The British Association for Irish Studies was established in 1985. In the spirit of Seamus Heaney’s haw lantern, the Association has sought to illuminate the study of Irish culture and language. It has done this through its biennial conferences, regular seminar series and newsletter, as well as through its Postgraduate Bursary Scheme and Essay Prize, which support the development of new scholarship.

The Haw Lantern

The wintry haw is burning out of season, / crab of the thorn, a small light for small people, / wanting no more from them but that they keep / the wick of self-respect from dying out, / not having to blind them with illumination.

Seamus Heaney

BAIS Conferences and Events

Ireland’s Drama in British Cities: The Irish Theatrical Diaspora Conference 2010

Manchester Metropolitan University.

Speakers include: Mary Hickman (London Metropolitan), Patrick Mason (UCD), Claire Connolly (Cardiff), Mike Cronin (Boston College), Karen Fricker (Royal Holloway), Nicholas Grene (TCD), Patrick Lonergan (NUI Galway), Holly Maples (UEA), Victor Merriman (Liverpool Hope), Aoife Monks (Birkbeck), Jim Moran (Nottingham), Patrick O’Sullivan (Bradford), Catherine Rees (Loughborough), Shaun Richards (Staffordshire), Gerry Smyth (Liverpool John Moores).

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BAIS / IES Irish Studies Seminar

BAIS and the Institute of English Studies at the University of London run a regular seminar series during the academic term, at which international scholars present their research. Find out more

Ireland-Wales Research Network, Cardiff University

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Resources for Irish Studies

A collection of links to useful publications, journals, organisations and other resources on Irish Studies, including our colleagues in EFACIS .

Irish Studies Review Journal

This quarterly journal is published by BAIS on all aspects of Irish Studies. Learn more about the Journal.

Postgraduate Funding

We award Bursaries and hold an annual Essay Prize for work on Irish Studies. Learn more about our postgraduate competitions for 2010.

BAIS is supported by