Award-winning poet, author and creative writing teacher Gerry Hanberry is giving a series of free creative writing workshops in Portumna, starting this Thursday, September 28.

The course, which will last for five weeks, will run from 1.45-4.30pm on Thursdays until October 26 in the Irish Workhouse Centre.

Participants will be encouraged to engage imaginatively with the artefacts on display and with the historical setting of the workhouse itself, according to Noelle Lynskey of the Portumna Arts Group, which is organising the workshops in conjunction with the Irish Workhouse Centre.

“The aim is to develop poetry or prose pieces inspired by the setting and the objects encountered. Participants will enjoy the friendly, relaxed and supportive atmosphere that Gerry always engenders in his creative writing workshops,” she adds.

Gerard is currently working on his fifth poetry collection for Salmon Press.

He is also known for his non non-fiction, including a biography of the family of Oscar Wilde, More Lives Than One: The Remarkable Wilde Family Through the Generations (Collins Press) and most recently On Raglan Road: Great Irish Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired Them (Collins /Gill). He taught English at Coláiste Éinde,  Salthill, until 2018 and has taught creative writing (poetry) for many years on the BA course at the University of Galway. He regularly reads and gives workshops at festivals and events in Ireland and abroad. A selection of his poems was recently archived at UCD and a stone  plaque of his poem The Kasbah on Quay Street is located on Galway’s City’s Quay Street.

These workshops, funded by Creative Ireland, will suit anyone interested in writing who has a curiosity for the past, according to Noelle. A tour of the workhouse will be provided on Day One, so people don’t need to be familiar with the place to participate.

■ To register, email noelle lynskey@gmail.com

Pictured: Poet Gerry Hanberry.