Words by Water: Celebrating Literature and Spoken Word in Kinsale 2024

The Kinsale Literary Festival, Words by Water, is returning in October 2024 with a rich and diverse lineup that promises to captivate both readers and writers alike. Running from October 3rd to 6th, the festival will showcase an array of events including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, local interest, and workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With the option of a €50 festival pass, attendees can explore a variety of sessions over the weekend, excluding workshops and the headline event on Saturday night.

Highlights of the festival include Davy Russell kicking things off with a conversation on books and horses, followed by an evening of poetry and song curated by Matthew Geden, a must-attend for spoken word enthusiasts. On Friday, storytelling fans will enjoy an intimate afternoon with Alice Taylor, while the evening promises insightful discussions with Jan Carson and Michelle Gallen as well as Dr. Marie Cassidy exploring real and fictional crime.

Saturday is packed with events, including a tribute to the late Dervla Murphy by Dr. Ethel Crowley, and conversations with acclaimed authors such as Sinéad Gleeson, Nuala O’Connor, and Rónán Hession. The day culminates with a lively evening featuring Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn. The festival wraps up on Sunday with Local Voices, where local authors like Michelle Dunne and Daragh Fleming will share their latest works.

For the spoken word community, events like Right Words and Local Voices offer fantastic opportunities to experience and engage with the art of spoken word, making this festival a vibrant celebration of literary culture in the picturesque town of Kinsale. Don't miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in a weekend of literary exploration and creativity. Tickets and more information are available at Words by Water.

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