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Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival

Name: Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival
Start: 2026-10-01
End: 2026-10-04
Location: Newcastle West

The Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival is a four-day literary and cultural event held in Newcastle West, Ireland, from October 1 to October 4, 2026. The festival opens with an EU-themed parade and a gala concert, and includes author readings, notably by Donal Ryan, and a food-culture event exploring bread's significance in Irish and German traditions.

Date: Oct 1-4, 2026
Location: Newcastle West
Status: Upcoming

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IE Upcoming

Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival

Date: Oct 1-4, 2026
Location: Newcastle West

Literary Festival Literature Poetry

Event summary

Highlights

EU-themed parade
Gala Opening Concert combining Irish and German music/poetry
Author reading by Donal Ryan
Food-culture event on bread in Irish and German life

The Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival is set to take place in Newcastle West, Ireland, from Thursday, October 1, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. This literary festival is part of the broader Cultúr 2026 programme, celebrating Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, October 1, with an EU-themed parade, followed by a Gala Opening Concert. This concert will showcase a blend of German classical and modern music with Irish song and poetry, featuring a chamber string orchestra, author Hugo Hamilton, and the Broadford Youth Choir. Activities continue on Saturday, October 3, with a reading by the Jean Monnet Prize-winning author Donal Ryan. The festival concludes on Sunday, October 4, with a food-culture event dedicated to exploring the place of bread in Irish and German life.

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.