Date: 2nd to 5th of July 2026

Location: Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Oxmantown Mall Hall, Birr, County Offaly.

About: Scripts Ireland’s Playwriting Festival 2026 takes place from the 2nd to 5th of July 2026 in Birr, County Offaly. It is featuring professional mentored and staged readings of new works. The 2026 festival focuses on the theme of “DESIRE”, with selected playwrights mentored by Eugene O’Brien and a new 2026 competition featuring The Abbey Theatre. The Best Play winner will receive, Dramaturgy support with The Abbey Theatre Literacy department, a scholarship with Fishamble ~ The New Play Company & A Theatre Residency at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre in 2027. The 2026 panel includes a representative from The Abbey Theatre, a scholarship with Fishamble (The New Play Company) and a residency at the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. The call for new 15 – minute, 3 – character plays on the theme of Desire closed in April 2026. Selected writers and the final event line-up will be announced in the lead – up to the event.

For more information Click HERE