IE Upcoming

Wild Atlantic Words Festival

Name: Wild Atlantic Words Festival
Start: 2026-10-06
End: 2026-10-11
Location: Castlebar

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival is an annual literary event held in Castlebar, Ireland. Running from October 6 to 11, 2026, the eleventh edition features a series of book launches, poetry readings, and discussions on contemporary issues. All festival events are free to attend and are primarily hosted in a dedicated venue known as the Festival Dome.

Date: Oct 6-11, 2026
Location: Castlebar
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Launches of new books detailing Mayo GAA's championship history
Discussions on AI, ecology, and climate change
Antique books fair and 'A Poem and a Pint' sessions
Appearances by writers including Liz Nugent and Colin Barrett

The 2026 festival highlights include the launch of two books focused on Mayo GAA's historic All-Ireland success: "Never Stop Dreaming" by Anthony Hennigan and Edwin McGreal, and "Keeping the Faith" by John Gunnigan. The program also explores diverse topics such as the influence of artificial intelligence with Mark Little, ecology with Chris and Lynda Huxley, and maritime experiences with Mark Mellett.

Additional scheduled activities include an antique books fair, a short story competition introduced by Colin Barrett, and the popular "A Poem and a Pint" sessions. Literary enthusiasts can also attend conversations with authors like Liz Nugent and Alice Kinsella. Most events take place in the Dome located behind Bridge Street Bar, providing a central hub for the week's literary celebrations.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.