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Imagallamh: The Keough-Naughton Summer School in Irish Studies | Week 2 DUBLIN

Location: Notre Dame Dublin, O'Connell House

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 2026 session of Imagallamh is scheduled for June 4-18, 2026.

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 Cannon 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 Home Place. Accommodation will be provided at Trinity College Dublin.

Applications

Imagallamh: The Keough-Naughton Summer School in Irish Studies is open to all graduate students who are currently completing a PhD (or, in exceptional cases, a Master’s degree) in any discipline and who have an interest in Irish studies. Students from both within and outside the University of Notre Dame are warmly encouraged to apply.

  • Applicants are invited to submit a one-page statement of interest and a CV to kylemore@nd.edu, by Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and final decisions can be expected by the end of April.
  • This is a fully funded program. All successful applicants will receive comprehensive support from the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, covering travel, tuition, accommodation, and on-site meals in Kylemore.

Kindly direct all questions to kylemore@nd.edu.