Ireland’s spoken word calendar heats up this August

Ireland's spoken word scene is alive and thriving this August, with open mics, poetry nights, storytelling sessions, and creative gatherings happening across the country. From Dublin to Derry, Cork to Galway, and online from anywhere, there’s something for every lover of words and performance.

Dublin’s ever-popular Circle Sessions continues each Monday night at the International Bar, bringing together poetry, storytelling, music, and performance. Meanwhile, in Limerick, the First Wednesday Series on August 6th invites writers and listeners to the Whitehouse Bar for a night of poetry and open mic readings. Kerry hosts the Literary Listowel Open Mic on August 7th, a morning gathering at the Kerry Writers’ Museum celebrating spoken word and music. That same evening, Dublin audiences can choose between multiple offerings, including the Smithfield Creatives Open Mic at The Board on Upper Clanbrassil Street, and The Write Stuff at Chapters Bookstore. Cork’s Counihan’s Bar will welcome the Cork Yarnspinners for their monthly storytelling session, while Sligo’s Bookmart hosts the Illuminations Open Mic.

Ó Bhéal go Béal and DeBarra’s Spoken Word present a special edition of the Cork-Coventry Poetry Exchange featuring guest poets Navkiran Kaur Mann and Olga Dermott-Bond. On August 13th, the Dublin Story Slam returns to the Sugar Club with stories on the theme “HOT”, while Galway hosts the evocative storytelling performance By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Aindrias de Staic. That evening also sees Creative Mic Night return to Roscommon town, offering another chance to hear poetry, stories, music, and comedy in a relaxed open mic setting.

Seanchoíche brings its unique brand of live storytelling to several cities throughout the month, beginning in Dublin on August 14th at the Fumbally Café. The series then continues in Limerick on August 21st, Galway on August 28th, and Cork on August 30th, with each event exploring the theme “Change.” On August 15th, the Winding Stair Bookshop in Dublin will host its monthly open mic, while Cork welcomes the return of IMBAS, a gathering of poetry and stories at Alchemy Coffee and Books. That same evening, Kenan Flannery and Tadhg Connolly present a night of songs and stories at Marrowbone Books in The Liberties.

August also features events celebrating queer voices and community connection. The Pride Monologues returns to Derry on August 20th as part of Foyle Pride, highlighting powerful performances by local LGBTQIA+ artists. On August 31st, Litreacha, Cork’s queer-friendly open mic hosted by Em Egan Reeve and Louis Egan McCutcheon, invites all to share in a night of poetry, spoken word, and music.

Online events remain a central part of the scene, with weekly poetry from Lime Square Poets, global open mic sessions from Cultivating Voices Live Poetry Online, and the monthly gathering from Candlelit Tales offering virtual spaces for connection and creativity.

With events ranging from quiet literary gatherings to dynamic cross-genre showcases, the spoken word landscape in Ireland this August reflects the vibrancy and diversity of a growing community. Full listings are available at www.boundlessandbare.com/eventsguide.