Creative Responses to the Political Collection

Another chance to be part of a wonderful workshop that we ran earlier in the year to immensely positive feedback. Join experienced author/writing community facilitator Fiona O’Rourke for an inspirational one-day retreat for writers at The Linen Hall.

Following a guided tour of the library’s world-renowned Political Collection with Senior Library Assistant Melissa Flynn, Fiona will lead a creative writing session during which participants will be encouraged to respond creatively to the tour’s pamphlets, posters, badges, prison artefacts, coins, and much more; items that reflect all shades of opinion and elucidate the lived experience of the recent past.

The Linen Hall is a safe space in which to find your form, develop works-in-progress or sketch out your ideas for future projects, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded writers and creatives. From new-to-the-page to seasoned writers, poets, memoirists, fiction writers, essayists, and creative nonfiction writers, all forms are very welcome.

For 20 participant writers and creatives, with quiet spaces available for those who prefer to write alone. Bring your notebooks and pens; refreshments and lunch provided.

Age 18+

Some feedback from people who have attended this workshop:

‘This workshop has been a precious experience and I have valued every minute of it.’

‘Fantastic day of creativity – thank you. The [Political] collection is fantastic and I learnt so much. So helpful for my work.’

‘A very unique and stimulating event. I learnt so much from it. Fiona is an excellent facilitator and created a most wonderful experience.’

‘Excellent workshop and beautiful setting. Fiona is a superb facilitator.’

About the facilitator

Fiona O’Rourke’s short stories, autofiction, and essays have been published in journals, anthologies, and broadcast on radio. She was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2023 and her debut novel was selected for the Irish Novel Fair. Since earning an MPhil in Creative Writing at Trinity College Dublin, she has facilitated creative writing courses in community, libraries, and festivals, including programming and facilitating the Northern Soul Roadshow for the Irish Writers Centre.