ATU Mayo to host prestigious International George Moore Conference
ATU and the international George Moore Association have announced that ATU will host the 13th International George Moore Conference at its Mayo campus next year, from May 5 to 7, 2026.
Details were announced at a reception in the campus attended by the outoing cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John O’Hara, ATU president Dr. Orla Flynn, Councillor Al McDonnell, trustees of the George Moore Association Mary Pierse and Maggie Breslin and academics, authors and historians.
The writings of George Moore have inspired scholars over more than a century and continue to do so today. The 13th international conference, titled 'George Moore: Landscape and Memory', will feature talks on the man and his writings with a particular focus on the influence of landscape and memory in his literature, and especially on the persistent influence of his Mayo roots and origin.
Moore’s very varied works comprises poetry and short story collections, novels, plays, art criticism and memoirs and this wonderful literary legacy has instigated a series of international conferences. Such gatherings have added considerably to enthusiasm for the study of Moore’s works in Ireland and in many corners of the globe, undoubtedly on account of his literary innovation and his often-controversial reputation.
ATU president Dr. Orla Flynn said the university was proud and excited to be hosting the event. She spoke of the value of George Moore’s work in our own time and addressed the resonance of some of his quotations with our contemporary experiences - “Reality can destroy the dream, why shouldn’t the dream destroy reality?"
Conference organiser and lecturer Dr. Fiona White, Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “It is a fitting tribute to George Moore that this conference will be held at Mayo’s university campus.
“Moore was born in Mayo at Moore Hall and the Moore family were at the centre of local, national and international political events. The house and grounds are now a popular tourist attraction and the wider Lough Carra complex is a very special landscape with impressive biodiversity.
“We are excited to welcome conference attendees from across the island and from abroad.”
Councillor John O'Hara commented: “This conference highlights the continued strong interest in the Moores and Moore Hall. Mayo County Council continues to support events and projects associated with the Moores and Moore Hall.”
He noted some of the most famous of George Moore’s writings, such as The Lake, Esther Waters and Hail & Farewell, and said he was looking forward to attending the conference to hear the discussions and talks by delegates from many countries.
“It will be a great time to be in the area because it coincides with Mayo Day,” he added.
Mary Pierse, trustee of the George Moore Association, welcomed the opportunity for Moore scholars to come to the home of George Moore’s experiences and memories.
“Previous international conferences had heard enthusiastic speakers from all around the world delve into the literature and its connections, now they will be able to absorb the beautiful environment at first hand and encounter the Mayo spirit in so many cultural endeavours,” she said.
Dr. Deirdre Garvey, Head of the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the value of the humanities as a vehicle of self-expression and memory and alluded to the importance of the humanities within the evolving structures of Atlantic Technological University.
The conference will run from May 5 to 7, 2026, and will coincide with Mayo Day celebration. Information on the conference can be found on the 13th International George Moore Conference - Atlantic Technological University website.