Limerick Writers’ Centre and The Acoustic Club join forces with local poets and musicians for a memorable celebration of creativity, community and culture

Limerick Writers’ Centre event pictured above. Pictures: Patrick Howard

Limerick Writers’ Centre event fills The People’s Museum with poetry and song for an inspiring after hours cultural evening called ‘After Hours at the Museum‘

Limerick Writers’ Centre continues to support the city’s creative voice and last Thursday, July 9th, The People’s Museum of Limerick came alive with poetry, music and storytelling on Thursday evening as audiences gathered for After Hours at the Museum, an initiative of the Department of Communications, Culture and Sport that continues to showcase the city’s thriving cultural scene.

Set against the unique backdrop of one of Limerick’s most treasured heritage buildings, the event offered an intimate and welcoming atmosphere where performers and audience members shared an evening dedicated to artistic expression. Bringing together established and emerging voices, the programme demonstrated the remarkable depth of creative talent that exists across Limerick’s literary and musical communities.

Poet Michael Durack opened the Limerick Writers’ Centre event with a captivating series of readings that immediately connected with the audience. Blending humour, reflection and keen observation, his poetry explored everyday experiences with warmth and authenticity, setting the tone for a night that celebrated the power of words.

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Music played an equally important role throughout the evening, with performances from Ken Mackessy, Michael Andrews, Phila Grace, Fergus Moloney and Kennedy O’Brien. Each songwriter brought their own distinctive style, from heartfelt ballads and thoughtful lyrics to uplifting melodies that resonated throughout the museum’s historic surroundings. Together, their performances complemented the spoken word perfectly, creating a seamless dialogue between poetry and song.

One of the defining features of the Limerick Writers’ Centre event was the collaboration between Limerick Writers’ Centre and members of The Acoustic Club, highlighting the strength of Limerick’s creative networks and the willingness of artists to support one another across different disciplines. The event reflected a genuine sense of community, with writers, musicians, organisers and audience members all contributing to an atmosphere that was relaxed, inclusive and inspiring.

Keeping the evening moving effortlessly was MC Stephen Roche, whose trademark wit, warmth and engaging style provided the perfect link between performers. His easy rapport with both artists and audience ensured the event flowed naturally while allowing each contributor the space to shine.

Dominic Taylor of Limerick Writers Centre said, “The evening served as another reminder that Limerick’s cultural life continues to flourish, not only through major festivals and headline events but also through intimate gatherings where creativity can be experienced at close quarters. The People’s Museum proved to be the ideal setting, offering an environment where conversation, performance and community came together in perfect harmony.”

The participation of the Limerick Writers’ Centre reflected its ongoing commitment to developing and promoting literature throughout the region. Since its establishment in 2008, the voluntary, not-for-profit organisation has become one of the driving forces behind Limerick’s literary life, providing opportunities for writers of all ages and experience levels to develop their craft and connect with audiences.

Through an extensive programme of creative writing workshops, poetry readings, book launches, literary festivals and public events, the Centre has created a welcoming space where both established and emerging writers can learn, collaborate and grow. It has become recognised not only as a home for writers but also as a place where readers and the wider public can engage with literature in an accessible and enjoyable way.

The organisation has also built an impressive reputation as a community publisher. Through its publishing programme and Revival Press, the Centre has produced more than 180 titles, giving many first-time authors the opportunity to see their work in print while continuing to support established writers. Its publications have helped preserve local stories, celebrate new voices and contribute significantly to Limerick’s growing literary reputation.

Alongside its literary work, the Centre also supports live music through The Acoustic Club, recognising the natural connection between songwriting and poetry. That partnership was clearly evident throughout the evening at The People’s Museum, where music and literature complemented one another to create an engaging and memorable cultural experience.

Events such as After Hours at the Museum demonstrate the importance of organisations like the Limerick Writers’ Centre in sustaining the city’s creative ecosystem. By creating opportunities for artists to perform, collaborate and engage with audiences, the Centre continues to strengthen Limerick’s reputation as a city where culture is not simply celebrated but actively created.

As the final performances concluded and conversations continued long into the evening, there was a shared sense that gatherings like this represent the very best of Limerick’s cultural life. They provide a platform for local talent, encourage new artistic collaborations and remind audiences that some of the city’s most memorable cultural experiences are found in intimate spaces where creativity, community and conversation come together.