Waterford Youth Arts
Creative Writing Workshops
With a variety of exceptional authors running Creative Writing this term, it's an exciting time to get involved in the exciting world of the written word.
Waterford Youth Arts Creative Writing programme will be back soon on Saturdays at the Waterford Central Library. This is the only programme of its kind in Ireland, catering to young writers aged from 7 to 19, and members have been recipients of the Sean Dunne Young Poets Award and the Hot Press ‘Write Here, Write Now’ competition.
The programme has developed over the last number of years and has hosted a number of highly respected writers and poets: Dave Lordan, Stephen James Smith, Mark Roper, and Billy Roche, to name but a few. The group has been involved in the annual Waterford Writers Weekend since 2010, allowing them to showcase their work and celebrate the talent of our young writers.
Our youth creative writing facilitator is Mary O'Donoghue.
Mary O' Donoghue is a young poet, playwright, actor and performance poet. Her first published works featured in We Already Have a Voice, published by Waterford Youth Arts.
Mary is recognized for her poetry and performance poems and has appeared in online content for Poetry Day 2021. In 2022, Mary was commissioned by Waterford Youth Arts to write the short play The Fir Grove for younger performers and outdoor performances, directed by Sinéad Hourigan and performed by the 12 - 14 yrs at Wyse Park, Johns Lane, Waterford.
Mary performed her poem at the launch of ‘Youth Arts Now’ Research report by John O’Brien at Smock Alley, Dublin on 31st January 2023.
In theatre, she has appeared in productions with Waterford Youth Arts including Animal Farm by George Orwell directed by Rhiann Jeffreys. A Silent Message by Martina Collender (2022) a one woman show exploring the story of a victim of sexual violence; in 2021 Mary played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet directed by Jim Nolan for Waterford Youth Arts, Mary was nominated for a Waterford News & Star Green Room Award for her performance in the role.
Workshops Timetable
Creative Writing sessions run each Saturday for nine sessions from Central Library at Waterford Central Library
Saturday Art Club — 12 to 14 yrs
Day: Every Saturday
Time: 11:30am – 12:45am
Location: Waterford Central Library, Hub Space,
Lady Lane
Saturday 18th April
Saturday 25th April
Saturday 2nd May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 9th May
Saturday 16th May
Saturday 23rd May
Saturday 30th May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 6th June
Saturday 13th June
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 27th June
Creative Writing — 7 to 11 yrs
Day: Every Saturday
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Waterford Central Library, Hub Space,
Lady Lane
Saturday 18th April
Saturday 25th April
Saturday 2nd May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 9th May
Saturday 16th May
Saturday 23rd May
Saturday 30th May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 6th June
Saturday 13th June
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 27th June
Booking Link
Booking Link
Saturday Art Club — 15 to 19 yrs
Day: Every Saturday
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Waterford Central Library, Hub Space,
Lady Lane
Saturday 18th April
Saturday 25th April
Saturday 2nd May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 9th May
Saturday 16th May
Saturday 23rd May
Saturday 30th May - No Workshop – Bank Holiday
Saturday 6th June
Saturday 13th June
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 27th June
Booking Link
Creative writing costs €49 per term. There are discounts for more than one family member. If any child has difficulty paying the fee, then speak to one of the tutors or office staff about our bursary scheme.