The Pen & Ink Writers’ Group was started in 2006 by Ann Marie McGing in the Old School House, Kiltimagh when she was the local Arts Officer. Her idea was borne from the idea that a writers’ group would provide useful support for the annual Raftery Festival. The international science fiction writer, Louise Lawrence, who lives locally thought up the name of Pen & Ink and membership has steadily grown since then. Graham Mace has designed this website and poet Terry McDonagh provides editorial and artistic input. The group works in tandem with the Raftery festival and organises and hosts poetry and musical events in Kiltimagh throughout the year.

2009 saw the birth of the Pen & Ink magazine, funded by Leader and it was launched at the Raftery Festival that year. It showcases the work of the Group.