Nollaig Na Mban 2025: Women of Magic And Science

Transport yourself past Christmas to the first week of 2025 as The Irish Writers Centre kicks off the new year with their legendary annual celebration of Nollaig na mBan. Originally a day off for Ireland’s hard-working women immediately after Christmas, the Irish Writers Centre re-imagines this tradition by showcasing extraordinary women writers in Ireland.

This year’s theme places Women of Magic And Science front and centre, shining a spotlight on luminaries ranging from Ireland’s first female botanist, Ellen Hutchins, to women working in the field of quantum physics.

The evening’s celebrations, which take place for the first time at Pearse Street Library in Dublin, will be hosted by award-winning poet Jessica Traynor. Participants can look forward to an evening of phenomenal readings, spirited discussion and live music, with a lineup featuring newly commissioned work from novelist Nuala O’Connor who will be writing on the legendary Irish herbalist and ‘wisewoman’ Biddy Early.

With explorations of witchcraft, tarot talk and scientific endeavour on the menu, the event features contributions from Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan fresh from her artist residency at the Institute of Physics, who will be reading a new piece on quantum physics and poetry. Shauna Gilligan, a representative of Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann, will read from her publication Fire, a tribute to the sacred feminine, Brigid, and the heritage of Kildare, with additional special readings from novelist, essayist and podcaster Sophie White, poet Anne Tannam and novelist Marianne Lee.

As part of the centre’s longstanding Kris Kindle initiative, participants are also encouraged to bring a book, while refreshments include soft drinks and whiskey provided by Dublin Liberties Distillery, with some great musical entertainment by musician, composer, and carpenter, Zoé Basha.