The four-day festival has a packed programme of poetry, music, film, and debate.
Newcastle West is once again preparing to celebrate the life and work of native poet Michael Hartnett with the annual Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary and Arts Festival.
Running from Thursday, October 3, to Sunday, October 6, the four-day event promises a vibrant mix of poetry, music, debate, and humour, honouring one of Irish poetry's most original and independent voices.
Hartnett, whose independent voice and mastery as a translator of Irish language poetry made him one of Ireland's most original literary figures, continues to be celebrated in the place that so profoundly shaped his poetry.
The headline music act is Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Glen Hansard, who is scheduled to perform a sell-out gig at the Longcourt House Hotel on Saturday, October 4.
Munster and Ireland rugby player Keith Earls will be in conversation with author and sports journalist Tommy Conlon on Sunday afternoon, October 5, discussing his life and career.
Author and journalist Justine McCarthy will deliver the Hartnett Memorial Lecture, offering her unique perspective on world affairs.
Poet and author Theo Dorgan returns to the festival to mark the 50th anniversary of Hartnett’s iconic 'Farewell to English' at a special event in Springfield Castle. Opening night honours go to one of Ireland’s best-loved living poets, Paula Meehan.
Other celebrated poets reading during the weekend include Dean Browne, Natalya O’Flaherty, Robyn Rowland, and Maire Saaritsa, who will join authors like Roisin Maguire.
The festival will kick off with a lively street parade as Drum Dance Ireland takes to the streets with young and old, drums, and lights.
The festival will screen 'Blue Road', a film about Edna O’Brien, host a Poetry Slam and a Poetry Trail, and feature a ceramics exhibition, 'Alchemy', by The Painted Pot collective in the Red Door Gallery
Many events across the four days are free to attend
Full programme details and booking information are available here.
