West Cork Literary Festival

Now an annual highlight in the Irish literary calendar, the West Cork Literary Festival is a week-long celebration of writing and reading for people of all ages.

From its humble beginnings as a series of casual poetry readings and fringe events around the Chamber Music Festival, it has expanded into a varied and extensive programme of readings, talks and week-long workshops, growing more adventurous and imaginative with each year.

The West Cork Literary Festival brings the finest Irish and international literary figures to West Cork every July – making exceptional talent accessible to local, regional and national audiences.

At the heart of the Festival is the practice and craft of writing, and in keeping with the Festival Director devises a workshop programme second to none, designed to encourage and inspire novice as well as experienced writers.

The Festival is a social event, noted for its supportive and friendly atmosphere, and its personal touch.

The main evening events feature readings held in the Maritime Hotel. In recent years, the literary festival’s guest authors have include Graham Norton, Mary Robinson, Colm Tóibín, Lord Melvyn Bragg, Sir Michael Parkinson, Michael Palin, Nuruddin Farah, Michael Morpurgo, Michael Holroyd, Annie Proulx, Margaret Drabble, Fay Weldon, and many more famous authors.

Presented by West Cork Music in partnership with Cork County Library & Arts Service.

The Programme for 2024 will be available in March.

Start planning your visit to the West Cork Literary Festival.

Did you know, West Cork Music has a capital project aimed at creating a permanent home for its festivals and a hub for its eduction and outreach work? Learn more at bantrymusiccentre.ie