Cló Iar-Chonnacht Celebrates 40 Years at Cúirt 2025 with Special Events
To mark its 40th anniversary, Cló Iar-Chonnacht is partnering with the Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2025, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary, for a series of special events showcasing Irish-language literature and music.
Founded in 1985, Cló Iar-Chonnacht (CIC) is a leading publisher of Irish-language books and traditional music. Based in An Spidéal, Conamara, CIC has published over 400 books and 200 music albums, making it one of Ireland’s most prolific Irish-language publishers.
Committed to preserving and promoting Gaeltacht and Irish-language culture, CIC publishes a diverse range of literature, including poetry, novels, children’s books, and non-fiction. The company also offers bilingual and audio publications. While its music catalogue initially focused on Conamara sean-nós, it has since expanded to include a wide range of traditional genres.
Cló Iar-Chonnacht was founded by Micheál Ó Conghaile, an award-winning writer and member of Aosdána, while he was a student at the University of Galway. In 2019, he passed the reins to Deirdre Ní Thuathail, CIC’s long-serving General Manager, while remaining an active and integral part of the team.
Speaking about the events at Cúirt, Deirdre Ní Thuathail, General Manager of Cló Iar-Chonnacht, said:
“Celebrating 40 years of Cló Iar-Chonnacht alongside Cúirt is a proud milestone for us. Over the years, we have worked to promote Irish-language literature and music, and this collaboration reflects the continued strength and vibrancy of our authors and musicians today.”
Media & Interview Requests
For further information or to arrange interviews with Cló Iar-Chonnacht authors, musicians, or representatives, please contact:
Bridget Bhreathnach
poibliocht@cic.ie
086 076 1059
Follow Cló Iar-Chonnacht for updates:
Website: www.cic.ie
Twitter/X: @CloIarChonnacht
Instagram: @CloIarChonnacht
Facebook: @CloIar-Chonnacht
Cló Iar-Chonnacht Anniversary Events at Cúirt 2025
- Dinnseanchas – Tír Chonaill
2:00 PM, Sunday, April 13 | An Taibhdhearc Theatre
A discussion on dinnseanchas (place lore) in Irish literature, featuring Donegal Gaeltacht writers Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair and Michelle Nic Pháidín, hosted by Micheál Ó Conghaile.- Admission: €12/10
- Link for tickets: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/dinnseanchas/
- Ar Thóir Bhríd Ní Mháille
5:00 PM, Sunday, April 13 | An Taibhdhearc Theatre
A dramatic reading from a forthcoming novel by Micheál Ó Conghaile, telling the story of Bríd Ní Mháille, the woman behind ‘Amhrán an Bháthadh’ and ‘Amhrán South Boston’. Blending song, prose, and the ancient art of keening, this performance features Caitlín Ní Chualáin, Bridie Ní Churraoin, and Eoghan Ó Riada.- Admission: €12/10
- Link: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/ar-thoir-bhrid-ni-mhaille-in-search-of-brid-ni-mhaille/
- Ceiliúradh ceoil agus filíochta | A Celebration of Music and Poetry
8:00 PM, Sunday, April 13 | An Taibhdhearc Theatre
A celebration of Leabhar Mór na nAmhrán and Gearr Gonta: Céad Dán le Céad File, featuring performances by Lillis Ó Laoire, Caitlín Ní Chualáin, Máirtín Tom Sheáinín, and others, with live music from Nóirín Ní Ghrádaigh and Colm Ó Dubháin.- Admission €16/14
- Link: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/ceiliuradh-ceoil-agus-filiochta/
- Arts in Action: Poetry Reading with Áine Ní Ghlinn and Moya Roddy
1:00 PM, Thursday, April 9
Bank of Ireland Theatre, University of Galway- Acclaimed poet Áine Ní Ghlinn will present a reading from her collected works, with translations by Theo Dorgan. She will be joined by Moya Roddy, a poet, novelist, and short story writer who also writes for film and television. Roddy’s latest poetry collection, The Dark Art of Darning, continues her exploration of family life and the intricate layers of nostalgia and loss.
- Admission is free but tickets must be booked in advance
- Link: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/ceiliuradh-ceoil-agus-filiochta/
