Ó  Bhéal - Irish for 'by word of mouth' or 'of the mouth' (pronounced 'Oh veil'), is a weekly, open-mic, event for all forms of original poetry, in Cork.

There is a different guest poet every week, and an original format that includes a ‘Poetry Challenge’  where five words are thrown out by the audience, and anyone who wishes to has just 15 minutes to write a poem using those five words; after which is the guest poet and then the usual open-mic; as well as storytelling and unplugged music.

The poetry challenge starts at 9.00pm, in The Hayloft (upstairs at The Long Valley, Winthrop Street, Cork) every Monday evening. Entrance is free and a full bar is available. Be sure to arrive early to get good seats!

Now in its third year, Ó Bhéal is organised by Paul Casey who believes poetry should be spoken and not just kept between the pages of a book, he says: ‘While much of my own verse has been written for the Spoken Word, I maintain an all-round affection for poetry in all its forms. I like a venue that can encompass all styles and genres.’

And for fifty nights of the year Ó  Bhéal does just that, organising not just the Monday evening event but also a variety of workshops and other events throughout the year, including some in conjunction with Corks’ twin city - Coventry; as well as an active website with podcasts.

Patrick Cotter, Director of The Munster Literature Centre in Cork, says �"  Bhéal has become an established event in Cork’s city life and culture; bringing poetry to the people, and bringing people and poetry together.“

Guest poets, established and new, for the next two months are advertised on their website, and this Monday 23rd November, Ó  Bhéal will be playing host to The Whitehouse Poets - six poets from Limerick, and in return six poets from Ó  Bhéal will read at The Whitehouse in Limerick on 2^nd December.

More information can be found on the gig guide, and at:

http://www.obheal.ie