Fantastic line-up for Erris literary festival
Author Louise Nealon is among the speakers at the Focail Chósta literary festival in Erris.
All roads lead to North Mayo next weekend for Focail Chósta, a unique literary festival rooted in the heart of Erris. This festival brings together writers, poets and lovers of language to celebrate the power of words and the richness of our Gaelic heritage.
With a blend of poetry readings, writing workshops, talks and conversations, visitors are invited to explore the beauty of expression and the creative spirit at the heart of the arts.
Enjoy the voices – both new and established – the lively dialogue, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Erris literary community.
This is a literary journey on the edge of the world. The festival will be officially launched on Thursday, June 16th, at 6pm with a special evening of literature, music and conversation in Áras Inis Gluaire. The event is hosted by renowned broadcaster Ed Smith (of Today FM fame) and contributors will include Irish writer and playwright Brian Gallagher, Fr Kevin Hegarty, Mayo Arts Officer Ann Marie McGing, County Librarian Austin Vaughan, Artistic Director at Áras Inis Gluaire Deirbhle Healy and Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District Cllr Sean Carey.
Earlier in the day, renowned children’s author Shane Hegarty will be the special guest for an event entitled Seó Scoileanna, which takes place at Áras Inis Gluaire at 11am.
There are a host of events taking place throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday in what is a packed and varied programme. Speakers include author Faith Hogan, comedian Owen Colgan, Alice Kinsella, Elizabeth Reapy, Ger Reidy, Diarmaid Moynihan and Louise Nealon.
There are also panel discussions with local guests, including TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Cllr Gerry Coyle. The latter will speak about his wonderful book, , which tells the remarkable story of his father Henry.
A full programme can be found online on Áras Inis Gluaire's website.
