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 have given a number of 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

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