Mullingar has long been a hub for writers, poets, and artists, making it an ideal location for the Mullingar Literary Festival. The brand new festival brings together established authors, emerging writers, and literary enthusiasts for a series of readings, workshops, and panel discussions. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with renowned authors, discover new voices, and participate in interactive sessions designed to inspire and cultivate a love for literature.
Mullingar Literary Festival
Festival PRO Don Mortell said “the Mullingar Literary Festival definitely has something for everyone”.
Guests 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. Adding another dimension, historian, Ruth Illingworth will lead guided tours highlighting the rich literary past of Mullingar.
Mullingar Literary festival line-up
The festival is not just about written material, as there is plenty of live music. Hip-hop & spoken word artist Olympio performs on July 4th at Caffrey’s on Mount Street. Over the weekend, visitors can also 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.
Mullingar Literary Festival Programme of Events
Friday July 4
5.30pm – festival launch, Caffrey’s, Mount Street;
6pm – Olympio, hip-hop, spoken word and storytelling, Caffrey’s;
7.15pm – The Poetry Kiln Collective, Caffrey’s;
9pm – Victoria Mary Clarke in conversation with Don Mortell, Greville Arms Hotel;
10pm – Cronin, Greville Arms Hotel.
Saturday July 5
11am– Dolores Keaveney, event for children and parents, Mullingar Library;
12pm – Lorraine Murphy, creative writing workshop, Mullingar Library;
2pm – Brendan Martin in conversation with Brian McLoughlin, Caffrey’s;
3pm – Brinsley McNamara in conversation with Caroline Barry, Caffrey’s;
4pm – Lorraine Murphy in conversation with Chele Crawley; Caffrey’s;
5pm – Paulie Martin and Don Mortell, session on songwriting and lyrical composition, Caffrey’s;
7.30pm – Nicole Flattery in conversation with Anne Griffin, Caffrey’s;
8.30pm – 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;
2pm – Historical Mullingar, by Seamus O’Brien, Caffrey’s;
3pm – Poetry with Claire O’Reilly and Sean Ruane, hosted by Jimmy O’Connell;
4.30pm – John Connell in conversation with Anne Griffin, Caffrey’s;
6pm – Anne Griffin in conversation with Lorraine Murphy, Caffrey’s;
7.30pm – Poetry and music with Tess McKevitt and Raimonda;
9pm – Inklings open mic, Caffrey’s bar;
10pm – Naosan Moore, Caffrey’s
For more • mullingarliteraryfestival.com and for more on Midlands Festivals.
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