IE Ongoing

Words by Water Literary Festival

Name: Words by Water Literary Festival
Start: 2026-10-01
End: 2026-10-04
Location: Kinsale

Words by Water is a non-profit literary festival held annually in Kinsale, Ireland. Now in its ninth year, the event brings together a diverse lineup of acclaimed Irish and international writers, poets, and journalists for a multi-day celebration of literature and storytelling.

Date: Oct 1-4, 2026
Location: Kinsale
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

Appearance by novelist Irvine Welsh
Participation of journalist and broadcaster Vincent Browne
Ninth anniversary edition of the festival
Mix of international and Irish writers and poets

The festival takes place from October 1 to October 4, 2026, across various settings in the coastal town of Kinsale. It is designed to promote excellence in contemporary writing while ensuring literature remains accessible to both the local community and wider audiences. The 2026 edition marks nearly a decade of the event's operation as a key cultural fixture in the region.

The upcoming program features a mix of high-profile authors and emerging voices. Notable guests scheduled to appear include Trainspotting novelist Irvine Welsh, veteran journalist Vincent Browne, and author Lara Marlowe. The festival typically includes a variety of readings, interviews, and discussions featuring poets and journalists from Ireland and abroad.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Kinsale; www.irishexaminer.com
Area for browsing nearby events: Kinsale

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.