Cuirt International Festival of Literature

Galway city has always been a magnet for people from many places. Its name is derived from the constant stream of visitors and settlers from other countries and areas. Its culture is rooted in its history of poverty and domination. It is a city which has always retained its traditions while accepting the influence of newcomers. These factors have led to the present culture of this wonderful region.

Today in Galway, there live those who maintain their traditions and culture alongside those who are lured by its fascinating culture. It is a typical Irish county city in which both the people who stem from there, the newcomers, the politicians and the people who live on suburban estates work together to make the city so attractive. The people of Galway accept that commerce is thriving between all in the community.

The city has always attracted many creative people including Walter Macken Poraic O' Conaire and Mort O'Cadhain who were from Galway. Yeats and Joyce sought inspiration here and Louis MacNiece returned to Galway at the outbreak of the Second World War. Other writers who came here were Poraig Pearse, Wittgenstein and Synge. Also Theodor Roethke and Antonin Artaud.

The origins of the Festival go back to the 1980s when a group of proud young people in Galway started a festival of poetry. Its name was derived from the ancient tradition in Ireland which brings together poets who learn from each other's work and to also learn skills from each other. Since then it has evolved into the most important festival of literature in the country where budding writers mingle with world famous ones. The people of Galway are fortunate to be able to meet so many diverse writers and the fascinating festival will no doubt grow from strength to strength.