SeaScribes is dedicated to emerging writers who’ve moved beyond the first steps of their craft and are eager to develop it further in a supportive, collegial environment. Every member joins under the same auspices and is warmly welcomed at their first session with a clear introduction to our ethos: we take writing seriously, we support one another, and nobody—newcomer or long-standing—receives special treatment. Whether your ambition is to perform, publish, enter competitions, submit to journals or simply deepen your appreciation of the written word, you’ll find peers at a similar stage of growth and plenty of room for poets and prose-writers alike. Many of us are also working towards collections or books, and SeaScribes is the ideal setting in which to nurture those larger projects.
Our meetings follow a distinctive SeaScribes format. We begin with a brief exploration of a writing technique, prepared by that week’s facilitator, then spend some time on spontaneous exercises. After a short break, we turn to pre-circulated work, using detailed handouts on respectful, constructive critique. A concise agenda allows us to address any housekeeping matters, and we each take turns facilitating the creative segment—building confidence, sharpening critical skills and, above all, helping every emerging writer to see their work flourish.
We also run workshops from time to time hosted by established writers and poets, usually open to a wider audience. These will advertised on this site from time to time.
Taḋg Paul
Taḋg began writing poetry at the age of ten, continuing prolifically through his youth. His passions later carried him from the front lines of LGBT rights campaigning to performing on London’s fringe theatre scene, all while building a parallel career as a software developer and consultant. In 2022, an injury left him hospitalised for almost a year, followed by a lengthy period of rehabilitation. During that time, he rekindled his love of poetry and began writing once more—and hasn’t stopped since. He learned to create art through SII’s art project and now volunteers with Fighting Words, mentoring and illustrating for young writers. Having returned part-time to tech consultancy, he continues to write and create art.
He lives in Greystones with his dog, Toby.
Find his poems at www.tadg.ie and art work at tigger.gallery.
Mairead de Bhal
Mairead de Bhal worked as a freelance journalist earlier in her life, and returned to fiction writing on joining the Gorey writers group and subsequently the SeaScribes at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray. She is featured in and co-authored various books including Leading Lives – Attic Press; Taking Flight Anthology – Boland Publishers, and Locked Down Bubbling Up – Amazon.com.
A sea swimmer, she loves the outdoors and the full life that County Wicklow offers.
Alice Sheridan
Writer, Journalist, Editor, Editor-in-Chief, and Publisher.
Alice published work in International, National and Local Newspapers and International and National Magazines.
Her career has taken her to the European Parliament in Brussels, Italy, The United Kingdom and of course her native Ireland.
Short stories, reviews and high profile interviews have marked her passage from Journalist to Magazine Publisher.
Her short stories and poem are featured in the 2025 SeaScribes Anthology.
Alice is currently writing her debut novel.
Lesley Smith
Lesley Smith weaves her life experiences through her poetry, memoirs, and short stories. She has a passion for authentic storytelling.
Lesley has a determination for living large and making every moment count. She is inspired by her love for travel and people watching. She observes the good and bad of life and tries to be real and true to her experiences. Her pieces aim not to please or give comfort but to be layered, impart a feeling and provoke thought.
Barbara Murphy
Barbara Murphy has been living in Bray since 2009, she was born in Dublin. She joined various writing groups and classes over the years. For the past year she has been involved in Bray SeaScribes. She loves walking, especially walks on the seafront. She has been interested in writing since she was a child. When she was 18 she wrote a piece called The Bench for Mental Health Week, it was read out on the radio.