Jan Brierton
Bio
Jan Brierton, based in Dublin, is a poet, fashion stylist, and creative director whose work blends humour, wit, and poignancy. She made her literary debut in 2021 with What Day Is It? Who Gives a F*ck inspired by her first viral poem during lockdown. Her second collection, Everybody Is a Poem: Midlife in Rhymes (New Island, 2024), explores themes including midlife, menopause, mental load, relationships, loss, and self-acceptance, all delivered in Jan’s accessible and relatable voice.
Jan has appeared on major Irish media platforms including RTE Nationwide, Ireland AM, TV3’s Six O’Clock Show, RTE Radio 1, 2FM, and 98FM. Her poetry has also reached international audiences, shared by BBC personalities Jo Whiley and Emma Barnett, garnering over 30,000 online views. She is a regular guest poet on RTE Radio 1’s The Ray D’Arcy Show.
An experienced live performer, Jan brings her poetry to life on stage. Highlights include opening for her poetry hero Dr John Cooper Clark at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre in 2024, performing her show Wild Words at the Ambassador Theatre, and appearances at Electric Picnic, The London Irish Centre, and numerous festivals and cultural events. In 2025, she opened for Dr John Cooper Clark at The London Palladium, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, and Manchester Co-Op Arena in celebration of World Poetry Day. Jan will be performing again with him in 2026 in the UK and Ireland, as well as touring with the brilliant Henry Normal.
Alongside her writing and performances, Jan continues her work as a creative director and fashion stylist, curating and hosting cultural events including Culture Night, Electric Picnic’s Mindfield Stage, and performing at the Irish Made Awards for Irish County Magazine. Her career reflects a unique combination of creativity, professionalism, and a passion for making poetry accessible to all.