Something in the Water is a celebration of the unique relationship between the Grand Canal and Irish Literature.

In a series of readings and musical performances, this event will pay tribute to the prominent and lesser known literary works and music that refer specifically to or were born out of a relationship with the Grand Canal. Readings will be performed by celebrated actors Barry Mc Govern and Caitriona Ní Mhurchu, who will salute figures such as Patrick Kavanagh, Eavan Boland, Samuel Beckett, Elizabeth Bowen, Thomas Kinsella and Kate O'Brien to name but a few.

The canal's musical meanderings will be explored by composer and multi-instrumentalist Éna Brennan (Dowry) and 2018 Choice music prize nominated Robert John Ardiff (Come On Live Long) with more contributors to be announced in due course.

Something in the Water takes place canal side in the enchanting Portobello House, once home to Jack B. Yeats. Join us for this special evening to mark the distinguished legacy of these enduring streams of consciousness.

Louisa Carroll is a writer and Irish Research Council Doctoral Scholar investigating the relationship between the Grand Canal and Irish Literature at UCD. Her work has appeared in the Irish Times, The Sunday Times and Books Ireland Magazine. She has also written and directed for theatre. Something in the Water is the umbrella title of her PHD and her forthcoming literary documentary which celebrates the Grand Canal’s special impact on Irish Literature.