A Series of Online Literary Events

With Annemarie Ní Churreáin & Charlie Gracie

A series of online literary events to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Colmcille. Led by Irish poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie, these will include public workshops, poetry readings and podcast/webinar discussions: creating a space for poetry, reflection and the exploration of cross-cultural perspectives of Colmcille.

This event is in three parts: August 22nd 7-10pm, September 12th 7-10pm and October 10th 7-10pm

All levels of experience and ability are welcome.

Course Outline:

“Of noble birth, Colmcille was regarded as a person of authority who could adjudicate in the political disputes between Ireland and the growing kingdom of Dalriada. As a poet, he is a representative of a society which took the role of the poet seriously. Of the stories which are told about him, two of the most famous concern literary disputes. His exile from Ireland, it is claimed, was a result of his defeat in the dispute about the copying of a manuscript. Later, at the legendary convention of Druim Ceat in 575 AD, he ensured the privileged position of the bardic order in Gaelic society, an order which was to retain its power and influence for a thousand years. As a missionary, he founded Iona which was to become a great monastic settlement, the centre of the Celtic church in these islands and a beacon of learning in Europe—President Mary Robinson”.

Join us for a series of online zoom workshops to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Colmcille. Exploring the art and craft of writing poetry, these workshops will create a space for inspiration, reflection and the exploration of cross-cultural perspectives of Colmcille. How can the poet draw from Colmcille stories? How have poets previously responded to Colmcille? In a supportive and encouraging environment, you will learn to identify resonant poetic themes from the life and legacy of Colmcille, and gain insights into the dynamics at play in the making of a poem. Workshop activities will include creative writing prompts, close reading of work by established poets, and group discussion.

Workshop 1

3 X Hour workshop
Mapping Colmcille: Exploring the Influence of Landscape

Sun 22nd Aug 7:00pm – 10:00pm

In this workshop, we will draw inspiration from the traces of Colmcille that remain in the physical landscape today. We will discuss how Colmcille is viewed and celebrated differently in Ireland and in Scotland and we will also look at questions of ecology within the context of Colmcille’s story. This workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in the writing the subject of landscape.

€20.00Read more

Workshop 2

3 X Hour workshop
The Battle of the Book: Exploring Power & Conflict in the Story of Colmcille
Sun 12th Sep 7:00pm – 10:00pm

The Battle of the Book is said to have taken place in the 6th Century, when a dispute broke out between Colmcille and a scholar named Finnian. In a landmark ruling, King Diarmait mac Cerbaill gave his judgement on what is known as the first copyright case ever, “To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy.” Today, many of the questions concerned with this part of Colmcille’s story remain relevant. Who owns language? Who owns narrative? In this workshop we will look at how we can begin to consider themes of conflict, violence and resolution in our poems. What aspects of The Battle of the Book can we draw inspiration from? This workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in exploring the art and craft of writing poetry.

€20.00Read more

Workshop 3

3 X Hour workshop
Making a connection with the story of Colmcille.

Sun 10th Oct 7:00pm – 10:00pm

How can we find ways of connecting in poetry to Colmcille? How can we connect with an identity that is meaningful to us? In this workshop we will draw inspiration from perspectives and mythologies related to Colmcille who was, variously, depicted as a prince, scholar, saint, and who even featured in creature form. This workshop will provide a space to consider mythologies, symbolism and identities formed out of an intersecting pagan Ireland and Christian Ireland. This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in the art and craft of writing poetry.

€20.00Add to cart

All three workshops:

€60.00Read more

This project has been supported though the Colmcille1500 Grant Scheme which is funded by the North West Development Fund and Creative Ireland, in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government.