Free books by 30 Irish authors distributed in 13 prisons 

Helping to make the arts and Culture Night accessible to all 

Seven events in prisons with participating authors, including Mountjoy’s Progression Unit & Dóchas Centre 

The Arts Council announces that it is partnering with the Irish Prison Service this year to deliver its third annual Culture Night book gifting initiative, Read Mór. Prison service users across 13 prisons will be gifted books in a move that ensures the Culture Night experience continues to include those who cannot otherwise participate. 

On the 20 September the Arts Council, via Read Mór, will gift a curated list of 30 book titles from some of Ireland’s most beloved writers to all 13 prisons nationwide. The list of books was developed in consultation with teaching staff from the Prison Service, and will offer a diverse selection of novels, short stories and poetry, reflecting the vibrant literary landscape of Ireland. 

To mark the occasion of Read Mór, seven prisons will host events featuring readings and discussions with participating authors.  Authors who will be handing out copies of the books and reading excerpts in prisons are Pat Sheedy in Portlaoise Prison, Emmett O’Brien in the Progression Unit Mountjoy, Colm Keegan in Shelton Abbey Prison, Mike McCormack in Castlerea Prison, Annemarie Ní Churreáin in the Dóchas Centre (Mountjoy’s Female Prison) and Will Sliney in Cork Prison.  

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said:

“I am thrilled that the Arts Council is collaborating with the Irish Prison Service for this year’s instalment of the Read Mór initiative, spanning 13 prisons in Ireland. We know that access to literature can be a powerful tool for personal growth. By fostering a love for reading, we aim to empower prisoners with the knowledge and inspiration that can open new paths in their lives. This programme underscores our commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.” 

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, said:

“Reading has always been a popular pastime in prisons. For those with poor literacy skills it can also be a challenge, but our education units do incredible work to enable those in our care to begin to enjoy reading. This brilliant partnership with the Arts Council is yet another chapter in their story, as they will have access to a catalogue of new books from which to choose from so they too can take part in Culture night.”

The Arts Council has a longstanding relationship with the Irish Prison Service through initiatives such as the Artists in Prison Scheme and the Writers in Prison Scheme. These programmes, delivered through the prison service education programme, have provided many service users with the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the arts and artists. 

Download the Read Mór Reading Guide

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