The Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre, Ireland

In 2012 Salmon Poetry, Ireland's largest poetry publisher, established a bookshop and literary centre in Ennistymon, Co. Clare, as a headquarters for the press and a venue for events, writing residencies and workshops. We leased a building on Parliament Street that had plenty of room for a new & secondhand bookshop, with a derelict walled garden that could be landscaped and used for events. Thus, The Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre was born. We have hosted well over 100 events in the Salmon garden; including poetry readings, music, lectures and seminars. We host workshops and writing residencies, with writers from all over the world. Salmon has become a hub for literature in Clare, with a national and international reputation for excellence. We had intended to buy the building, thus ensuring that we have a secure premises to continue our important work. Unfortunately, in March, this year, the owners decided to use the building themselves, and we were given until the end of this August to vacate.

It’s extremely difficult to find a property in Ennistymon. Property prices are high, and there are few suitable places on the market. With luck and wonderful serendipity we found an excellent building on Main Street which will allow us to expand our writing activities. We have an agreement with the owner, but we are short of funds for the final purchase. Our bank, Bank of Ireland (for over 25 years) are, so far, not forthcoming. Alas, the situation is urgent. We have considerable inventory (30,000 books, three floors of furniture, office equipment, etc.) and we will be given a bit more time to move everything to the new building, but we have to secure the new building!

So, we're compelled to take a step to secure our new home as soon as possible and put Salmon's situation out in public through gofundme. There was an overwhelming reaction of shock from friends, supporters, and writers locally, nationally and abroad, when they heard that we have to leave our lovely space and, unless we can secure a new premises, leave Ennistymon. We know from this reaction that people want to help us gain a secure home for Salmon Poetry, and we are very, very grateful for such care and appreciation for what we do.

This is our 42nd year. We have published over 700 books; mainly poetry collections, but also memoir, fiction and literary non-fiction. The Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre has been instrumental in the growth of the arts in North Clare. It will be a major loss to the community if we have to let our bookshop and literary centre die.

Salmon has contributed to the vibrancy of literature in Ireland for decades and we now need help to carry on our part in Ireland's cultural life. We will be honoured and extremely grateful for any donation you can give toward our cause.

Finally, I have to point out that Salmon Poetry receives funding from the Irish Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, but this funding is for publishing our books and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Jessie Lendennie

Managing Director/Editor, Salmon Poetry Ltd.

Please visit our websites:

Salmon Poetry and

The Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre