Cúirt is delighted to Invite you to the opening of the 25th Festival on Tuesday the 20th of April at 5.30pm at the Galway City Museum, Spanish Arch. The Festival will be launched by Roddy Doyle
www.cuirt.ie
Cúirt Programme pdf 2010
Cúirt is delighted to welcome the following additions to the festival
Renowned Belfast poet, Michael Longley will read with Robin Robertson from Scotland on Saturday 24th April 8.30pm at the Town Hall Theatre. Longley will replace the American poet Charles Simic who is unable to travel due to unexpected ill health. Robertson edited the Festschrift for Longley's 70th birthday last year.
Renowned Irish writer Jennifer Johnston will join winner of the US National Book Award, Colum McCann, in conversation on Friday 23rd April 9.00pm at the Town Hall Theatre. Johnston will replace Amy Bloom who is unable to attend the festival due to work commitments. Colum and Jennifer are great admirers and supporters of each
other's writing and it should be fascinating to hear them share their insights on recent work.
2010 is a remarkably exciting year for Cúirt as we turn twenty five. From its genesis as a festival dedicated to poetry, to the present day, it has always placed the writer and the reader at its core. Over the years the festival has been anchored by the lively culture of literature that we enjoy in Galway and this has been crucial to its enduring success.
This 25th edition of Cúirt will cast a look back at the past with an evocative exhibition of recordings and images from the festival’s rich history. This past year has also been an exceptional time for Irish literature on the world stage and we are delighted to reflect that in the programme. At this year’s festival, Colum McCann will give his first reading in Ireland since his National Book Award win for Let the Great World Spin.
Our new associations with The New Yorker and Granta will see several irresistible voices in short fiction and memoir visit Galway to read from, and discuss their work. The festival has enjoyed the company of Canadian writers over many years and we are delighted to partner with the International Festival of Authors Toronto in 2010.
In poetry we look forward to welcoming many renowned international voices including Fread D'Aguair, Naomi Shihab Nye and Dionne Brand. Irish poets will be present in abundance as we celebrate 40 remarkable years of poetry publisher Gallery Press. Our event ‘Galway Celebrates Cúirt’ will see five renowned Galway- based poets read five poems each in a special festival event.
Ultimately, the unique dynamic of the festival is created by you, the audience. We welcome you and would like to thank you for all your support over many years.
Last year Jane Hirshfield described the festival as ‘a banquet of writing’. There is much to celebrate at this year’s banquet - join us in April and raise a glass to Cúirt and to the written word.
Bookings: Phone 091-569777 or visit www.tht.ie
Cúirt is delighted to introduce the Hotel Meyrick as the official accommodation provider to the festival guests and host of the Cúirt 2010 Festival Club in the classic Oyster Bar where writers and readers will gather informally each evening during the festival.
Cúirt Programme 2010 
