Brigidsfest on Tour
A celebration of Irish female creativity across Germany
Brigidsfest on Tour 2026 marked an expansion of Brigidsfest, one of the Embassy of Ireland, Germany’s most popular annual literature events.
Delivered in partnership with Literature Ireland and Berlin-based Irish bookshop Curious Fox, this year’s events not only took place in the Embassy in Berlin, but also in the Consulates General in Munich and Frankfurt for the first time.
The tour began in Munich on 3 February with a panel discussion featuring writers Vona Groarke, Cathy Sweeney and Sheila Armstrong, followed by a reception and book signing.
The writers continued the following day to Frankfurt, this time also joined by Wendy Erskine. The bilingually moderated discussions allowed for deep engagement with local audiences and reinforced connections between Irish writers and Germany’s literary community.
In Berlin, the festival expanded its reach through a variety of events. For the first time since the initiative began in 2019, a children’s author, the Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde, was part of the Brigidsfest line-up.
I think there comes a point in a child's life, usually at the age of about 12 or 13, where maybe the only adult voice they're listening to is the voice of an author, whispering in their ear as they turn the pages of their book.
On 5th February, the Embassy hosted two events with Forde, the Laureate na nÓg: A workshop for adults on writing for children and young adults followed by a fireside chat for children and families.
The children’s event “Making it up as we go along”, also the theme of her the laureateship, offered the audience a chance to listen to Patricia’s readings as well as to try their hand at writing stories and discover their own creative spark. During her visit to Berlin, Forde also paid a visit to a primary school to present story writing workshops for children.
Following a professional lunch for all the writers and key institutional contacts, Vona Groarke, Cathy Sweeney and Wendy Erskine took part in their last event of the tour in Berlin, on the 6th of February. The writers read from their works, alongside a panel discussion.
It's always an education to see the way that poetry filters out in different cultures.
Opening marks were delivered by Ambassador Collins, highlighting contributions Irish women have made and continue to make around the world, and the importance of platforming female literary voices.
To conclude Brigidsfest on Tour 2026, Berlin-based Irish writer Sheila Armstrong hosted a writing workshop. Titled “Finding your voice”, the workshop invited participants to experiment with a range of writing styles and prompts.
Brigidsfest has blossomed into something bigger than just a series of literary events, building a community of contemporary Irish literary enthusiasts. By providing an annual space for Irish women writers, Brigidsfest raises awareness of the accomplishments of Irish women and allows their work to be shared with a wider audience.