Celebrating local voices with the launch of Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025

Kilkenny Arts Office has announced the launch of the 25th edition of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet, with a launch event taking placw in the Parade Tower as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the featured poets whose work was celebrated during the event,” said arts officer Mary Butler.

“It was a true pleasure to witness their words brought to life. Special thanks are due to our esteemed editor, Enda Wyley, whose thoughtful curation has shaped this year’s collection into a vibrant reflection of Kilkenny’s poetic spirit. This was a particularly special year as we celebrate a quarter of a century of the Broadsheet, a publication which has stood the test of time and continues to be a very much-loved platform for writers, poetry enthusiasts and the general public.”
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The aim of the publication is to provide a dedicated public platform for Kilkenny writers and an opportunity for the presentation of their work.

“This initiative aligns fundamentally with the mission of the Arts Office, which places the practitioner at the core of our work,” said Ms Butler.

“We maintain a firm commitment to prioritising artist by affording them the time, space, and resources necessary to progress and develop their practice.

“This year we had 133 poems by 73 poets submitted for consideration and in honour of our 25th year we expanded the publication and have published 25 poems, one for each edition that’s lit up the literary landscape before us. It has been an absolute privilege to work with such wonderful editors, inspired illustrators and of course our incredibly dedicated community of Kilkenny writers over the years.”

Free copies of the Broadsheet are now available in libraries throughout the county and at Butler Gallery. Everyone is encouraged to take a moment to enjoy this year’s selection—an inspiring showcase of local literary talent.
In conjunction with the launch, poetry from the Broadsheet will be displayed on the digital screens across Kilkenny City until September 20.

Visitors and residents are invited to pause and reflect at these designated locations, and use the QR code to view the Broadsheet online.

The initiative aims to bring poetry into everyday spaces—making it accessible, visible, and part of the city’s cultural rhythm.
Over the coming weeks and months, excerpts from the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 will be shared across The Arts Office’s social media platforms. These daily snippets offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of voices featured in this year’s edition. Follow along for your daily dose of poetry.

MORE INFORMATION
For more, contact mary.butler@kilkennycoco.ie or kathyconlan@kilkennycoco.ie.