Library Events & Exhibitions

DCU Library Creative Writing Competition 

The annual DCU Library Creative Writing Competition is open to members of adult reading and writing groups based on the northside of Dublin. It rewards those who have returned to education to improve their literacy skills. Each year, eleven writers are shortlisted for the award: the overall winner receives a €100 book token and the ten remaining finalists receive a €30 book token. Their entries are also printed in a booklet that is shared with the finalists, the tutors and the audience at the annual awards ceremony.
 

 

At the awards ceremony a guest writer is invited to announce the overall winner and read from their own work. Over the years guest writers have included Sophie White, Sheila O'Flanagan, Dermot Bolger and Marina Carr.

 

The Creative Writing Competition has been running in DCU Library since 1999. Read some of the winning competition entries we have received over the years and discover the incredible talent of our local writers. Dermot was the overall winner of the 2023 competition - you can read his story here or listen to the author read the story himself

 

The annual awards night is always a special evening where we recognise the achievements of our ten finalists and their tutors and we celebrate everyone who takes part in the competition. It is one of the highlights of the year for DCU Library staff, who participate in the judging and organisation of the competition.

Keep reading for details on this year's competition...
 

Creative Writing Competition 2024

Books on shelf with colourful light reflections

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We are delighted to announce that the DCU Library Creative Writing Competition 2024 is now open for entries. 

This competition invites members of North Dublin writing groups to write a short story or poem on any topic.

Two categories:  Novice and Intermediary

Closing Date - 8th April 2024

1 overall winner and 10 commendations

Please contact libraryevents@dcu.ie for details on how to enter, eligibility, and to receive an entry form. 
 

Creative Writing Competition 21st Anniversary

DCU Library celebrated 21 years of the Creative Writing Competition in 2020 with a special anniversary booklet, videos and messages from past participants, guest authors and library staff. You can see more about it on our dedicated webpage:

DCU Library CWC 21st Anniversary 


Culture Night Logo
Culture Night at DCU

"Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day."

    - Arts Council 

Each year, in collaboration with DCU Arts & Culture, DCU Library partakes in Culture Night, opening Cregan Library to the public, hosting tours, events for children, and live music on the balcony! You can check out a gallery of images from across Glasnevin and St. Patrick's campus for Culture Night 22 here: DCU Culture Night 22 Gallery

Previous Events & Exhibitions