The first Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School takes place from 20-24 September 2023 in the Thomas MacDonagh Museum in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary and aims to be one of the highlights of the Museum’s 10th anniversary programme.

The Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School offers a unique opportunity to learn about one of Cloughjordan’s finest, the poet-patriot Thomas MacDonagh, as part of a fascinating poetry inspired programme of creative writing workshops, inspirational talks, interactive discussions and poetry readings curated by poet and writer Eleanor Hooker, the winner of the Michael Hartnett Award 2022.The programme, featuring distinguished academics and researchers, will address how their own research and writing offers an imaginative way to deepen our understanding of the past and explore a challenging period of Irish history in an open and inclusive way. The speakers will read from and discuss their own work. They will explore the impact of the arts in the shaping of our Nation; the concept of ethical remembrance; and the consideration of poetry as commemoration with reference to their own and MacDonagh’s poetry.

Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21 September

Poetry as Commemoration Workshops with poet Thomas McCarthy

Friday 22 September

Culture Night 2023 with special guest poet Stephen Sexton

Saturday 23 September

Keynote, Discussion & Poetry Readings

Sunday 24th 

Poetry Readings on Scohaboy Bog

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.