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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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Granard is gearing up for the hosting of the country's first Booktown festival this weekend
This weekend will see Granard transformed into a literary hub as the north Longford town hosts the country's first Booktown Festival.
The town is expected to see an influx of visitors for the myriad of events over the three days.
The festival features writer's workshops, poetry readings and the much anticipated discussions with writers.
The series of “in conversation” events has proven to be very popular, with discussions between Donal Ryan and Fran McNulty, and Manchan Magan with Mary Carleton Reynolds already sold out.
Granard's location in the heart of the Midlands and its accessibility makes the festival very appealing to visitors. The Granard Booktown Festival marks the culmination of a year and a half of work by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Author and festival organiser John Connell is delighted with the public interest so far: “Granard has opened its arms to the idea of a Booktown.
"We can't wait to welcome people to the heart of the Midlands for a weekend that will be the start of a grand new adventure for the town and the region.”
The Festival boasts a stellar line-up: “There are so many great talks coming up, including Sinéad Burke, but also multi-award winner Sally Hayden in conversation with our patron Shaunagh Connaire. Shaunagh is coming all the way from New York,” John told the Leader.
Part of the strength of the programme is its diversity: “Tim Flannery will be a major talking point on climate change. We are looking forward to welcoming kids to our two children's events; David and Adam King, and Longford's own Shelley Corcoran.”
There's a strong local input to the Festival with authors Seán Columb, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, Adrian Duncan and Belinda McKeon all contributing to the programme.
The North Longford author anticipates a busy weekend: “All roads lead to Granard this weekend so come along for talk, ideas and music and with a number of free trad sessions happening. It's going to be a great weekend.”
John believes the Festival will not only boost the local economy and increase tourism, but will establish Granard as a place where there’s always something cultural happening.
Key venues for the weekend are Granard Community Library, The Bailey Cafe, Fay’s Bar, John V Donohoe’s Bar and the Knights and Conquest Visitor Centre, which acts as the Festival Box Office.
The festival schedule runs from 5pm on Friday, April 21, to late night Sunday April 23.
Check out the full programme the weekend HERE
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