Following a successful pilot in 2014 in which writers Mary Russell, Iggy McGovern and Orfhlaith Foyle were the inaugural recipients, applications are now sought for the 2015 Writers' Residency in Birr, Co. Offaly.
This residency/retreat is in the Georgian heritage town of Birr. The opportunity is for professional writers who are seeking a short break from daily routines; it is for those who feel the need to re-invigorate themselves into completing current work; and it is also for writers who may simply need inspiration, through a change of place and stimuli.
What is Included: The bursary provides for 4 writers to receive one week's accommodation in St. Brendan House/Tin Jug Studio with breakfast each morning and two evening suppers provided.
Length of Stay: 6 nights/7 days
Dates: JULY Monday 6th - Sunday 12th July or OCTOBER Monday 5th to Sunday 11th October.
Some flexibility of a day or two either side of these weeks could be accommodated.
Facilities: WiFi internet connections throughout, a small writing table in each of the bedrooms and an elegant drawing room with a writing desk. Herbal teas and biscuits are available in the guest area at all times. Writers may prefer to work in the studio or gallery or nearby library.
WHAT OTHER WRITERS HAVE SAID
I wasn’t staying in the castle but it felt like it. I had a bedroom that was straight out of ‘Pride & Prejudice’, there was a roaring fire in the drawing room, and the food was Michelin worthy! Iggy McGovern
A great opportunity to write in such evocative and inspirations surroundings... your time was utterly your own at this residency. It actually resembled a retreat. There were no caveats. No demands to ‘pay for your supper’, a special thank you to Rosalind for making it such a marvellous experience. Her attention and care of the writers was superb. Orflaith Foyle
GETTING THERE
Birr is in South Offaly, in the heart of Ireland. It is recommended to come by car in order to have the option of exploring the area around Birr. It is on a direct bus route from Dublin by Kearns. The closest train stations are at Tullamore and Roscrea. Transport/travel costs are the writers’ own.
WHO MAY APPLY?
The residency bursary is open to professional published writers of any genre such as literary fiction, poetry, playwrights, journalism or travel writing. There are four places available, for newly published or experienced writers. International writers may apply, and as above, their travel costs are their own.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
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A short outline of why you would like to – or need to – spend a relaxing and inspiring week of writing in Birr.
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Complete application form (please see link)
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Full CV
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Sample copies of some published work.
http://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts_and_Culture/News_Events/News/Writers-Retreat-Birr-2015.html
ASSESSMENTS
Applications will be assessed by three people including a published author and arts manager
FINAL DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS Friday 27 February 2015 at 3pm
Applications are preferred in hard copy (so as to include samples of published work) to:
Writers Residency Week, Arts Office, Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Hard copy publications will not be returned without an appropriate SAE
Applications may also be accepted by email, with appropriate links to published work.
Inquires are welcome to arts@offalycoco.ie; info@tinjugstudio.com or 057 9357400
More Information:
Sinéad O'Reilly • Arts Officer
Offaly County Council
057 9357400 • arts@offalycoco.ie
www.offaly.ie/arts
www.filmoffaly.ie