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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ireland's oldest literary festival adds another memorable chapter to its illustrious story
Listowel town was buzzing with the energy and excitement of another hugely successful festival as people from near and far enjoyed what is a unique celebration. This year's programme proved so popular that several events reached capacity well in advance – two of which had to be moved to larger venues due to unprecedented demand. These included the Frank Hayes Memorial Event, proudly sponsored by Kerry Group, and a powerful event called Memory and Forgetting with Fergal Keane and guests. Another standout moment came from nature writer Seán Ronayne, whose event Nature Boy captivated a full house, underscoring the appetite for stories rooted in our natural world. St John's Theatre also confirmed full houses for Sharon's Grave, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and events featuring Jimmy Murphy and Eoghan Harris. A number of events had to be moved to larger venues due to soaring ticket demand. "Listowel was absolutely alive over the weekend. You could feel the sense of pride from the community as visitors filled the town for events, conversations, and connections,' said said Chairman Ned O'Sullivan. 'The support from Minister Patrick O'Donovan was a huge boost to the festival, and we're incredibly grateful for his recognition of the value Listowel Writers' Week brings, not just to Listowel but to the national cultural calendar. I would like to thank Kerry Writers' Museum and St John's Theatre for their collaboration for the Listowel Literary Festival this year,' Ned added. Listowel Writers' Week is nothing without the brilliant volunteers involved. Together, they imbue the energy, commitment, and generosity that makes the festival a success year after year. Festival Curator Márie Logue reflected on the remarkable public response saying she was 'absolutely thrilled' with the audiences this year. 'So many of our events were completely booked out, including the Frank Hayes Memorial Event, Brendan Begley's launch, and the Library's double launch on Friday which drew over 800 people,' she said, 'The crowd spilled out onto the street; library staff said they had never seen anything like it in their lives. Other sell-out events included Paul Durcan, Andy Irvine, and Francesca Simon,' Márie added.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry Writer's Museum announce full programme of events for Listowel Literary Festival
The full programme for this year's Literary Festival, released on Monday (April 28), includes a host of events that will be of high interest to those into literature, history and the arts. Some of the renowned writers who will appear at the festival include award-winning authors Fergal Keane, Lisa Harding, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Jess Kidd, Julian Borger and Rónán Hession. Celebrated musicians Andy Irvine and Mike Hanrahan will also speak and play some of their finest tunes at individual events. Ireland's oldest literary festival will also feature Kerry writers including Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Victoria Kennefick, Eileen Sheehan, Paddy Bushe and Lorraine Carey. The upcoming celebration is the result of a collaboration between three leading local cultural institutions; Kerry Writers' Museum, Listowel Writers' Week and St. John's Theatre and Arts Centre. The festival has been awarded €44,520 in funding under the Literature in Listowel Grant Scheme, administered by Kerry County Council and supported by the Arts Council. Cara Trant, executive director of Kerry Writers' Museum, said festival organisers are honoured to receive this 'vital support'. 'The Listowel Literary Festival allows us to celebrate the written word while continuing our work to support writers at all stages of their careers – especially those rooted in the cultural and creative life of Kerry,' Ms Trant said. "It builds on the town's rich literary heritage and brings together our key arts and cultural partners to create something truly special. 'This is a celebration of literature that is both global and deeply rooted in our local community. We look forward to welcoming audiences to a rich and engaging programme in 2025.' ADVERTISEMENT The festival, consisting of readings, interviews, panel discussions, and workshops as well as interactive walks and open mic sessions, will take place from Wednesday, May 28 to Sunday, June 1. Events will take place across venues including the Kerry Writers' Museum and St. John's Theatre, The Listowel Arms Hotel, The Plaza Hall, local pubs, and spaces throughout the town. To view the full festival programme of events, those interested can visit
