Writing opportunities to embrace West Mayo venue in 2026

Published author and poet, and creative writing tutor Alice Kinsella continues her collaboration with the Linenhall, by leading a host of new workshops in 2026, for budding or experienced writers. In January and February, plus March to May a duo of ‘The Write Hours’ is scheduled. Suitable for writers of all stages, keen to set time aside to write and receive feedback in a supportive environment, the first six-week block commences on Tuesday, January 13.

‘Your Side of the Story: A Memoir Masterclass with Alice Kinsella’ on Saturday, January 24, is an intensive one day class. Loosen the restraints and access the right tools to tell our stories, with time to write, writing prompts, and a chance to share with other participants. Samples of memoir will be assessed, with discussion on how different writers utilise the form, gaining a new understanding. Prior experience with creative writing is advised but not mandatory. 

A weekend retreat designed to give the time and space to read, relax, meet like-minded peers, and spend time in nature to write, the popular ‘All-Weather Words Writing Retreat’ is being held from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1 at the lakeside Lough Lannagh holiday village in Castlebar. Following the success of its first iteration this year, an intimate grouping ensures each attendee has sufficient time to share their work, while still maintaining a warm group dynamic.

Kinsella’s books include Milk: on Motherhood and Madness, Wake of the Whale and The Ethics of Cats. Curator of the Irish Writers Centre’s Climate Writing Sessions, she runs workshops and retreats, and is the literary editor at Mayo Books Press. An Arts Council of Ireland Next Generation Artist, Alice lives in Co. Mayo.

April 23 marks Being Human: A Communion In Poetry And Music at ‘An Evening with Kim Rosen’. A transformative immersion in poems, carried on a river of music through grief and grace, humanness and beingness, living and dying. Returning for the first time since 2023, this offering is a culmination of Kim's love of the realness, rawness and intimacy that arises when we turn towards all levels of being human.

Two treats for all the family, young and old still await this December. At ‘Storytelling with Gráinne Bear’ on Friday, December 19, learn all about her connection to Granuaile, Ireland's 16 Century Pirate Queen. A photo opportunity with Gráinne Bear and Pirate Pete follows. Finally, a special screening of ‘Home Alone’ rounds out 2025 at the venue, on Saturday December 20. 

Information on all programmed events and performance is available at www.thelinenhall.com

The Linenhall Arts Centre will be closed from Saturday, December 20 at 5pm for the Christmas break, reopening on Tuesday, January 6 2026 at 10am.

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