Publishing, editing and writing
Since 2008, I have lectured part-time in publishing and editing on the MA in Literature and Publishing at the University of Galway. I teach two modules: Contemporary Publishing (EN579) and Copy-editing and Proofreading (EN581). For more information, visit www.universityofgalway.ie.

I also lecture in writing and editing on the Writing About Music – Criticism, Journalism & Professional Development micro-credential course at Maynooth University. Visit www.maynoothuniversity.ie.

Below are some recent writings on publishing, as well as an interview about my work.

Publishing is a Creative Process, February 2026

Publishing Desmond Fennell, June 2024

Digital Publishing With Toner Quinn, July 2021

Irish music
I regularly give talks on Irish music and culture. Recent topics have included:

What Ireland Can Teach the World About Music – keynote talk at Cruinniú na Ceirde, a gathering of the Irish craft community at the RDS in July 2025. See a report on my talk here.

What’s Next for Irish Music?, Harp Ireland/Cruit Éireann Annual Lecture, RIAM, Dublin, November 2024.

How Ireland Thinks About Music, Belfast International Arts Festival, November 2024. See a report on my lecture in the Irish News here.

How Ireland Thinks About Music, William Kennedy Piping Festival, Armagh, November 2024

Public interview, Masters of Tradition, Bantry, August 2024.

30 Years of Questions in One Hour: Public Interview with Martin Hayes, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, August 2024

‘How Ireland Thinks About Music’, Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance, June 2024

How Ireland Thinks About Music, Farmleigh House, May 2024.

An Sean-nós mar Éiceachóras – Píosa cainte a thug mé ag an oscailt oifigiúil do Fhéile Joe Éinniú 2024, Áras na hOllscoile, Carna, 3 Bealtaine 2024.

Interview on The Rolling Wave on RTÉ Radio 1 – an interview about my new book, What Ireland Can Teach the World About Music.

10 Impossible Ideas for Irish Traditional Music, Na Píobairí Uilleann Notes & Narratives lecture series, November 2022.

Tá Desmond Fennell ar fáil, Aistí ón Aer, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Meitheamh 2022.

A Future for Irish Music, essay broadcast to mark the twentieth anniversary RTÉ Lyric FM, May 2019.

To contact me, please get in touch via the contact page.