Congratulations!

Congratulations on your acceptance to the 2026 session of Imagallamh: the Kylemore Summer School in Irish Studies, 4-18 June. 

Your application stood out to us amongst a pool of many qualified applicants, and we believe your contribution will enrich our exploration of this year’s theme, “Urban Ireland”.

Congratulations once again, and looking forward to welcoming you to Kylemore and to Dublin!

Imagallamh: the Kylemore Summer School in Irish Studies

Imagallamh, which means “mutual discourse,” seeks to emphasize the international and comparative elements of Irish studies. It also aims to bring the next cohort of scholars in the field into meaningful dialogue with one another and with key figures in Irish scholarship, the arts, and society. Barry McCrea, the Donald R. Keough Family Professor of Irish Studies and Professor of English at the University of Notre Dame, serves as director. The faculty includes Notre Dame academics, Clíona Ní Ríordáin, Peter McQuillan, Rory Rapple, and Susan Harris.

This year will be devoted to the theme of “Urban Ireland.” Across two weeks, participants will explore the historical, cultural and literary dimensions of settlement on the island, from its earliest origins, including prehistoric settlements, early monastic complexes, Viking towns, and British garrisons, through to the life of Ireland’s modern cities.

Week I (June 4–11) in residence at Kylemore Abbey, Connemara: Engaging with leading Irish writers including Kevin Barry, Caitríona Lally, Danny Denton, and Rachael Hegarty. The programme will feature a series of seminars, conversations and readings, and guided field trips in the surrounding region, including excursions led by a local archaeologist.

Week II (June 11–18) will take place at the Notre Dame Centre at O’Connell House, Dublin: This portion of the programme will include seminars on early modern urban Ireland, alongside lectures on Irish urban culture and literature. Confirmed speakers include Finola O’Kane, Michael Pierse, and Catriona Crowe, as well as Rory Rapple, Peter McQuillan, and Susan Harris of the University of Notre Dame. Declan Kiberd will also deliver a special lecture on “The City in Irish Writing”. Participants will take part in site visits across Dublin and an overnight trip to Derry, which will include a visit to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace.