UL CREATIVE WRITING WINTER SCHOOL
NOV 17-20 2025,
Doolin
About
November 17-20 in Doolin
This is a fully immersive retreat for mid-career writers. A four day, three night event, there is a cost for participation which covers all workshops, activities, materials, accommodation and meals.
This year we are also delighted to announce the inaugural Patrick Kelly UL Winter School bursary (which funds one free place to a writer of talent who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend).
The main focus of this event is to support and facilitate participants to make accelerated progress on a current writing project. Masterclasses by practising writers, evening salons and creative seminars are an integral part of the experience, along with scheduled structured writing time.
For more information, to apply for a standard place, and for further details of the Patrick Kelly bursary, email sarah.moore@ul.ie or eoin.devereux@ul.ie
Gallery
THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK TEAM
Donal Ryan
Ever since 'The Spinning Heart' was published in 2013, Donal's novels have been riveting and enchanting readers all over the world. Also an accomplished teacher and mentor, Donal joins the Winter School team as usual this year to support participants in the development of their own creative work.
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
Sarah's an award-winning teacher and novelist. Novels include 'The Apple Tart of Hope', 'All The Money in the World' and 'The Shark and The Scar'. In 2022 she won the London Magazine award for short fiction. At winter school, Sarah will be exploring time management and motivation for creative writers.
Eoin Devereux
Eoin's poetry and writing has been published and broadcast widely including by The Irish Times; RTE's Poetry Programme; Bookshow on One and Sunday Miscellany. He leads 'Creative Writers In The Community,' a core module on UL’s MA in Creative Writing. At winter school he'll be sharing guidelines and helping you to build confidence in pitching and performing your work.
Sheila Killian
Sheila's first novel 'Something Bigger' was published in 2021 to great acclaim. An experienced and inspiring teacher, she joins the Winter School team again this year to share perspectives on the creative writing process and on doing research for your fiction project.
Emily Cullen
Emily is UL's Meskell Poet-in-Residence. She has published three collections: Conditional Perfect (Doire Press, 2019), In Between Angels and Animals (Arlen House, 2013) and No Vague Utopia (Ainnir Publishing, 2003). Conditional Perfect was included in The Irish Times round-up of “the best new poetry of 2019.” Emily frequently publishes essays on Irish music and cultural history, as well as on modernist and contemporary poetry. At Winter School she'll be sharing the value of poetry for writers in all genres and helping to reflect on craft, euphony and musicality in all kinds of writing.
our visiting writers
Neil Hegarty
Visiting Writer
Neil Hegarty is one of Ireland's most versatile and accomplished writers. Novelist, biographer, essayist, literary critic and short fiction writer, Neil will bring his creative insights to the 2025 Winter School programme.
Mary O'Malley
Mary is one of Ireland's most accomplished and beloved poets. She has published nine books of poetry, including ‘Valparaiso’ arising out of her Residency on the national marine research ship. Her latest Collection, The Shark Nursery, is published by Carcanet. At winter school she'll be sharing insights on the writing life, her influences and her body of work.
Our host
our writing
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