Ulster Scots Language - Frances Browne Literary Festival

The 2025 Frances Browne Literary Festival launch

Join us as we celebrate the official launch of the 2025 Frances Browne Literary Festival at Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar. With another packed programme ahead, this year promises to be one to remember. At the launch, we are delighted to extend a special welcome to author Helen Nicholl, and to enjoy a musical interlude from talented sean-nós singer Geneviève Galarneau. The event will also feature the presentation of the Frances Browne Award, and full programme details will be revealed. Copies of the programme will be available on the day. This is a free event and we welcome everyone to come and join us. With thanks to Donegal County Council for their continued support.

Literary Links: Jane Austen, Brendan Behan & John Steinbeck.

Explore the surprising literary connections between world-renowned authors and Ulster. This event, presented in partnership with our sister festivals, features two talks that shine a light on unexpected cultural and historical ties. In the first, Donnan Harvey of the Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival (Letterkenny) examines the local links to two very different writers: Jane Austen and Brendan Behan. In the second, Douglas Bartlett of the Steinbeck Festival (Limavady) reveals the strong connections between John Steinbeck and the Roe Valley.

Lives from Letters

How do scholars locate unpublished letters? How can we date an undated letter, or identify unfamiliar correspondents? And what business do we have even looking at the private letters of long-forgotten individuals? This practical workshop will introduce participants to the fascinating world of working with nineteenth-century letters. We will discuss the challenges of discovering, transcribing, editing, and annotating letters, as well as the overt and subtle messages suggested by a letter’s wording, margins, and method of delivery. The session will also consider the literary historian’s responsibility to the written past. Perfect for anyone with an interest in history, historical biography, historical fiction, or literary exploration.

Seeing Beyond Sight: Launch of the Frances Browne Storytellers Anthology

Echoes of Frances Browne:Creative Writing Workshop with writer, director, and performer Rhona Trench

Are you a writer drawn to language that evokes all the senses? In the spirit of Frances Browne — “The Blind Poetess of Ulster” — we invite you to two creative writing workshops designed to reawaken your voice and craft. Led by Rhona Trench, lecturer at ATU Sligo, these sessions will explore Browne’s rich Victorian verse and guide participants through exercises in poetry, prose, and imaginative writing. Rhona will be supported by Niamh Mac Cabe, a fellow lecturer and writer from ATU. SPACES ARE LIMITED: BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

Frances Browne Poetry Competition Awards Evening

Join us as we announce the winners of, and hear readings from, this year’s multilingual poetry competition. This truly unique evening has become an anchor of the festival — a night when we celebrate our motto “Treasure Each Voice” with the winning poets reading their work in the festival’s three key languages: English, Irish, and Ulster Scots. We are honoured to welcome Professor Thomas McLean as our distinguished guest for 2025. He will deliver the keynote address “Frances Browne among the Victorians,” exploring Browne’s career in relation to some of her more famous female contemporaries: George Eliot, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and the Brontës. When: Friday 11th October: 7.30pm Venue: Kee's Hotel, Main Street, Stranorlar, F93 FR9K This is a free event, but seat reservation is required as space is limited.

Circus Skills for all the Family: by Fidget Feet

Street Performance: The Tale of Merrymind presented by Fidget Feet

Creative Writing Masterclass with Dubhán Ó Longáin & Alan Millar

Whatever your experience, medium, or language, this masterclass is for you. Poet Dubhán Ó Longáin and journalist & writer Alan Millar join forces to spark creativity, build confidence, and explore new ways of writing. This special four-hour workshop welcomes writers of all levels. Through a mix of prompts, exercises, and discussion, you’ll discover new approaches to poetry, prose, and storytelling, while drawing inspiration from Ireland’s rich linguistic traditions — English, Irish, and Ulster-Scots. Lunch is included, and participants will leave with fresh ideas, new work, and renewed creative energy.

Panel Discussion: Surviving as a Writer in the Worlds of Publishing & Self-Publishing 1

What does it really take to survive as a writer today? From the challenges of finding a publisher, to the growing world of self-publishing, three experienced authors share their insights into the rewards, risks, and realities of the writing life. Join Helen Nicholl, Angeline King, and Alan Millar in conversation about their journeys as novelists, poets, and storytellers — each with a unique path through the publishing world. The discussion will be chaired by Dubhán Ó Longáin, poet, writer, and chairperson of the Irish Language Writers’ Association. This is a free event and a great opportunity for anyone curious about the inner workings of publishing, or for writers seeking encouragement and practical advice.

The Annual Frances Browne Lecture: presented by Dr. Shirley Anne Godfrey

Frances Browne's Stranorlar - A walking tour

Pop Up Gaeltacht

Come along to our Pop Up Gaeltacht and enjoy using your cúpla focal in a warm, relaxed setting. Whether you are a fluent speaker or just starting out, this is a chance to practise Irish in good company, share a chat, and celebrate the language at the heart of our cultural heritage. Bí linn don Phop Up Gaeltacht agus bain triail as do chúpla focal i dtimpeallacht chairdiúil agus shuaimhneach. Cibé an cainteoir líofa thú nó má tá tú díreach ag tosú, is deis iontach é seo an Ghaeilge a chleachtadh, comhrá a roinnt agus ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar theanga ár gcultúir. Fáilte roimh chách — everyone is welcome!

In Conversation: Michael Harding and Dubhán Ó Longáin

Wile away the evening with Michael Harding as he and local writer Dubhán Ó Longáin discuss Michael’s distinguished career, as well as his personal reflections on life, creative works, and the importance of the Irish language in both their lives. Caith an oíche le Michael Harding agus é ag comhrá leis an scríbhneoir áitiúil Dubhán Ó Longáin. Beidh saothar gradamach, aitheanta Michael faoi chaibidil, chomh maith lena dhearcadh ar an tsaol, a dhearcadh ar a shaothar, agus ar thábhacht na Gaeilge sa tsaol s’acu.