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22 Oct 2025
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22 Oct 2025
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Author of 'The Most Irish Person' Shelley Corcoran with Aoibheann, Caoimhe, Éanna and Bláithín O'Hara at last weekend's Granard Booktown Festival
From early on Friday afternoon it was clear something special was up in Granard.
There was a perceptible buzz as the final preparations for their inaugural literary gathering were being put in place.
The town was transforming into a writing hub as it hosted the country's first Booktown Festival. Visitors from far and wide flocked to the north Longford town to enjoy a packed programme of events over three days.
Granard Booktown Festival co-founder and director, John Connell, reflected, “We were blown away by the success of the Booktown Festival. There were huge crowds at every event, writers from all around the world and a great feeling of excitement around the town of Granard.”
The award winning Ballinalee author also revealed, “We will start the build up for next year very soon.”
The programme was launched in Granard community library on Friday evening.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern welcomed the guests and visitors saying: “It's been a quick sixteen months. These things don't come overnight as anyone involved in a voluntary committee knows.”
Cllr McGovern commended all who served on the committee to make the festival happen and said it portrayed the town in a very positive light.
Still Voices Film Festival co-founder Ronan O'Toole was another driving force behind the Granard Booktown Festival.
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