THE Irish Writers' Centre and Poetry Ireland have dreamed up a wonderful alternative to Glen roe for Sunday nights' entertainment. From April 13th for six Sundays The Stray Dog Cafe, which takes its name from a famous St Petersburg literary cafe, will run at Project At The Mint at 8 p.m., featuring a heady mix of poetry and music.

The first evening sees a strong team on the field: Maighread and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, (they of the thrilling traditional voices), Fintan Vallely on flute, (he of the Irish Times traditional music coverage), the writer, Dermot Healy (he of The Bend For Home), and the poet, Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill (who needs no introduction).

Other names coming up include The Voice Suad, Ciaran Carson, Rita Ann Higgins, Moya Cannon, Liam O Muirthile, Jimmy McCarthy and Prof Peter O'Brien. Phone the Project on 01-6712321 for detailed information and to book.