Applications are now being sought for the 2026 Birr Writers’ Residency.
This residency offers professional writers’ accommodation and workspaces for five nights, at Brendan House in the centre of Birr, County Offaly. This Georgian Heritage Town in the midlands of Ireland has a remarkable history and is embedded in a community with a thriving arts culture.
The purpose of the residency is to provide an opportunity for artists to focus on a writing project (current or new) in a tranquil environment which supports and values high professional artistic development. It is open to professional writers of any genre, e.g. literary fiction, poetry, playwrights, journalism or travel writing.
Deadline: Monday 26th Jan, 5pm
Brendan House is a period home and occasional guest house, located in the heart of the heritage town of Birr.
Offaly Arts Office have funded this residency award since 2014. In 2026 the Arts Office in collaboration with Brendan House, offers up to two writers, bed and breakfast accommodation for 6 days and 5 nights in one of the period rooms of the guest area. This also includes two evening suppers, at the beginning and finish of the residencies. WiFi internet connection is available throughout the house. Writers can work in their rooms (a small writing desk is available) or may prefer to work in the drawing room, or the adjoining artist studio, (when free). The local library is also a very short walk away.
Writers should be aware that being a period residence, accommodation, facilities and decor are in keeping with the historic nature of the building. To ensure that the nature of this exquisite but old-world experience is fitting your access needs, please read about the accommodation here:
BRENDAN HOUSE
Selected Writers can avail of one of the following options, subject to availability.
SEPTEMBER 20 -25 OR SEPTEMBER 21-26 OR OCTOBER 18 - 23 OR OCTOBER 19-24
TO APPLY:
Please complete the online application form and upload:
· A copy of your full CV
· A maximum of 3 examples of published works
For further information or support please contact Offaly Arts Office at
arts@offalycoco.ie or 05793 57400.
Deadline: Monday 26th Jan, 5pm
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
An independent selection panel will meet to assess the applications and make recommendations for the award.
Selection Criteria
The selection process will be made based upon the following criteria:
Impact / benefit of the residency (i.e. professional development for the applicant) - 40%
Quality of the proposal/ ambition and innovation - 25%
Experience / track record of the applicant (i.e. professional development for the applicant) - 20%
Impact of the award to County Offaly (demonstrate any benefits your time spent on the residency will have for Offaly) - 15%