Irish Science Fiction Association

The Irish Science Fiction Association was a Dublin based club for fans of science fiction, horror and fantasy.

History

The ISFA began in 1990/1989(?) and wound down sometime in the mid to late nineties.

Organisation

The group was organised by a four person committee elected once a year at an extraordinary general meeting.

Monthly Meetings

These were held on the first Tuesday of every month and usually focused on a set topic, event or guest. Annually recurring topics included a quiz, christmas party and a book auction.

Venues

? - 1994 : The Horse and Tram, Eden Quay (now The Garden of Eden)

1994 - ? : Brogans Bar, Dame Street

Notable Guests

Clive Barker attended a meeting in 1994 and was presented with a carved wooden pint of Guinness with a small demon perched over side, created by members of the artist and writers workshop.

Diane Duane and Peter Morwood were frequent attendees of the groups meetings.

Artist and Writers Workshop

This was held monthly.

Conventions

Though always a separate entity Octocon, Irelands National Science Fiction convention, was initially instigated, run and attended by many members of the ISFA, and has outlived its parent organisation.

Other Events

Some one off events were also held such as the Star Trek "Federation Day" in The Central Hotel, exchequer street in 1993.

Publications

First Contact

This was the monthly A5 sized newsletter of the group and contained news reviews and various articles.

FTL

This was the quarterly A4 sized publication of the artist and writers workshop and contained original short stories and artwork.