The unique event caters for all ages and promises to be a fantastic weekend for anyone passionate about the book industry
It brings us a lot of joy to see the rising popularity of literary festivals in Ireland.
Of course, it seems only right, considering our small island is teeming with outrageously talented authors and screenwriters from Colm Tóibín, Sally Rooney and Marian Keyes, to Sharon Horgan, Lisa McGee and Neil Jordan.
To say nothing of the incredible legacy left by Irish writers like Joyce, Wilde and Yeats that are long since gone but continue to be relevant today.
As more and more book clubs pop up around the country, it’s fitting that there is a festival dedicated to this collective reading experience. You may be surprised to learn that there already has been one around for many years – 18 to be exact.
Ennis Book Club Festival’s 19th festival takes place this year from 7-9 March at various venues throughout the town and county. The festival offers opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and features an additional programme of events for younger readers.
One of the biggest moments of the weekend will undoubtedly be an in-depth interview with Ian McEwan taking place on the Saturday night at 8pm. The acclaimed author of Atonement, On Chesil Beach, Machines Like Me and many more, will discuss his life in writing with journalist and broadcaster Seán Rocks.
Other highlights include:
- Five Books that Could Save Your Life – Sarah Harte, Irish Examiner columnist and writer, joins Madeline Mc Aleer from Haven Horizons, Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda, and Noelle Collins from Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid to discuss the impact of coercive control.
- The Art of the Short Story with Cathy Sweeney, Maggie Armstrong and David Butler in conversation with Olivia Fitzsimons, will examine what makes the short story such an intriguing form.
- Ten Books you Should Read – a discussion featuring contributions from Mark O’Halloran and Oliver Callan, moderated by writer Tara Flynn.
- Honouring Edna O’Brien – The impressive literary career of the Clare woman whose work was internationally renowned will be explored and celebrated in a panel discussion with writers Andrew O’Hagan, Danielle McLaughlin, Eoin McNamee and Sally Hayden in conversation with Rachael English.
- Ageing in Life and Literature – Gerontologist Rose Anne Kenny, writer Mary O’Donnell and neuroscientist Ian Robertson in conversation with Barbara Scully is a panel event on ageing in life and literature taking place in The Temple Gate.
There will be conversations with Debut Novelists, a performance from Clare Youth Theatre, chats with Beyond Borders Book Club and Nicola’s Book Club – this is by an Irish woman based in Brussels who has been running a world literature book club for 20 years.
As always, there are lots of other terrific events taking place across the festival weekend including the beloved Books n ‘ Bun’s event on Saturday morning, testing your knowledge of all things literary and fascinating Walking Tours with Jane O’Brien. The festival, in association with Clare Libraries, also features an extensive programme for younger readers, with readings and workshops with young adult authors, facilitators and visual artists.
See ennisbookclubfestival.com for more information and full details on all events.
