The Irish Writers Centre (IWC) has long been a hub of literary activity in Dublin. As the leading support and development organisation for writers since 1991, we carry out our work, online and in person, on an all island basis. We work with writers of all types and talents, and actively encourage writers from all communities to engage in creative writing. . It is a non-profit organisation, aimed at promoting the literature and writers in Ireland. Our Charity Registration Number is CHY 19738.
IWC support writers with an extensive programme:
• Development programmes;
• Resources;
• Courses and training;
• Events and information sessions;
• Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair.
Since it was founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre has welcomed many award winning writers through its doors, including Nobel, Costa, Man Booker, IMPAC, and Pulitzer Prize winners. It has also served as an important platform for breakthrough talent, with many young writers giving their first public readings here.
Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair is described by The Irish Times as a 'Dragon's Den for writers', which aims to introduce up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents.
This competition has been a life changing opportunity for writers across the island of Ireland and worldwide, with Novel Fair winners going on to win or be nominated for prestige literary rewards. Among the Fair’s past successes are Niamh Boyce (The Herbalist, Penguin Ireland, 2013), Michelle Gallen (Big Girl, Small Town, Algonquin, 2020), Sue Divin (Guard Your Name, Macmillan, 2021), Olivia Fitzsimons (The Quiet Whispers Never Stop, John Murray Press, 2022) and Bryan Moriarty (Sounds Like Fun, Hodder, 2023).
Novel Fair has been attended by representatives from: Curtis Brown, Penguin Random House, Conville & Walsh, époque, Fletcher & Co, Poolbeg Press, Harper Collins, John Murray, Hachette, Lilliput Press, New Island Books, The Book Bureau, The Bent Agency, Greene & Heaton, and many others.