The life of a writer can be a lonely one.

If you’ve been slogging away at that novel for months or you’re stuck for a plot twist in your short story, a regular meet-up at a Cork pub could be just the place to cure a case of writer’s block.

Fiction at the Friary is a series of free monthly fiction events at The Friary bar on Shandon Street.

Kicking off on a Sunday at 3pm, the event includes readings by guest authors followed by an optional writing exercise, finishing with an open mic session. You can drop in for a coffee or a pint, take part or just take it all in – it’s up to you.

“We provide jelly beans, hula hoops, and marshmallows!” say the organisers.

“We also hold a free raffle for books donated to us by Hachette Ireland, Munster Literature Centre, and Cork City Library.
Open mic readings are currently limited to ten minutes max per writer. All welcome. Please come along for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon!”

Backed by sponsors including Hogan Architects, JRAP O’Meara Solicitors, Cork City Council and The School of English at UCC, the meet-up has been running since January 2017 with ever-increasing and very receptive audiences.

The next one takes place on Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at 3pm. Details here.