Open Mic with Featured Readers

Celebrate the Art of Poetry and Prose at Our Monthly Open Mic Night.

Poetry and Short Prose Open Mic Night, a captivating evening dedicated to the beauty and power of the spoken word. Whether you're an experienced poet/writer or a newcomer eager to share your voice, this is your platform to shine. We are delighted that the following featured readers will be joining us this season:

Featured Readers
October 12: Daniel Wade
November 9: Fin Keegan
December 14: Terri Metcalfe

Daniel Wade is a writer from Dublin now based in the West of Ireland. In 2017, his play The Collector opened the 20th anniversary season of the New Theatre, Dublin and was called a ‘viciously convincing portrayal of Dublin City life’ by Emer O’Kelly. In January 2020, his radio drama Crossing the Red Line was broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra. He is the author of the poetry collection Rapids (Finishing Line Press, 2021), and the novel A Land Without Wolves (Temple Dark Books, 2021).

Fin Keegan is an Irish writer, playwright, editor, and teacher who lives in Westport, County Mayo. Born in Dublin, he spent 14 years in the United States, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Writing at Columbia University, taught at the University of Nevada, and worked as a radio producer for Nevada Public Radio. His writing includes plays, fiction, literary criticism, radio documentaries, and a biography of James Joyce titled Dubliner: The Story of James Joyce. Keegan also co-runs the creative writing organisation SixPens with his wife, Fiona Keane, helping aspiring writers develop their skills.

Terri Metcalfe is a poet originally from Cumbria, England, who moved to County Mayo, Ireland, with her family in 2019. She began pursuing poetry seriously in her forties and often draws on her experiences of mental and physical ill health to create honest and emotionally powerful work. Her poetry has been published in literary journals including Abridged, A New Ulster, Green Ink Poetry, Spilling Cocoa Over Martin Amis, and Skylight 47. Metcalfe was shortlisted for the Open Window 2023 Mentorship Programme and has been a featured reader at Over the Edge Literary Events in Galway.

Diverse Poetry & Short Prose: From classic verse to modern freeform, enjoy a wide range of styles and voices.

Supportive Community: Connect with fellow lovers of writing in a welcoming and encouraging setting.

Refreshments Available: Enjoy a selection of drinks/snacks available for purchase to enhance your experience.

How to Participate:
Each reader will have 3-5 minutes to share their work.Prose readers are advised to select a section of their prose piece suited to this time frame.Whether you're performing your poetry/prose or simply enjoying the show, Poetry and Short Prose Open Mic Night is an opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary community of Castlebar and beyond, and discover new voices and perspectives.