In conversation: with Dearbhla Mescal

Dearbhla Mescal
A poetry lover, a curator of joy and a wise woman with a deep sense of compassion, Dearbhla Mescal has inspired thousands online to slow down, savour the small moments and rediscover the beauty in everyday life. Now, in her first book, she invites you to join her on a journey of reflection and renewal through a tender and uplifting collection of poems and heartfelt musings. Dearbhla will be interviewed by Dr. Shauna Gilligan. 

Shauna Gilligan is a writer and educator who has lived in Kildare for over 25 years. A graduate of University College Dublin (UCD), she also holds a PhD in Writing from the University of South Wales. Shauna facilitates creative writing workshops across community and academic settings and has given workshops in universities including Maynooth, UCD, and Vanderbilt (USA). She has received many awards for her writing including a Creative Ireland Bursary (2021), Brigid 1500 Arts Act Grant (2023) and the Jack Harte Bursary (2025).

Dearbhla Mescal

Interviewed by Dr. Shauna Gilligan

Festival Pass: Before ordering your ticket, consider purchasing a Gulliver Traveller's Pass' here (€10). This festival membership pass will give you 25% off all festival arts events which include literary talks, writing and art workshops, a Gulliver celebration event, SUSO concert, book launches and more. After purchase, activate your membership. You will the receive a QR code with a membership code written on it. This is your discount code. Insert it into the 'membership code' discount field when ordering tickets.

The full programme of events will be published the week of 8th - 12th June at www.swiftandvanessa.com

Venue:

Christ Church Celbridge W23TD37 is located at the top of Main Street Celbridge. Celbridge is well served by public transport including a train to Hazelhatch & Celbridge station from Heuston and regular buses. Free parking is available on main street and close by at Tesco Maynooth Road Celbridge. Christ Church is a beautiful intimate Church just 35 mins from Dublin City Center.

A warm thank you for funding support from Kildare County Council and Councillors of the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District for their Local Property Tax allocation. Thank you very much also to our sponsors Celbridge Tidy Towns and support from the Kildare Library Service.