Great line-up revealed for local literary event
Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival runs from September 30 to October 3
Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival are pleased to announce that the 18th festival will take place from September 30 to October 3. The festival has gone from strength to strength over the years with record attendances and high-profile guests. In spite of the difficult circumstances of the Covid crisis, we managed to hold a successful live festival in 2020; one of the few live festivals to go ahead last year. This year we have an exciting line up of guests and events to suit all tastes. Events will be staged in the Nenagh Arts Centre, Dromineer Yacht Club and the Abbey Court Hotel with many performances throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
Sarah Breen and Emer Mc.Lysaght will join us to discuss their highly successful Aishling books series. A fun experience is anticipated.
History buffs can expect and interesting and stimulating evening with the renowned historian, broadcaster and author Diarmuid Ferriter together with fellow historian and archivist Caitriona Crowe.
From a historical view point we will also have Dr Elaine Farrell and Dr Leanne McCormick creators of the Bad Bridget’s podcast. This series was created from research commissioned by Queens University Belfast and Ulster University on deviant Irish women who emigrated to the United States in the 19th century.
Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to meeting Paul Clements, author of Shannon Country, on board the Ku-ee-tu with skipper Teddy Knight. This event is always one of the highlights of the programme every year.
We will welcome Susan McKay, Eimear Ryan and Louise Nealon, Madeleine d’Arcy and Kerri Ni Dochartaigh.
As usual the festival encourages writing of literature and poetry in schools. Our Writer in Residence, Helena Close, will work with transition year students and our school’s poetry competition will be judged by Geraldine Mitchell. Last year’s Sunday afternoon tea event with a Jane Austin theme was a sell-out success. This year we will have afternoon tea with music and poetry by Emily Cullen, poet and harpist and Peter O’Toole of Hothouse Flowers, an event which will close the festival in style.
Attendance numbers for all events will be governed by the prevailing government rules relating to Covid-19 with safety of paramount importance. Social distancing and face coverings essential where applicable.