Focus on Cork’s New Literary Journals

Bealtaine is an Irish literary and arts magazine with a keen focus on all things intersectional, inclusive, environmental, and empowering. They publish excellent, high-quality stories, poetry, essays, and interviews, with photographs and art imbued with intimacy to create a magazine that delivers a visually stunning ensemble. They prize the values which go into making art for art’s sake. The editorial board currently includes Seán Flynn, Molly O’Connor, Sara O’Connor, Bethany Howard, and Maebh Butler. Seán is an English Literature graduate from Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Molly is a law graduate from University College Cork. Sara is an English Literature and Psychology graduate from University College Cork. Bethany studied English Literature & French at the University of Glasgow. Maebh is a graduate of English Literature and Law from UCD and UCC respectively. They are based in Co. Cork, Ireland.

The Four Faced Liar is a new literary journal. Named after the much-loved Shandon Bells – and edited by four lovers of tall stories (Patrick Holloway, Rose Morris, Lucy Holmes, Stephen Brophy) – The Four Faced Liar will launch in print edition in Autumn 2022, showcasing an exciting and eclectic mix of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, literary translation, and visual art. The Four Faced Liar will be a fresh and vibrant: Home for emerging talent; Herald for the work of creative writers and artists; Place of joyful wordsmithery and exciting art. We are determined to seek out and nurture new writing and art – especially from members of communities less often championed or published, from voices that have to shout louder to be heard. We’ll connect with writers and artists and dreamers the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond. The Four Faced Liar will publish short stories, flash fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, literary translation, visual art, photography, and any genre-busting offerings that float our boat and we believe will sail yours.

HOWL is a platform for Irish writing from home and abroad. Both editors (Lauren O’Donovan and Róisín Leggett Bohan) have spent significant years living outside of Ireland, and have a deep appreciation for how complicated and borderless Irish identity and creativity is. In HOWL, they have created a publication that celebrates not only the spectacular writing coming directly from Éire, but also from Ireland’s children scattered to all corners of the globe. As writers sending out their own work to journals and publications, Lauren and Róisín are keenly aware of the effort, time investment, and vulnerability that goes hand-in-hand. Their core philosophy is that as editors of a literary journal they have a duty of care to submitters. Their aim is to nourish the link between writer and editor, ultimately showcasing unique work that is raw and real.

SWERVE is a new magazine showcasing emerging writers & artists from Cork. The first issue is in production and will be launched at the West Cork Literary Festival.