Literary festival writing new page of history for Mullingar
As work continues on planning for the inaugural Mullingar Literary Festival (July 4 to 6), the organisers have updated details of the line-up.
The festival will feature events including author talks, book signings, workshops, and more, celebrating the rich literary heritage of the region.
Attendees include crime writer Patricia Gibney, novelist Anne Griffin, Victoria Mary Clarke, journalist and author, Nicole Flattery, recipient of the An Post New Irish Voice 2024 award, and established local authors Lorraine Murphy, Dolores Keaveney, Tess McKevitt, and Jimmy O’Connell will contribute.
The festival opens on July 4 at Caffrey’s on Mount Street with a performance by hip-hop and spoken word artist Olympio.
Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy musical performances by acts such as Cronin, jazz artist Raimonda, and singer-songwriter Paulie Martin. Literary sessions will be complemented by contributions from the Poetry Kiln Collective and the Inklings Mullingar writing group.
Adding another dimension, historian Ruth Illingworth will lead guided tours highlighting the rich literary past of Mullingar.
Festival PRO Don Mortell said “the Mullingar Literary Festival definitely has something for everyone”.
Programme
Friday July 4
5.30-6pm festival launch, Caffrey’s, Mount Street;
6-7pm – Olympio, hip-hop, spoken word and storytelling, Caffrey’s;
7.15-815pm, The Poetry Kiln Collective, Caffrey’s;
9-10pm – Victoria Mary Clarke in conversation with Don Mortell, Greville Arms Hotel;
10pm – Cronin, Greville Arms Hotel.
Saturday July 5
11am-noon – Dolores Keaveney, event for children and parents, Mullingar Library;
noon-1.15pm – Lorraine Murphy, creative writing workshop, Mullingar Library;
2-3pm – Brendan Martin in conversation with Brian McLoughlin, Caffrey’s;
3-4pm – Brinsley McNamara in conversation with Caroline Barry, Caffrey’s;
4-5pm – Lorraine Murphy in conversation with Chele Crawley; Caffrey’s;
5-6pm – Paulie Martin and Don Mortell, session on songwriting and lyrical composition, Caffrey’s;
7.30-8.30pm – Nicole Flattery in conversation with Anne Griffin, Caffrey’s;
8.30-9.30pm – Patricia Gibney in conversation with Lorraine Murphy, Caffrey’s;
10pm – Jack Gaudet, Caffrey’s.
Sunday July 6
11am - Literary walk with guide Ruth Illingworth, Market Square;
2-2.30pm - Historical Mullingar, by Seamus O’Brien, Caffrey’s;
3-4pm, poetry with Claire O’Reilly and Sean Ruane, hosted by Jimmy O’Connell;
4.30-5.30pm, John Connell in conversation with Anne Griffin, Caffrey’s;
6-7.30pm, Anne Griffin in conversation with Lorraine Murphy, Caffrey’s;
7.30-9pm, poetry and music with Tess McKevitt and Raimonda;
9-10m Inklings open mic, Caffrey’s bar;
10pm Naosan Moore, Caffrey’s