Mullingar Literary Festival returns for three days of books, writing and imagination
Mullingar is set for a major cultural weekend this summer as the Mullingar Literary Festival returns from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026. The event brings three days of books, writing, poetry, music, workshops, children’s events, competitions and community celebration to the heart of the town.
Following the success of its inaugural festival, which attracted strong local support and brought writers, poets, historians, musicians and readers together across Mullingar, the 2026 festival promises an even bigger and more ambitious programme.
Events will take place across key venues including Caffrey’s, Mount Street, Mullingar Library, The Greville Arms Hotel, Annebrook House Hotel and Market Square, with a varied schedule designed to appeal to readers, writers, families, young people and anyone with an interest in creativity, storytelling and the written word.
This year’s programme includes appearances and contributions from a wide range of guest writers, poets and performers, including Niall Breslin, Patricia Gibney, Sinéad O’Hart, Susanne O’Leary, Chele Crawley, Caragh Maxwell, Louise Ryan, Jinny Alexander, Sheila Killian, Ruth Illingworth, The Poetry Kiln Collective, Olympio, Inklings Live, Paulie Martin and many more.
The festival opens on Friday 3rd July at Caffrey’s, Mount Street, with an evening programme of poetry, conversation, music and performance. Saturday’s schedule includes children’s storytelling and workshops at Mullingar Library, a teen writing workshop at The Greville Arms Hotel, creative and self-publishing sessions, author conversations, poetry performances and a headline evening event with Niall Breslin. On Sunday, historian Ruth Illingworth will lead a literary walk from Market Square, followed by more spoken word, poetry, author interviews, live storytelling and music at Caffrey’s.
A strong children’s and young adult programme will also form a central part of the weekend, with story time sessions, children’s workshops, young writer activities and competitions. The festival will also include library-based events, community writing sessions and opportunities for local writers to take part.
The Mullingar Literary Festival committee said the event is about more than books alone.
“The festival is a celebration of imagination, community and creativity. Mullingar has a rich literary and cultural heritage, and this weekend gives people of all ages a chance to enjoy writing, storytelling, poetry, music, conversation and ideas in a welcoming and accessible way.”
The festival is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most inclusive literary gatherings, with all its events free to attend. Workshops are also free but require advance booking, and members of the public are encouraged to check the full programme online.
Full festival details, including the complete schedule, booking information, competitions and venue information, are available at: Website: https://mullingarliteraryfestival.com/ Facebook: Mullingar Literary Festival Instagram: Mullingar Literary Festival