Young bookworms will love this.

The West Cork Literary Festival is back this July and, once again, families are seriously spoiled for choice.

The beloved Bantry festival has unveiled its 2026 Children & YA programme — and the best part? Every single event for kids is completely free.

From comic-book workshops and spooky storytelling sessions to dinosaur dancing and LGBTQ+ teen workshops, there’s something for everyone (and every exhausted parent trying to keep the kids entertained over summer holidays).

Running from July 10th to 17th, the festival’s children’s events will feature some of Ireland’s best-loved authors and illustrators, with a mix of drop-in events and free ticketed sessions taking place across St. Brendan’s Hall and Bantry Bookshop.

 

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Here’s a look at all the free children’s and YA events happening this year:

• Create a Comics Character with Sarah Bowie: Nina Peanut — July 11th
  Ages 8–12 can learn how to create their own comic characters with illustrator and author Sarah Bowie. Free but ticketed.
• The Upside-Down Lighthouse with Paddy Donnelly — July 12th
  A storytelling session for ages 4–8 inspired by Donnelly’s beautifully illustrated children’s books. Free but ticketed.
• Cluck, The Eggstraordinary Story of Chickens with Evelien De Vlieger — July 13th
  Expect chickens, chaos and plenty of laughs at this interactive event for ages 6–12. Free but ticketed.
• Puffling and the Stormy Sea & What’s That Spooky Sound? with Gerry Daly — July 14th
  A double helping of adventure and spooky fun for younger readers aged 4–8. Free but ticketed.
• The Bookshop Sisters with Sarah Webb — July 15th
  Budding booksellers aged 9+ can discover what it takes to run the perfect bookshop at this special event in Bantry Bookshop. Free but ticketed.
• Rainbow Library Workshop — July 15th
  A creative workshop aimed at teens aged 14–18, celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and creativity. Free but ticketed.
• Rainbow Library Anthology Launch — July 15th
  Open to all, this free launch event will showcase new writing and artwork from young contributors.
• Shaunna Lee Lynch: The Goddess Complex — July 16th
  A YA-focused event with the Cork author at Bantry Bookshop. Free entry and likely to be popular with older teens and fantasy fans alike.
• Frank & The Monster with Mats Strandberg — July 16th
  Monster-filled fun for ages 6+ from the internationally acclaimed Swedish author. Free but ticketed.
• Do The Dino Dance! with Olivia Hope — July 17th
  A dinosaur-themed storytelling and dance session for kids aged 4–10 that sounds guaranteed to burn off at least some summer-holiday energy. Free but ticketed.

Festival organisers have confirmed that all Children & YA events are free thanks to support from Cork Library Services, though many sessions are expected to book out quickly.

More information and booking details can be found on the West Cork Literary Festival website.