Zadie Smith and Louise O’Neill lead literary stars decamping to West Cork in July
It’s one of Ireland’s best-loved events for bookish folk.
And this year, the West Cork Literary Festival returns to the town of Bantry from July 8th to 15th in a week-long in-person celebration of writing and reading.
Among the literary stars packing their bags for Bantry this year are bestselling British author Zadie Smith and West Cork Native, Louise O’Neill whose latest novel, Idol has been published to critical and popular acclaim.
Colm Tóibín, Jane Casey and Paul Muldoon will also be joining the line-up of established and emerging writers who will gather in the seaside town.
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Programme highlights include master classes, readings, and workshops, as well as interviews with authors, book launches, and a myriad of other events taking place in locations including the Maritime Hotel, Bantry House, Bantry Library and Whiddy Island.
There’s even a Festival Swim on July 12th, where book lovers are invited to “bring your swimsuit, your towel and your sense of fun for this communal dip into the sea”. This year the group will be joined on the swim by Nina Mingya Powles, author of Small Bodies of Water.
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“It was wonderful to hear about people finding comfort in books and the arts over the past two years so thank you to all of the writers and audience members who joined us online when physical festivals were not possible. You kept our spirits up and we hope that we did the same for you,” said Festival Director, Eimear O’Herlihy.
“However we are very aware that so many writers missed out on launches and engaging with audiences and other authors during this time.
“Therefore it gives us huge pleasure to be back in person and to be able to share with you some of the incredible writers whose work has spoken to us this year. This July we hope that you will embrace new discoveries and old favourites amongst our line-up of Irish and international writers, novelists, poets, essayists, short story writers, memoirists, translators, creative writing tutors and writers for children and young people.”
Booking for all events is now open at westcorkliteraryfestival.ie.
