The Arts in Ireland
By Dipika Kohli
County Cork, on the southwesternmost tip of Ireland, greets only a fraction of those who visit Ireland each year. If you've already seen
Europe's cities and done the well-toured routes, for a change of pace this summer try Bantry by the Bay.
Chamber Music
Mr. Francis Humphrys, a longtime resident of Bantry, began organizing a series of chamber music concerts in the Bantry House in 1992.
The manor, with its commanding views of Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula, was the first in Ireland opened full-time for public viewing.
Today the concerts, culminating each summer in the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, are sponsored by RTE and broadcast throughout Europe.
The charm of the festival is enhanced by the handsome candle-lit chandeliers and sumptious decor. Contact: West Cork Chamber Music Festival: West Cork Music,
1 Bridge St., Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland; 011-353-27-52788, fax 011-353-27-52797; westcorkmusic@eircom.net, www.westcorkmusic.ie.
Short Story Workshop
Bantry Literary Fringe Festival provides a platform to launch the Annual Fish Anthology. This year's competition judge, Christopher
Hope, will tutor a short story workshop from July 1-5 (tuition IR£125 or EUR150, excluding board). Contact: Fish Short Story Prize, Durrus, Bantry,
Co Cork, Ireland; 011-353-27-61246; info@fishpublishing.com, www.fishpublishing.com.
Writers Retreat
Anam Cara Writer's Retreat overlooks the Coulagh Bay and Ring of Kerry from the north coast of the Beara Peninsula. Writing courses
are scheduled for June 13 to 20 and June 21 to 28. A $1,200 payment covers single-room B and B accommodations, with a week of Irish breakfasts and dinners,
in addition to writing sessions and evening activities. Contact: Anam Cara Writers and Artists Retreat, Eyeries, Beara; 011-353-27-74441, fax 011-353-27-74448;
anamcararetreat@eircom.net or gkeegan@maine.rr.com; www.ugr.com/anamcararetreat
or www.proprioceptivewriting.com. Director: Ginny Keegan.
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