10 highlights of Cork World Book Fest this weekend
Admission: Free
Prisoners' Bodies is the first book on the history of the prisoner-driven movement that sought to revolutionise the prison system in Ireland between 1972 and 1985.
The book, which charts the rise and fall of prisoners' organisations, their changing social networks, tactics, and splits, will be launched by prison historian Professor Catherine Cox; activist with the Irish Penal Abolition Network Dr Elizabeth Kiely; and Michael Donnelly who will speak about his experiences in Irish prisons in the 1980s.
Irish Food History: A Companion, 5pm on April 25, The Farmgate
Admission: Free
One for the seasoned foodies, keen historians, and those merely curious about life, Irish Food History: A Companion takes the reader on an expert journey through Ireland's culinary past.
Martin Mac an Iomaire and Grace Neville chat with Joe McNamee about Irish Food History: A Companion, winner of the Food & Drink book of the year 2024.
Spoken Stories: Navigating the imaginative breadth of what it means to be alive today, 8pm on 25 April, Triskel
Admission: €5
Commissioned from some of the most dynamic contemporary writers associated with Ireland and the short story, Spoken Stories is a theme-led trilogy of 36 original stories.
Nuala O'Connor, Paul McVeigh, and Cork's own Colm Ó Ceallachain gather at the Triksel to tell tales, hosted by RTÉ culture and arts producer and editor Clíodhna Ní Anluain.
Book Market on the Grand Parade, 10am to 4pm on April 26, Grand Parade
Admission: Free
Pop along to the annual book market, which offers an array of literary finds from some of the finest book sellers in Cork city and county. There will also be food to go on Grand Parade, as well as some produce and craft stalls.
Get Published Day: Meet the Agents, 10am on April 26, Cork City Library
Admission: Free
People are invited to join Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin with Simon Trewin and Nicky Lovick at Cork City Library to find out what is required in a submission package and how to increase chances of success.
One City One Book: Stone Mad by Seamus Murphy, 2pm on April 26, Cork Public Museum, Fitzgerald's Park
Admission: Free
Cork City Libraries' One City, One Book for 2025; Stone Mad by Seamus Murphy, published by Mercier Press, marks the 50th anniversary of the famous sculptor's death with a book launch by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and a walking tour with Eoghan Daltun.
Seamus Murphy, Stone Mad.
Beautiful, Wilful & Adrift, 7pm on April 26, Triskel
Admission: €5
Irish novelists Kathleen Murray and Lisa Harding discuss their works with fellow writer Paul McVeigh.
The conversation will discuss Murray's tragicomedy, her colourful players, and celebration of the heroism involved in fraternal love.
Buile Shuibhne: Sweeney's Madness, 8.30pm on April 26, Triskel
Admission: €5
People are invited to experience, for the first time in Cork, the multi-media staging of Sweeney's Madness featuring modern Irish and Scottish Gaelic versions by poet Rody Gorman, with live music by composer Seán MacErlaine and singer Diane Ni Channáin and screen projections by artist Margaret Lonergan.
The Best of Everything, 3pm on April 27, River Lee Hotel
Admission: Free, booking essential
Award-winning writer Kit de Waal and Paul McVeigh discuss de Waal's latest novel The Best of Everything which is released this month.
Kit de Waal's debut novel My Name Is Leon was an international bestseller. It was adapted for television by the BBC and is now on the GCSE curriculum for schools.
Crime Time at the River Lee, 4.30pm on April 27, River Lee Hotel
Admission: Free, booking essential
Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan both celebrate their new thrillers, which are published this month. In a discussion with Swirl and Thread blogger Mairéad Hearne, they discuss how they continue to create suspense, page-turning, ingenious plots, and gripping conclusions.
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