BROADCASTER Miriam O’Callaghan has been confirmed in the impressive line-up for this year’s West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry. The RTE star will talk about her new book ‘Miriam: Life, Work, Everything’ at the summer festival.

West Cork author Louise O’Neill, from Clonakilty, is also among the speakers. The author of ‘Asking for It’ has just published her latest novel ‘Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone?’

The eight-day packed itinerary includes readings, imaginative workshops and free events set to transform the region into a haven for writers and readers as the West Cork Literary Festival returns this summer.

The festival is happening from July 10th until 17th with a diverse programme showcasing emerging and established literary talent.

‘We’ve a jam-packed schedule with everything from three-day writing workshops to masterclasses, readings by international and Irish authors with a good mix of Cork talent, an increased focus on translated literature, a Pop Up Gaeltacht, our annual trip to Whiddy Island, showcases of new and emerging writers plus yoga on the lawn of Bantry House and a sea swim for those who need a little time out,’ said festival director Eimear O’Herlihy.

Among the authors joining the festival this summer are Sara Baume, Jung Chang, Jonathan Coe, Paddy Donnelly, Charlotte McConaghy, Laureate for Irish Fiction Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, Ian Rankin, Djamel White, Nussaibah Younis, and many others.

One event on the topic of translated literature will be the launch of a magazine by West Cork immigrant writing group BlowInk. Visitors can also listen to readings on the loggia at Bantry House or improve their travel writing on a West Cork island.

Festival organisers say they are also committed to nurturing a love of literature among young audiences. 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 and Sarah Webb. Tickets for workshops went on sale on Tuesday (April 7th), with tickets for all other events going on sale from next Tuesday (April 14th). 

The West Cork Literary Festival has been a regular fixture in the region’s arts calendar for more than 25 years. Last year, research showed that West Cork’s three international festivals boost the local economy by €7.67m.

The figures revealed that 15,888 tickets were sold in 2025, and more than 5,570 people attended the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, West Cork Literary Festival, and the Masters of Tradition. At the time CEO of West Cork Music, Francis Humphrys said the research showed that for every euro of public money invested in the festivals, an additional €12.30 in economic impact was generated.

Tickets to see Miriam O’Callaghan are priced at €25 and her talk will take place at the Maritime Hotel on Friday July 10th at 8.30pm. All events for children and young people are free of charge.

For more information about the literary festival programme and tickets visit www.westcorkmusic.ie/LFProgramme