Peter Costello
34th International Hopkins Festival July 22-28 2022 Newbridge College Theatre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
The Gerard Manley Hopkins International Summer School, which has been called “a bright gem in the literary world”, by Patrick Samway SJ, the American literary scholar and teacher, begins tomorrow (Friday July 22), and closes next week on 28.
The details of all the events can be found on-line and through the school’s website, and can be visited on a selected basis. The Hopkins is the only summer school in Ireland which has a religious inspiration, but it always covers so much ground that, even though the one goes for one topic, one comes away with great memories of several others. It is an event where new things can be learnt.
The lectures are supported by music and dramatic events, a full range creativity is on show to be enjoyed and benefit from. It is also a people friendly celebration of poetry and faith, with the emphasis on celebration. I have never come away from previous season of the school with feeling better informed, and greatly inspired to explore further the extraordinary mind and art of G.M. Hopkins
This year it finally returns in full form after the lockdown years. Well worth attending if only for a day or two.