As part of Éigse Michael Hartnett 2025 (2–5th October), the festival is reinstating one of its most vibrant and much-loved events – the Poetry Slam – and they want you to be part of it.
Éigse Michael Hartnett is an established literary and arts festival held annually in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, celebrating the life and legacy of Michael Hartnett while championing contemporary voices in Irish poetry. The festival offers a dynamic, intergenerational, and inclusive platform for poetry, literature, and the arts, engaging the local community and drawing audiences from across the country.
The festival is working in association with Poetry Ireland this year and hopes that this year’s Slam Éigse will be a high-energy event of words, wit, and performance, featuring:
- An open mic poetry slam for shortlisted finalists
- An opportunity to hear performances from the celebrated Dublin based poet and performer, Natalya O’ Flaherty and Geoffrey Dearmer Prize winner, Dean Browne
- There will be some opportunities for audience members to share their work
Festival organisers are looking for original poetry that’s made to be performed. Whether you’re a first-time slammer or a seasoned stage poet, let your words be heard!
How it works:
- Submit one original poem for consideration at this link.
- A panel of three judges will shortlist 10 finalists to perform live at Slam Éigse.
- Those who perform will compete for the title of Slam Éigse Winner 2025.
- There will be a cash prize of €200 for the winner, and €50 for two runners-up.
Key details:
Event date: 4pm Saturday 4th October 2025
Venue: Whelan’s Bar, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
Deadline for submissions: 19th September 2025
How to enter: Email your poems (as text or PDF) to slameigsemichaelhartnett@gmail.com including your name, contact details, and a brief bio (max 100 words), as well as an indication if you can attend the event. You can also submit your poem through a form on our website, available here.
For more information about the programme, visit https://eigsemichaelhartnett.ie/
