Football, AI and the ocean feature at literary festival
Wild Atlantic Words committee members at the official launch of the 2026 festival in Bridge St bar in Castlebar, from left: John Healy, David Brennan, Kathryn Brennan, Austin Vaughan and Siobhan Foody. Picture: John Mee Photography
Mayo’s historic All-Ireland victory, the rise of artificial intelligence and the battle to protect the oceans that keep us alive will form the backdrop to this year’s Wild Atlantic Words (WAW) festival. It runs in Castlebar from Tuesday to Sunday, October 6 to 11.
Now in its eleventh year, the festival offers a lively programme of book launches, poetry, literary discussion, interviews and presentations, alongside annual audience favourites. All events take place in the Festival Dome, Bridge St, Castlebar, unless stated otherwise. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served.
The festival’s opening night, Tuesday, October 6, features the launch of by well-known author Máirtín G. Ó Maicín, at 7pm. Three years ago, he launched his acclaimed at the Wild Atlantic Words. His new book, his third in Irish, gathers articles he has written over the years, mainly from his popular weekly column, . The book will be launched by former TD and MEP Jim Higgins.
GAA followers are well catered for this year at WAW. At 8pm on Tuesday evening, John Gunnigan’s army of podcast followers will be keen to share his insights with the book, . It is a deeply personal account of 60 years following the green and red, through the highs and the lows, but a story which will resonate with thousands of faithful fans all over the world. John is the creator of the Mayo GAA blog, the central meeting point of analysis and discussion for all who follow the green and red.
On Wednesday, October 7, at 7pm, editor Alice Kinsella joins contributors to the anthology, . The collection of poetry and prose explores how our bogs connect us to our natural and ancestral roots. Its contributors range from award-winning writers to first-time authors, writing on heritage, rural life, and ecological and historical conservation.
At 8pm the same evening, Belcarra-based ecologist Chris Huxley and nature photographer Lynda Huxley speak about , their record of the remarkable annual swallow roost at Lough Carra. The Huxleys are widely known for their work protecting migratory birds and local biodiversity.
On Thursday, October 8, at 7pm, Mayo sports journalists Anthony Hennigan and Edwin McGreal launch , with captivating photography by Michael McLaughlin. The book traces the season from low expectations at the start of the year, through the twists and turns of the championship, to that unforgettable All-Ireland final win over Kerry. In association with the Sunflower Children’s Hospice and published by Mayo Books Press, it is an essential keepsake of a season that will live long in the memory, and a launch no Mayo supporter will want to miss.
At 8.30pm on Thursday evening, join host Ken Armstrong in the festival dome for A Poem & A Pint.
On Friday, October 9, at 7pm, Vice Admiral (retd) Mark Mellett returns to his hometown to discuss , in conversation with Aidan Crowley. Drawing on nearly 50 years in the Defence Forces, he shows how the challenges of our lives are deeply connected to the oceans that sustain us. At its heart, is a message of responsibility and agency: by changing our relationship with nature and with each other, we can shape a more resilient and hopeful future. Former President Mary Robinson has welcomed this book as both a timely warning and a call to conscience.
Later on Friday evening, at 8.30pm, journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little presents 'How to Find Hope for Humanity in the Superhuman Age', drawn from his new book, . His talk makes the case for hope and human agency in the age of superhuman machines. His topic could hardly be more timely in light of the recent alarming prediction by those who work in AI that advanced machines could lead to human existence being destroyed inside the next decade. His case for hope and human agency in the age of advanced AI offers some solution to the challenge of coping with what some warn to be a nightmare future.
On Saturday, October 10, the hugely popular Antiquarian Book Fair returns to the dome from 11am to 4pm.
On Saturday evening at 7pm, award-winning author Colin Barrett, this year’s judge, hosts the readings and prize-giving for the annual Wild Atlantic Words short story competition. He will then talk with Ken Armstrong about his life and work. Barrett's debut collection, , won the Guardian First Book Award and the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Prize, and his novel was longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize.
Another highlight follows at 8pm when Liz Nugent talks with Darina Molloy. All six of Liz's novels have topped the Irish bestseller list, and she has won multiple literary awards. Her latest, , was published in March and went straight to number one.
Other events taking place during festival week include Imagination Lab creative writing workshops for schools, hosted by Anne O’Hara and Helen O’Hara, while Western Care’s Mayo Self Advocacy Group launches , with special guest Faith Hogan. The book celebrates the people, voices and experiences of the group’s community through personal stories, memories, photographs and creativity. It is a tribute to belonging, friendship, independence and inclusion.
'11 Years of Wild Atlantic Words', a photo exhibition runs from October 3 to 17 at the Linenhall Arts Centre, with further displays at Castle Bookshop, Mayo County Library and the Festival Dome.
The festival concludes on Sunday, October 11, at 12 noon with Sunday Morning Coming Down. John Healy welcomes a panel of Maura Connolly, historian Gerard Moran, Edwin McGreal and Liam Egan for coffee, conversation and lively banter. For more details, see www.wildatlanticwords.ie.
This year’s official launch took place on September 17 last in Castlebar and the occasion was marked by the festival’s first fundraising quiz night, which proved hugely popular. Thanks to everyone who supported the evening.
