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Theme - Ireland: North and South

Literature is in the fabric of Irish society. Literary heroes such as Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney, and Samuel Beckett are rightly regarded as having had a major influence on literary traditions. As a celebration of this rich panoply of talent a range of exciting new voices in Irish literature will discuss the idea of ‘North and South’ in an Irish context.

Past events

The North Began: How Lloyd George solved the Irish problem

19 June, 6pm, Berrick Saul Building

The core of the Irish problem since 1886 was the Ulster issue. Lloyd George had always supported the idea of excluding Unionist Ulster from Dublin’s domination but postponed addressing it until 1919, by which time the 1918 election had seen Sinn Féin displace the Home Rule Party. Lloyd George’s response was the Government of Ireland Act 1920 which gave the Ulster Unionists what they wanted: a monopoly in what became Northern Ireland.

Admission: Free, ticketed

Ireland: North and South

26 June, 5.30pm, Berrick Saul Building

A panel of experts, comprising Lucy Caldwell, Eamonn Hughes, Margaret Kelleher and Keith Ridgway will debate the polarity of Ireland, revealing the nuances of North and South in an Irish context.

Admission: Free, ticketed

A reading by Seamus Heaney

26 June, 7.30pm, Central Hall, University of York

Irish poet and Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, will articulate his vision of Ireland through images drawn from different parts of the Northern European experience

Admission: £10, see event for details