Éigse Michael Hartnett 2026 launches in Newcastle West

The 2026 Éigse Michael Hartnett festival began on Thursday in Newcastle West, bringing together musicians, poets, singers, writers and artists.

The four‑day programme runs from Thursday to Sunday and features special guests such as award‑winning writers Donal Ryan, Hugo Hamilton and crime writer Andrea Mara.

The opening gala concert on Thursday evening is free and includes soprano Máiréad Buicke, violinist Anne Phelan, trad musicians Derek Hickey and Diarmuid O’Brien, the Capriccio String Orchestra and the Broadford Youth Choir.

Saturday night’s Window Sessions at Clearys Pub will showcase a trio of Lisa Hannigan, Paul Noonan and Gemma Hayes.

Friday’s events include a light‑hearted lunch with the ukulele‑playing Limerick Yukealadies and poet Vivienne McKechnie, a book launch by local writer Pat McLoughlin, songs from Brian Hartnett and a screening of the Irish‑language film Báite starring Eleanor O’Brien.

On Saturday, Hugo Hamilton will deliver the Michael Hartnett Memorial Lecture, followed by uilleann piper Louise Mulcahy speaking on Limerick’s piping women. Poet Máighréad Medbh and Dr Margaret Buckley will present a mixed poetry, history and performance session.

The Éigse Slam will be headlined by poets Daragh Fleming and Molly Twomey, and author Donal Ryan will read from his new novel Where Are the Kings.

Sunday’s highlights include “Michael and Me”, a talk with Michael Hartnett’s son Niall, writer Brighid McLaughlin and poet Tony Curtis, a cooking session with chef Tom Flavin, and a conversation between Andrea Mara and author Michelle McDonagh.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Adrien Olichon / Pexels.