Irish children’s books authors and illustrators take centre stage at West Cork Literary Festival. Eimear O’Herlihy, Festival Director shares details on just some of the events you can expect.

The acclaimed Belfast poet died last month aged 85.

Mr Longley died at the age of 85 after winning world-wide renown for his writing.

Her book Orbital, about astronauts looking down at Earth, was named as the winner of the £50,000 prize.

Scotland’s former first minister was interviewing author Paul Lynch.

The author died peacefully on Saturday following a long illness, a statement from her agent and publishing house said.

The 46-year-old, who lives in Dublin, was presented with his trophy during a ceremony in London

The poems featured in the series include poems by the famous Innti generation of UCC Irish language poets such as Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Liam Ó Muirthile and Colm Breathnach.

The six bookshops on the shortlist will be revealed on October 19. 

The Irish author reflected on being declared cancer free, authoritarianism and being on the prestigious shortlist.

Alongside them are three North American writers and a British novelist.

The original centre was opened at the university campus by the Nobel Prize-winning poet in 2004.

Four Irish writers are included on this year’s list, making up a third of all nominees.

Hanks will discuss his novel and his path from film to fiction writing

Hannah Daly has multiple university degrees but cannot read or write. The Glasnevin-born occupational therapist will discuss her new book, 'Knowing No Boundaries', in Cork next week. 

The Bandon born presenter and author is to return to his roots to discuss all things writing with literary fans.

The writer became the second Japanese author to be awarded the prize in 1994

A new book from RTÉ broadcaster John Creedon is out this week and the popular Corkonian will be discussing it and his previous book, That Place We Call Home, at an event in Kinsale this weekend.

Culture Night it is a national event, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts

It is 130 years since the opening of Cork City Library, a birthday shared with ‘The Echo’. Donal O’Keeffe spent a day there, in an oasis of calm in the city centre, where anyone can sit and read, or just take shelter.

The pair met in Finnegan's of Dalkey and talked about crafting poems, songs and the process of writing

“This little collection is the book that just keeps on giving.”