Miriam O’Callaghan is joining Cork authors like Louise O’Neill and Sara Baume to take part in the West Cork Literary Festival, as part of an eight-day celebration of literature set to take place in Bantry this July.
One of Ireland’s richest literary line‑ups, the programme is filled with internationally acclaimed authors, outstanding Irish voices, emerging writers, and a wide range of events designed for readers and writers alike.
This year’s festival will feature three‑day writing workshops, masterclasses, readings, in‑conversation events, and an even stronger focus on translated literature, showcasing work translated from Dutch, Flemish, French, German, Irish, Korean, and Swedish. Attendees can also enjoy unique experiences such as a Pop Up Gaeltacht, the beloved annual trip to Whiddy Island, yoga on the lawn of Bantry House, and a refreshing sea swim for anyone seeking a moment of calm during the week.
The 2026 line‑up includes writers across genres – novelists, short‑story writers, poets, essayists, illustrators, historians, memoirists, and more. These include Sara Baume, Jung Chang, Jonathan Coe, Paddy Donnelly, Elaine Feeney, Karl Henry, Ashley Hickson‑Lovence, Anton Hur, Charlie Mackesy, Charlotte McConaghy, Dearbhla Mescal, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Laureate for Irish Fiction Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, Miriam O’Callaghan, Louise O’Neill, Katriona O’Sullivan, Ian Rankin, Jessica Traynor, Sarah Webb, Djamel White, Nussaibah Younis, and many others.
All events for children and young people are free of charge, offering families an opportunity to explore books, storytelling, and creativity together with writers such as Sarah Bowie, Paddy Donnelly & Sarah Webb.
Festival Director Eimear O’Herlihy says that the schedule includes everything from three-day writing workshops to masterclasses, readings by international and Irish authors with a good mix of Cork talent, and an increased focus on translated literature. “Our events for children and young people are all free of charge and I hope that young people and families will take this opportunity to join the fun and discover a love of reading,” she says. “We can’t wait to see you all in Bantry.”
The festival runs from July 10-17 and while Friends priority booking and general booking for workshops opens on April 7, the general booking for all other events open on April 14.
Explore the full programme on www.westcorkmusic.ie/LFProgramme
