Irish Writers’ Weekend

Returning for its second edition, the Irish Writers’ Weekend is a two-day festival of words and ideas celebrating Ireland’s most exciting writers.

At a time when Irish literature is receiving more attention worldwide than ever before, the festival is an opportunity to join in conversations with authors, poets and playwrights throughout two full days of a whole host of immersive events.

Join us on Friday 22 November for the opening night, a drinks reception in the entrance hall of the British Library followed by a special launch event when three of Ireland’s most acclaimed writers, Graham Norton, Louise Kennedy and Paul Muldoon, will discuss their reading passions and creative lives with leading literature journalist Alex Clark.

On Saturday 23 November, the weekend begins with Small Town Big Stories, a session exploring how the communities of Ireland’s small towns are rich sources of literature and the settings for some of the finest works by writers including Claire Keegan, Edna O’Brien and John Banville. Two Irish comedy stars, Dara Ó Briain and Joanne McNally will join columnist and author Séamas O’Reilly to talk about life, reading, writing and stand-up, and the unique Muldoon’s Picnic ends the day with a feast of music and poetic storytelling, followed by legendary Dublin band, Horslips.

On Sunday 24 November, Home and Away: Belfast and Beyond will see Aimée Walsh, Michael Magee and Lucy Caldwell talk with Peggy Hughes about their remarkable novels, there will be sessions on poetry and modern fables, and explorations into mystery, secrets and lies with authors Colin Walsh, Mike McCormack and Una Mannion. The weekend will close with a special tribute to Edna O’Brien.

A bookstall provided by Irish owned, London based independent bookshop Phlox Books will pop up for the weekend and book signings will run throughout.

Presented with the generous support of Culture Ireland and The Embassy of Ireland, London.