THE annual weekend exodus from Limerick to the closing days of Merriman Summer School seminars, dialogue, debate and dancing begins this Friday 19. The venue for most events is the Royal Spa Hotel in the centre of Lisdoonvarna, host to this year’s programme.
Who are the luminaries in line to cast light on the ‘state of the nation’ 2011? Speakers and panellists include Fintan O’Toole, Mary O’Rourke, Joseph Dunne, Maria Corbett, Carl O’Brien, Fergus Ryan, Sheila Greene, Dympna Devine, Brian O’Neill and Siobhán Parkinson.
The closing lecture will be given by Presidential candidate, Michael D. Higgins on Sunday 21 next at 11am. Topics will range from exploring the boundaries between childhood and adulthood, to children and the new media.
Attend for daily lunchtime poetry readings during Cúirt an Mheán Lae, with poet Eavan Boland reading this Thursday 18 at noon, followed by Gabriel Rosenstock on Friday 19 and Peter Sirr on Saturday 20.
Morning seminars in Irish and English delivered by a range of experts will deal with subjects as diverse as Naonrai Gaelacha, assisted immigration to New Zealand for workhouse girls in the 1870s and debutantes in 18th century Limerick. Refer to www.merriman.ie for programme minutiae.
Professor Sheila Greene will lecture with Dympna Devine on the theme of Contemporary Irish Childhood this Friday 19, 8.30pm.
