagram.com/obhealgobeal

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