Festival of books returns to Graignamanagh next week

THE picturesque town of Graignamanagh will celebrate the 22nd anniversary of its renowned Town of Books festival from 22-24 August, with Blacknight returning as main sponsor for another year.

Set along the banks of the River Barrow, the three-day literary celebration has evolved from its humble beginnings in 2003 into a cultural highlight that attracts visitors from around the globe, including recent guests from the USA, South Africa and many European countries.

The festival will kick off on Friday evening, 22 August, with a launch and drinks reception at 7pm, followed by a special 8pm event at Abbey Lane featuring local TV personality Edward Hayden in conversation with two distinguished guests.

Pat Marry, author of The making of a detective, will share insights from his career solving dozens of serious crimes, including murders, during his time as a garda before retiring in 2018. Joining him will be Beau Donnelly, award-winning investigative journalist and co-author of The woman who fooled the world, the true story behind Netflix’s Apple cider vinegar. Donnelly has worked for major publications including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Times and The Sunday Times.

The venue, located at Mick Doyle’s pub, was recently featured in Hot Press magazine and welcomes all attendees.

Throughout the weekend, Cushendale Woollen Mills will present A vintage yarn: stories of Irish fashion and design, an exhibition featuring collaboration between Miriam Cushen and Naomi Fitzgibbon of Vintage Finds You. The display will showcase rare couture pieces by renowned Irish designers including Irene Gilbert, Ib Jorgensen, Mary O’Donnell and Pat Crowley.

A significant artistic component will see 70 plein air artists, including many of Ireland’s top painters, participate in an outdoor painting competition with support from Creative Kilkenny. The Butler Gallery in Kilkenny will assist with judging, while Blacknight sponsors the top prize worth €500 in web hosting and design services. Visitors can watch artists work throughout the weekend and vote for the people’s choice award at Sunday evening’s exhibition.

The festival programme also includes the popular food and craft market at Abbey Hall, live music, poetry readings, face painting and various family-friendly activities.

Festival organiser Mary Whelan emphasised the event’s community spirit, noting the strong support from local businesses and the town’s commitment to being inclusive and welcoming.

For updates, follow the festival on Instagram @irelandstownofbooks or Facebook at IrelandsBooktown.