On Thursday 16 July 2026 writer E.R. Murray, and poet/spoken word artist, Holly Hughes, visited Bantry Day Care Centre as part of the West Cork Literary Festival in partnership with Arts for Health West Cork.
Both writers talked with attendees about their creative process, how writing helps them to make sense of the world and provides comfort as well as laughs. The session was relaxed and welcoming, with both writers sharing samples of their work, personal stories, and anecdotes, with plenty of audience participation.
Holly brought her distinct and expressive voice to the event, performing a piece called ‘Alarm Bells’, which was originally performed at the Poetry Slam World Cup in Paris, 2025. She also shared ‘Vigil’, a poem about homesickness and the uniqueness of a close mother/daughter bond, and a hilarious poem called, ‘Is Anyone Actually Doing Kegels?’ which had participants crying with laughter. As one participant responded, ‘I didn’t think I’d laugh so much today. Thank you for bringing the fun.’
Elizabeth shared a new piece of a climate change fiction, ‘Outbound’, set in West Cork and based on a true event. This instigated lots of discussion about changes in life and the local landscape, as well as the impact of shifting baselines. Elizabeth also shared the poem, ‘The Forest’, by fellow festival attendee, Nikita Gill, which led to a lively discussion about feeling proud of our accomplishments.
A lovely additional surprise was that some attendees remembered Elizabeth’s memoir piece, ‘Treasure Maps and Trowels: A West Cork Proposal’, that she shared last year from Come Sit A While Volume 2, a collection of dementia friendly stories and memories published by Cork County Libraries & Arts Service, which they have continued to enjoy reading.
Afterwards, Christine McCarthy, Bantry Day Care Centre Coordinator said, ‘the clients thoroughly enjoyed the interactions, the sharing of life experiences and the amazing poetry and stories. Thank you for bringing such fun and energy into the Centre and we look forward to seeing you again next year.’
These sessions are all about connection – to the literary festival, to arts and health, and to each other – and we look forward to continuing our Arts for Health partnership with West Cork Literary Festival in 2027.
Bios
Elizabeth Rose Murray writes novels, essays, short stories and poetry for children, young adults and adults. Her latest book, Arabella Pepper – The Wild Detective (Natural World Publishing) was longlisted for the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Children’s Fiction. Previous novels include the award-winning Nine Lives Trilogy (Mercier Press): The Book of Learning (Dublin UNESCO Citywide Read 2016), The Book of Shadows (shortlisted for Irish Literacy Association/Irish Book Awards), and The Book of Revenge. Elizabeth is also an experienced event facilitator, working with festivals, arts centres, schools, and libraries to foster a love of creativity and reading as well being part of a team of professional artists working in day centres and community hospitals with Arts for Health West Cork.
Holly Hughes is a writer, poet, and performer from Clonakilty, West Cork. Her debut solo show, ‘I Want to Speak to Your Manager’, performed to sold-out audiences at Dublin Fringe Festival in 2025. She was selected for the 2026 Box of Tricks playwriting programme, run by the Abbey Theatre. The Irish Independent named her a rising star to watch this year. Holly represented Ireland at the 2025 Poetry Slam World Cup, winning third place. She was a runner-up in the 2024 All-Ireland Poetry Slam, a State Finalist in the 2023 Australian Poetry Slam and has been published in Westerly, Washing Windows V, and The Stony Thursday Book. She is completing a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick.