Whether you’re an experienced poet, an aspiring spoken-word performer or someone who’s always wanted to express yourself creatively, Earagail Arts Festival 2026 is inviting you to discover your voice this July.
Acclaimed Nigerian-Irish poet, playwright and performer Samuel Yakura will take up a special residency at the festival, leading a series of free workshops, hosting a high-energy Poetry Slam with a €200 cash prize, and collaborating on a unique creative walk through Glenveagh National Park.
Develop Your Craft with Free Poetry Workshops
Samuel will lead two free workshops at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, offering participants the opportunity to develop their writing, explore spoken-word performance and build confidence in sharing their work.
Open to writers and performers of all experience levels, the workshops will encourage participants to experiment with language, performance and storytelling in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Workshop Dates
Saturday 11 July, 2pm – Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
Saturday 18 July, 2pm – Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
The workshops are free, but places are limited and advance booking is essential.
To book your place, contact Sharon McMenamin, Public Engagement Officer, at outreach@eaf.ie.
Step Up to the Mic
The workshops will culminate in an exciting Poetry Slam Showcase on Friday 24 July at 8pm at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny.
Expect an evening of powerful live performance as emerging and established poets take to the stage to compete for a €200 cash prize. Whether you’re performing or cheering from the audience, it’s set to be a vibrant celebration of poetry, creativity and community.
Admission is free, making it the perfect opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of live spoken word.
Experience Poetry in the Landscape
Samuel’s residency continues beyond the stage with a special collaboration alongside Ubuntu Trekkers and DJ BIG CHEEKS.
On Saturday 25 July, join a beginner-friendly creative walk through the spectacular surroundings of Glenveagh National Park. Led by Laura (DJ BIG CHEEKS), Ian, founder of Ubuntu Trekkers—a hiking community for Kenyan expats living in Ireland—and Samuel Yakura, the experience combines walking, conversation and creative writing in one of Donegal’s most beautiful landscapes.
Designed for all communities—and especially for those who don’t always see themselves represented in outdoor spaces—the walk explores themes of identity, belonging and connection while celebrating Donegal’s landscapes as places for everyone to enjoy.
The walk departs from the Visitor Centre, Glenveagh National Park, at 2pm and lasts approximately two hours. Tickets are €15. (See the separate Ubuntu Trekkers event listing for full details and booking HERE.)
Meet Samuel Yakura
Samuel Yakura is one of Ireland’s most exciting spoken-word artists. A Nigerian-Irish multidisciplinary artist, poet, playwright and performer, he has won multiple slam championships across Nigeria and Ireland. His work explores identity, migration, belonging and the human condition with warmth, honesty and powerful stage presence.
He has collaborated with organisations including Poetry Ireland, the Abbey Theatre and Dublin Fringe, while his acclaimed debut poetry play, The Perfect Immigrant, received multiple award nominations before touring nationally in 2023. Samuel is also co-founder of Wearegriot Poetry Collective and co-host of one of Dublin’s best-known poetry slams, Talkatives. He is currently developing new works, SOAK and Citizens of Nowhere.
