Irish-Language Literature: A Millennium and a Half of Tradition
Irish is one of the oldest written languages in Europe, with a literary tradition that stretches back to the beginning of the middle ages. This day of talks from leading experts will provide an introduction to Irish-language literature from its beginnings to the present, covering a wide variety of themes and forms, from poetry to prose, from the tales of the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhail to the twentieth-century experimental modernism of Flann O’Brien.
Note: talks will be in English or in a mix of both English and Irish.
Lunch will be provided.
Tickets: £7 for Day event and Lunch £12 for Day, Lunch and Evening film
Schedule:
| 12:00 pm | Registration / Refreshments |
| 12:15 pm | Irish writing from the medieval to the modern
Early Irish Poetry Stories of Fionn and the Fianna in the Middle Ages and beyond Irish Bardic poetry |
| 1:45 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 pm | Twentieth- and twenty-first-century writing in Irish
Women’s Writing in Irish 1900–2023 “Níos Gaelaí ná an Ghaeilge”?: Flann O’Brien and the modern Irish novel |
| 3:30 pm | Irish poetry readings from students at the Irish Cultural Centre |
| 4.00 pm | Closing Remarks, followed by music and drinks |
| 7.00 pm | Film Screening: Róise & Frank (Irish with English subtitles) |
The Irish Cultural Centre
The Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith opened its doors in 1995 as the premiere centre in the UK dedicated to the promotion and welfare of Irish art and culture abroad. The ICC welcomes and invites people of all backgrounds and cultures to participate in our 3 core activities: our culture, community, and education programmes. Every year we hold a varied and exciting culture programme that includes high profile Irish music, theatre, film screenings, storytelling, Irish literature, comedy, art exhibitions, and a themed lecture series strengthening the bond between the UK and Ireland.
The Institute of Irish Studies, Liverpool
Established in 1988, the Institute of Irish Studies is the only one of its kind within Britain. Its mission is to be the UK’s main centre for multidisciplinary research into Ireland and its world-wide relations. The Irish government recognised our international standing in 2007 with a multi-million pound endowment to fund a Chair in Irish Studies. This funding continues to support our teaching and research in peace, conflict, and social justice, modern Irish literature in English, and medieval and modern history. It also supports our prestigious series of public lectures by dignitaries including President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and former President Mary Robinson.
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