Award-winning poet Samuel Yakura to inspire local writers at Earagail Arts Festival
Best known for his powerful performances exploring identity, belonging and the human condition, Samuel Yakura will lead two free poetry workshops in Letterkenny before hosting a live Poetry Slam that will showcase both emerging and established local talent
Emerging writers and spoken-word performers across Donegal are being invited to find their voice this summer as acclaimed Nigerian-Irish poet and playwright Samuel Yakura takes up a special residency at Earagail Arts Festival.
Best known for his powerful performances exploring identity, belonging and the human condition, Yakura will lead two free poetry workshops in Letterkenny before hosting a live Poetry Slam that will showcase both emerging and established local talent, with a €200 cash prize awarded to the winning performer.
The free workshops, taking place at the Regional Cultural Centre on Saturday 11 July and Saturday 18 July, are open to anyone interested in creative writing or spoken word, regardless of experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop new work, build confidence in performance and, if they wish, take to the stage during the Poetry Slam Showcase on Friday 24 July, an evening expected to celebrate the richness and diversity of Donegal's growing spoken-word scene.
Yakura has established himself as one of Ireland's leading performance poets, winning multiple slam championships in both Nigeria and Ireland. His acclaimed poetry play The Perfect Immigrant received multiple award nominations before touring nationwide in 2023, while collaborations with organisations including Poetry Ireland, the Abbey Theatre and Dublin Fringe have cemented his reputation as one of the country's most compelling multidisciplinary artists.
His residency at Earagail Arts Festival extends beyond the stage. On Saturday, July 25 Yakura will join Laura (DJ BIG CHEEKS) and Ian, founder of Ubuntu Trekkers—a hiking community for Kenyan expats living in Ireland—for a unique creative walk through Glenveagh National Park.
The beginner-friendly experience combines walking, conversation and creative writing, inviting participants to reflect on themes of identity, belonging and community while exploring one of Donegal's most spectacular landscapes. Designed for all communities—and particularly for those who may not always see themselves represented in outdoor spaces—the event aims to create an inclusive space where nature, creativity and connection come together.
Together, the workshops, Poetry Slam and Glenveagh walk form a celebration of poetry that reaches far beyond the page, encouraging people to discover new ways of expressing themselves while connecting with others through storytelling, performance and place.
The poetry workshops are free, although advance booking is essential. Places can be reserved by contacting Sharon McMenamin, Public Engagement Officer, at [email protected].
The Poetry Slam Showcase takes place at 8pm on Friday 24 July at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny. Admission is free.
The Ubuntu Trekkers creative walk takes place on Saturday 25 July at 2pm, departing from the Visitor Centre at Glenveagh National Park. Tickets cost €15. For full programme details and bookings, visit eaf.ie.
Earagail Arts Festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Wild Atlantic Way.