The West Cork Literary Festival is a week-long celebration of writing and reading, with a varied and extensive programme which takes place in and around the town of Bantry from 11-18 July. A firmly established highlight of the Irish Literary calendar, famous Irish and international writers, as well as established and emerging writers, gather each year. There are master classes, readings, and workshops, as well as interviews with authors, book launches, and a myriad of other events.
Visitors to the festival will find loads to inspire and entertain them this summer. Richard E. Grant, Eimear McBride, Graham Norton, Ruth Padel, Neil Jordan, Katherine May, Alan Hollinghurst, Carol Drinkwater, Sarah Moss, Seán Ronayne, Patricia Forde, John Creedon, Claire Kilroy, Ferdia Lennon, Vona Groarke, Rafael Olympio, Salena Godden, Will Sliney and Wendy Erskine are just some of the high-profile writers making the trip to West Cork for the Festival. The festival will also present works in translation from Dutch, Flemish, Swedish, French and German as well as a series of professional development sessions for emerging writers in partnership with the Irish Writers Centre and Children’s Books Ireland amongst other. There is an exciting line-up of free events for children and families across the week.