Welcome to the CIS home page.

The Centre aims to study and research Irish literature and culture in the European and global contexts. Our focus is chiefly on modern Irish writing in English, Irish theatre and film, and the resonance of contemporary critical theory. Attention is also paid to older traditions of writing from Ireland, and to the Irish language. Many of our activities strive to contribute to the development of existing links between the Irish and Czech cultures and the forging of new ones.
Irish Studies runs as an autonomous programme within the MA in English and American Studies. A limited number of course are also offered within the BA programme in English and American Studies. In addition to that, postgraduate work is sought in the areas of the Centre’s staff expertise.
Applications for the MA as well as PhD level are welcome from both Czech and international students – feel free to contact us for more details at any time.

The information featured on this site includes

• details of activities past, present and future
• courses and staff details
• an extensive bibliography of translations from Irish literature into Czech and Slovak and reflections of Czech authors and intellectuals on Irish culture and politics
• the James Joyce research project
• the online international journal Hypermedia Joyce Studies
• an online catalogue of Irish-interest books housed in the library
• useful links and other information.

Forthcoming events:

Lectures by
Prof. Margaret Kelleher (National University of Ireland, Maynooth)
“FROM THE ANTHOLOGY TO THE DATABASE:
COMPILING AND DEFINING IRISH STUDIES”
Monday, 8th December, 9.10, Room 111
/1st floor, FF UK main building, nám. Jana Palacha 2, Praha 1.
View poster;
and Dr. John Walsh (National University of Ireland, Galway)
“THE IRISH LANGUAGE: COMMUNITY AND STATUS”
Wednesday, 10th December, 18.30, Room 111
/1st floor, FF UK main building, nám. Jana Palacha 2, Praha 1.
View poster.

Important recent events:

• The Third Prague International James Joyce Colloquium took place in April 2007.
• Publication of the Report of the Irish Forum on the Future of Irish Studies (Florence, November 2005); download Report; Forum website.
• Guest lectures in 2007.
• In July 2005, the Centre hosted the annual conference of the International Association for the Study of Irish Literatures (IASIL) which brought together over 300 scholars from all around the world to discuss "Ireland as a Global Village."
• Following the First Prague International James Joyce Colloquium (Hypertext and Genetics, September 2003), the Centre has hosted another Joyce Colloquium in 2005, and an International Colloquium on Samuel Beckett (November 2006).
• Apart from prominent scholars, the Centre was proud to host readings and lectures by poets Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Derek Mahon, and others
• In association with Fraktály Publishers, the Centre participates in a publication project focused on Irish literature in Czech translation.

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The Centre for Irish Studies would like to acknowledge the assistance of Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland who have generously supported a number of the activities of the Centre. The teaching of the Irish language is funded from a Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland grant. Research is supported by Czech Ministry of Education grant “Foundations of the Modern World as Reflected by Literature and Philosophy” (MSM 0021620824). Our special thanks are due to the Embassy of Ireland to the Czech Republic, and all our associates whose encouragement and enthusiasm has been of no small value.