I’ve settled back in at tyrone guthrie after going to Donegal to see Moya Brennan (Clannad) and friends sing at Leo’s Tavern. The atmosphere is very convivial here there is a mix of writers, visual artists, musicians and the occassional film maker passing through. Having been here for three weeks with a week to go I have met dozens of people- and I hope to remain in contact with a few of them. It is interesting to hear about irish literary culture and the problems of publishing here- which are similar to the constraints in Australia (small market- unimaginative publishers etc). I have been to a gallery opening of janet pierce who is an Irish artist who spends a lot of time in India, and we have evening soirees where people share their work- poetry, prose and the singing of songs. I have met too many artists to mention, but have samples of poetry to take home along with good memories. I definitely recommend my fellow Australian artists to apply to the Australia Council to come here.