Ragaire is a new Irish literary magazine, based in Galway, that champions inventive and imaginative writing and encourages readers to explore new poetry and prose.

The first issue of the publication, which has been founded by Cormac Culkeen from Dunmore, Tara O’Malley (Connemara) and Aileen McCarthy (Galway City), will be launched in the PorterShed on the city’s Market Street, at 6.30pm this Friday evening. The event will include readings from some contributors to the issue.

Ragaire is an old Irish word for a late-night wanderer and explorer. The founders of the magazine all have a background in creative writing and they say the title reflects their determination to break the mould when it comes to Irish literary publications.

“We want to find and promote writers who travel the road less taken and literary work that contains something different in content, structure or form,” says Cormac.

The first issue contains 10 short stories and 28 poems, which were drawn from around 800 submissions. It includes work by Irish writers like Fred Johnston and Neil McCarthy, as well as a host of contributors from across the globe. The collection concludes with Two Poets On The Go Bus, by Galway writer Attracta Fahy, which is a tribute to the late poet, critic and activist, Kevin Higgins.

“Each issue of Ragaire promises to be a journey,” says Aileen McCarthy. “We like poems that come from around the corner and take us by surprise. We want prose that drives us on to read more.”

Ragaire aims to contain at least 10 Galway writers and 10 international writers per issue. Its three founders and editors also plan to expand its scope in the near future to include Irish language writing and creative non-fiction.

All submissions are read blind as to the author’s identity, they explain.

“A talented emerging writer will be given the same attention as a more established author,” says Tara. “Ragaire is a warm and welcoming home for writers of all stripes and creeds.”

All are welcome to the launch of the new magazine this Friday at 6.30pm. And Ragaire is seeking further contributions to its Winter 2024 edition.

More details at www.Ragairemagazine.com.