Writer's Workshop 2026 - Open Call

writer’s workshop 2026

with Sean O’Reilly

Mon 06 — Fri 10 July

Applications Now Open!

Join us for an exclusive Writer's Workshop led by acclaimed Irish author Sean O'Reilly – author of the short story collection Curfew (2000) and the novels Love and Sleep (2002), The Swing of Things (2005), Watermark (2005) and Levitation (2017). Sean is a long-term teacher with the Stinging Fly Writing Workshop and has recently led fiction workshops on behalf of UNESCO City of Literature in Dublin. Sean is a member of Aosdana.

 
Author Sean O'Reilly

Author Sean O’Reilly

Workshop Details

When: Mon 06 to Fri 10 July, 10am to 1pm

Where: Yeats Building, Sligo

Fee: €200 (1 Bursary space available where the fee is waived for participants facing financial barriers)

Application Deadline: Friday 08 May

About the Workshop:

Cairde is delighted to once again host this week-long workshop in the west of Ireland designed for experienced fiction writers. This is an opportunity to share a work-in-progress, receive insightful feedback and refine your craft in a collaborative environment. All work will be read by the group before each meeting. Participants may submit a new piece to develop during the workshop other than the one provided for the application.

This will be an intimate group with a maximum of 12 participants.

How to Apply

Submit the following to info@cairdefestival.com by Friday 08 May:

  • A short biography (max 200 words)

  • One piece of writing: either a short story OR a 20-page novel excerpt

  • 200 words on what you hope to achieve from the workshop

  • Please note if you’d like to be considered for the bursary placement – only 1 available

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 22 May.

Don't miss this opportunity to work with a leading voice in contemporary Irish fiction. Apply now!

Trevor FinneganLiterature, Workshop, Open Call