Strokestown International Poetry Festival 2026
May 1 - May 3
Join us for the Strokestown International Poetry Festival 2026, taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday, May 1st, to Sunday, May 3rd, in the picturesque surroundings of Strokestown Park, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.
Now in his fifth year as festival director, Joe Woods has curated an exciting and diverse line-up for Ireland’s longest-running poetry festival. The weekend will feature a rich blend of local, national, and international poets, offering bilingual readings, poetry book launches, film screenings, workshops and an open mic & music night.
More than twenty-five poets will appear over the course of the weekend, with additional guest poets to be confirmed. Books by all participating authors, representing more than fifteen publishers, will be available throughout the festival at the on-site Salmon Bookshop.
Festival highlights include:
A gala reading celebrating Salmon Poetry’s 45th anniversary, featuring five of Salmon’s acclaimed poets: Rachael Hegarty, Joan McBreen, Jessamine O’Connor, Nessa O’Mahony, & Adam Wyeth.
A workshop and reading by the supremely talented Sheffield poet Helen Mort.
The launch of the final issue of Cyphers (No. 100), the influential literary journal published since 1975.
The Joan McBreen Keynote Address, delivered this year by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, who will speak about readers of poetry.
Poetry Films screening from contemporary Irish poets & performers in association with the Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation.
Announcement and readings by the shortlisted poets of this year’s Strokestown International Poetry Competition.
With a full weekend of engaging events, you are encouraged to secure tickets early. Weekend passes, single-event tickets, and workshop bookings are available now at strokestownpoetryfest.ie
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For more events at Strokestown Park Visit here
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