The Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival, commemorating the late poet, will take place in his hometown of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October, 2026.
Éigse Michael Hartnett honours the legacy of Hartnett the poet but also continues it by bringing together poets, writers and musicians, artists and thinkers in a free-ranging programme that holds a hand out to all comers.
Éigse Michael Hartnett is made possible through the support and funding of the Arts Council and of Limerick City and County Council and its Arts Office. This year too, the team are delighted to acknowledge the support of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Poetry Ireland.
Thursday 1st October - Gala Opening
- Drum Dance Ireland workshop | 6.30pm | The Square
- EU Colours Parade | 7.30pm | Maiden Street
- Gala Concert | 8pm | Longcourt House Hotel
Friday 2nd October
- Presentation of Michael Hartnett Poetry Award 2026 | 11am | The Red Door Gallery
- Lunchtime Capers | 1.30pm | Desmond Complex
- Haiku Heaven | 2pm - 4pm | The Red Door Gallery
- Novel launch | 6pm | Longcourt House Hotel
- Gala screening of Baite | 7.30pm | Desmond Complex
Saturday 3rd October
- Michael Hartnett Memorial Lecture | 11am | Desmond Complex
- Haiku Heaven | 12pm - 3pm | The Red Door Gallery
- Tunes and Tales | 1.30pm | Desmond Complex
- The Limits of Nostalgia | 3pm | Desmond Complex
- The Eigse Slam | 4pm - 6pm | Whelan's Bar Maiden Street
- Donal Ryan Reading | 7.30pm | Longcourt House Hotel
- Lisa Hannigan, Paul Noonan and Gemma Hayes isa Hannigan, Paul Noonan and Gemma Hayes isa Hannigan, Paul Noonan and Gemma Hayes | 9.30pm | Cleary's Bar, South Quay
Sunday 4th October
- Arán agus Bröt | 11am | Longcourt House Hotel
- Michael and Me | 12.30pm | Longcourt House Hotel
- Andrea Mara Discussion | 2.30pm | Longcourt House Hotel
Events published on Limerick.ie are subject to change. Readers are advised to check with the organiser for further details.
Various Locations
