Poetry

Listowel Writers’ Week 2022 Festival takes place 1st to 5th June 2022

Listowel Writers’ Week, Ireland’s oldest literary festival, is delighted to welcome and showcase the works of writers of all genres from June 1st to 5th 2022.

Listowel Writers’ Week is a unique, independent literary event, situated alongside the Wild Atlantic Way, where writers gravitate to the beautiful, heritage town of Listowel for five days – transforming the town into a bustling literary haven where words are gospel. And the festival is looking forward to welcoming visitors back once again after the many interruptions of the pandemic meant it has taken place online for the past two years.

“We are ready and eager for the return to our popular haunts this June,” says Listowel Writers’ Week Chairperson Catherine Moylan. “After connecting with so many people online over the last couple of years, we know that there is a huge appetite for the magical atmosphere that Listowel Writers’ Week brings to the town.”

This year’s festival features a packed itinerary of topical events and writers. A diverse programme will feature conversations from debut writers, debates and readings and fantastic opportunities to meet with national and international literary stars. June’s festival programme features national and international writers with Paul McVeigh, Kit de Waal and Claire Keegan among those booked to attend already with many more big names to be confirmed soon. includes the announcement of the prestigious Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award and the Pigott Poetry Prize. Thursday kicks off with the first of the literary programme of events where Colm Tóibín engages in a morning of conversation around his latest work.

This year’s festival programme includes contemporary literature, explorations on poetry, debut literary novels, literary tours and much more. Workshops return once again this year and encompass a broad range of literary learning including creative writing, memoir writing, novel, poetry and song writing. The much-loved morning walks and bus tour provide lovers of the outdoors with the opportunity to visit tourist sites and attractions,. The literary heritage of Listowel and its hinterland can be explored during the bus tour.

“We are delighted with the enthusiastic response from writers and artists both nationally and internationally,” adds Ms Moylan. “2022 promises to be a wonderful return to the fun, festivities and fanfare of our June festival. Looking forward to seeing you there!”

Although Listowel Writers’ Week had been due to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, we plan to make this year’s festival a very special one. The Kerry Group event will mark the celebration of Kerry Group’s 50th Anniversary and their long-standing support of the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year competition, where the prize fund has been significantly increased this year. enjoy mingling with festival lovers" said Ms Moylan.

Plan your visit to Listowel Writers’ Week 1st to 5th June, soak up the festival atmosphere and create great holiday memories with us once again. We’ve a great team who are really looking forward to welcoming you again this year. Keep in touch for updates on www.writersweek.ie.

Listowel Writers’ Week is kindly supported by Arts Council Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, and many sponsors and patrons.

Contact: info@writersweek.ie or phone 00353 (0)68 21074 for any queries on events or accommodation.