Nollaig na mBan: Irish Writers Centre

This event has ended

Irish Writers Centre, Friday 6th January

Join us for a night of readings, music and fun in celebration of women writers worldwide at our annual Nollaig na mBan event.

The theme for the night is Home, in all its many facets and manifestations.

Traditionally, Nollaig na mBan, aka Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas, was a day off for the hard-working woman in the home, relieving her of the household chores and leaving the work up to the men for the day. Our Nollaig na mBan programme will turn this quaint custom on its head with its 21st century interpretation of the meaning of “home,” taking inspiration from the words of Maeve Brennan:

“Home is a place in the mind.”

Award-winning writer, editor, broadcaster and Nollaig na mBan MC since 2015 Sinéad Gleeson will be our host for the evening, introducing a schedule of readings that celebrate the very best of Irish women’s writing.

Louise Nealon, Suad Aldarra, Claire Kilroy and Nithy Kasa will offer a series of fast-paced commissioned Soapbox performances, sharing personal narratives on their views of home. Further stirring additions to the programme will come from Irish PEN / Freedom to Write campaign member Catherine Dunne and Dr Roja Fazaeli, Chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at TCD.

Publisher Arlen House will join in the proceedings with a showcase of contributors to Look! It’s a Woman Writer! a feminist anthology celebrating women born in mid-twentieth-century Ireland, whose literary lives have spanned half a century and whose works are still relevant and read widely today. This segment will feature writers Liz McManus, Anne Devlin, Mary Rose Callaghan and Phyl Herbert.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the wonderful ESSIRAY.


Date:
Friday 6th January
Time:
7.00pm
Price:
€22
Address:
Irish Writers Centre, Parnell Square North, Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland

Google Map of Irish Writers Centre, Parnell Square North, Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland

You might also like...

Dublin Comic Con - a pop-culture/fandom event, ideal family day out or fan nerd out, movies, tv shows, comics, cosplay, gaming and more! At The Convention Centre Dublin.

What's on

Dublin Comic Con – Summer Edition

The Convention Centre

DCC is a pop-culture/fandom event ideal as a family day out or a fan nerd out! Covering everything from movies/tv shows to comics, cosplay and gaming! Whether you are coming to find rare collectibles, meet some Hollywood actors and local artists, have your portfolio reviews by industry professionals or simply cosplay..we will have something to keep you entertained. Oh and all our DCC interactive sets are free! Dublin Comic Con : Summer Edition 2026!: August  8th and 9th Thanks again to all our fans for the ongoing support and a massive thank you to our team without whom we really couldn�

What's on

The International Dublin Writers’ Festival

Trinity College

Since 2015, the International Dublin Writers’ Festival has helped writers learn, connect, and grow their careers. In 2026, the festival moves to the inspiring surroundings of Trinity College Dublin for our most future-focused event yet. This year’s festival explores one of the biggest questions facing writers today: how will AI change storytelling, publishing, creativity, and the role of the author? What is the future of story? Through practical workshops, inspiring talks, and expert-led discussions, attendees will explore both the opportunities and challenges facing writers in a

What's on

IFI Family Festival

Irish Film Institute

The annual 3-day event for young film fans. This year’s selection of new international films and an Irish classic share themes of imagination and being yourself. With lots of creative activities to enjoy across the weekend! IFI Family Festival 2026, a vibrant three-day event running from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd for young film fans! Specially curated for young audiences and their families, this year’s festival explores the themes of being yourself and the power of imagination, offering a wide range of screenings and hands-on experiences for all ages. Full program