Packed programme of events for the Cork World Books Fest

Cork World Book Fest, now in its 22nd year, is a six-day extravaganza that offers more than 40 events with more than 100 writers in multiple venues across the city.

The festival runs from Tuesday, April 21, to Sunday, April 26, and incorporates UNESCO World Book Day on April 23.

The opening night, which takes place in Cork City Library, will feature Danielle McLaughlin discussing her latest novel, Rituals, with artist Siobhán Rea in a conversation moderated by Declan Meade from Stinging Fly.

Patricia Looney, Senior Executive Librarian in Cork City Libraries, said: “Every April, we look forward to bringing Irish and international writers to Cork.

“We’re delighted to facilitate events free of charge or at a nominal fee, ensuring they are accessible to everyone.

“There will be discussions on how writers can increase their chances of submitting a successful manuscript as well as several events featuring work in translation.

“We’re particularly delighted this year to be joined by Katriona O’Sullivan, who will discuss her new book, Hungry, with Deirdre O’Shaughnessy in St Luke’s on Sunday, April 26.

“The book will be published on April 23, so this will be Katriona’s first event talking about it.”

As part of Cork World Books Fest, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, along with literary agents Simon Trewin and Jade Kavanagh, will facilitate the popular First Page Pitch event, where 10 writers get the opportunity to read the first page of their book to the room and get feedback.

They will also be panellists for Meet the Agents, where they share their knowledge and advice.

Vanessa will also chat with writer Neil Tully about his experience of becoming a published author.

Triskel, who have been part of the festival since the beginning, will host several events over the week, including a conversation with Roddy Doyle and Paul McVeigh, a discussion on grief and resilience with Dr Harry Barry, Oona Frawley and PJ Coogan, as well as a multimedia performance in association with IMRAM and Poetry Ireland.

This year, audiences can enjoy Dán na Caillí: Song of the Hagwitch, which features newly commissioned poetry about the Caillleach by Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, Dairena Ní Chinnéide and Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, as well as songs from composer, vocalist and instrumentalist Síle Denvir; and on-screen visuals from artist Margaret Lonergan.

Gillian Hennessy, Head of Marketing, Development and Box Office at Triskel, said: “We’re particularly looking forward to Spoken Stories on Friday, April 24, which focuses on short stories that navigate the imaginative breadth of what it means to be alive today.

“We will be joined by Cathy Sweeney and Danielle McLaughlin for a conversation with Cliodhna Ní Anluain that will be recorded for RTÉ.

“That will be followed by Continental Riffs with Louis de Paor and Halyna Kruk.”

Continental Riffs are conversations inspired by the culture of continental Europe between pairs of artists, makers, and producers whose paths have previously crossed.

At the renowned international poetry translation residency on the Island of San Simon in southern Galicia, Con Barqueira e Remador, Irish poet Louis de Paor met the Ukrainian author, translator and literary critic Halyna Kruk.

During their process of reading and translating one another over a week on the island, a conversation began, which will continue on the night, ranging far and wide across language, poetry, and life.

This year’s One City One Book is Filly by Rosamund Taylor, a gripping and genre-bending coming of age story centred on Orla, who is discovering her sexuality in the sometimes hostile and misogynistic world of Ireland’s school system.

When her friend Muireann rejects her advances, she turns to her charismatic English teacher Irene Wall for a love affair both passionate and annihilating.

Written with Taylor’s trademark earthy lyricism, Filly is an exploration of intergenerational love and trauma, and an explosion of queer joy.

Rosamund will discuss her book with Mary Morrissy in Cork City Library on Thursday, April 23.

Events for this year’s festival will take place in the Cork City Library, Triskel Arts Centre, Paperboys Café, St Luke’s, Plugd Records and Café and more.

The Book Market will be back on Grand Parade on Saturday, April 25, organised by Goldiefish Events.

The Fest is a participative, inclusive event, connecting readers with established and emerging Irish and international authors. It also caters for all age groups, with events for children and teens, including the Teen Graphic Novel launch, a comic book workshop with Gary Moloney, readings from Shaunna Lee Lynch and Leona Forde, and Arabic stories for little listeners with Dr Sanaa Khabbar. There will be an Author Showcase at Cork City Library on April 23 at 7pm, featuring Barbara Leahy and Djamel White in conversation with Sarah Harte. Leahy, from Cork, is known for her award-winning short fiction and debut novel Rembrandt’s Promise.

For more on the programme of events, visit www.corkworldbookfest.com or pick up a brochure from any of the libraries.