Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2026
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2026 runs in Galway city from 21 April to 26 April 2026. It brings Irish and international writers for readings, workshops, discussions, book launches and family events. The festival spans venues across Galway city centre and celebrates diverse forms of writing and ideas.
Quick Facts
Date:
Wednesday, 5 August – Sunday, 9 August 2026
Location:
Galway city, various venues
Time:
11:30 each day
Tickets:
Varies by event
Event Location
Overview of the Festival
Cúirt began in 1985 with a focus on poetry. It now spans fiction, non‑fiction, poetry, essays, seminars and family programming across multiple venues in Galway city. The festival draws established authors and emerging writers.
Festival events happen in spaces such as:
- Town Hall Theatre
- Nuns Island Theatre at Galway Arts Centre
- Mick Lally Theatre
- An Taibhdhearc Irish Theatre
- University of Galway venues
- Charlie Byrne’s and Kennys Bookshops
Each space carries a programme of readings, conversations, workshops, family events and talks.
What You Will Find
Core Programme
- Author readings and discussions
Writers share work and engage in conversation with audiences. - Workshops and masterclasses
Sessions for writers of all levels on craft topics. - Panel events
Conversations on themes like language, identity, history and creativity. - Family and community events
Child‑friendly readings and creative sessions.
Named events from past years illustrate the range, with panels on Irish‑language literature and poetry sessions in bookshop settings. Ticket prices vary depending on the event.
Tickets and Access
Tickets for individual events are sold through cuirt.ie and the Town Hall Theatre Box Office, with some workshops booked directly online. Concessions are offered for students, seniors, under‑18s, the unwaged and people with additional needs. Band pricing and group discounts are available.
Box office and booking contact points:
- Online at cuirt.ie
- Town Hall Theatre Box Office, Courthouse Square, Galway
- Galway Arts Centre, Dominick Street for enquiries and community access information
Cúirt New Writing Prize 2026
The Cúirt New Writing Prize runs alongside the festival. There are four categories: poetry, short fiction, essay and Irish‑language writing. Winners receive a €500 award and a reading slot at the festival. Judges include respected authors such as Eimear McBride and Susannah Dickey.
Entry rules require unpublished work in the category entered. Entries close 31 January 2026. This prize highlights emerging talent and feeds into the festival programme.
Planning Your Visit
- Book early. Popular talks and workshops sell out fast.
- Stay central in Galway. Most venues are walkable from Eyre Square.
- Mix events. Combine readings with workshops and community programmes.
Galway city’s cultural infrastructure supports the festival with cafés, bookshops and performance spaces within easy reach of each other, creating a strong literary atmosphere during the week of Cúirt.
Why Cúirt Matters
Cúirt is one of Ireland’s longest‑running literary festivals and a highlight among festivals in Ireland, bringing together international voices and local culture. It encourages dialogue across genres and invites audiences to engage with writing in public spaces throughout Galway city.
