Sunday June 1st
Book Launch: Godfrey Coppinger – What Comes to Mind
What Comes to Mind is a collection of Stories, Poems, and Drawings inspired by prompts from USA born and Listowel based writer and illustrator Godfrey Coppinger.
“These are stories of love, of sorrow; serious poems, silly stories; fairy tales and haunted houses. As for drawing they usually come from my dreams, my everyday life and Inktober. So, here you have it – seven years of my favourite stories, poems and drawings. I hope you enjoy them.”
Kerry Writers’ Museum at 11 am
This is a free event. No booking required.
Fintan Drury – Catastrophe: Nakba II
In Catastrophe, Fintan Drury offers an unflinching exploration of Israel’s genocidal campaign and is a call to understand the unique suffering of the Palestinians.
He argues that the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 was the inevitable result of almost eight decades of violent oppression of indigenous Palestinians.
Former journalist, Fintan Drury volunteered in a refugee camp in Athens in 2016 and is chair of SARI (Sport Against Racism Ireland) In conversation with Mike Lynch.
St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre at 11 am
Daily Debut: Lost Voices & Old Romantics with Jack Fennell and Maggie Armstrong
Join two of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary writers to discuss their recent publications, Old Romantics by Maggie Armstrong and the new addition to the Recovered Voices series, Your Own Dark Shadow, edited by Jack Fennell.
Together they will discuss their creative processes, the importance of literary recovery, and the ways in which Irish storytelling continues to evolve. In conversation with Neil Hegarty.
Listowel Arms Hotel at 12 noon
Lunchtime Theatre: Sive
‘Shout Out Youth Theatre’ are delighted to present John B Keane’s classic masterpiece, Sive.
A young schoolgirl caught in a web of family expectations, greed and bitterness. Forced into an arranged marriage with a much older man resulting in tragic consequences.
Set in 1950’s Ireland , Sive explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition and the quest for freedom.
With John B’s lyrical dialogue and great Irish humour this play is simply not to be missed.
St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre at 12 noon
Francesca Simon Debuts Adult Novel
The captivating world of Francesca Simon MBE, is unveiled to adult readers with her first novel, Salka: Lady of the Lake.
In this exquisite retelling of a haunting myth, the age-old story of a tragic romance is a thought-provoking drama for our times.
Francesca has written over sixty books, including the Horrid Henry series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. In conversation with Niall McMonagle.
Listowel Arms Hotel at 1 pm
Doire Press Presents Jennifer Horgan and Linda McKenna
Jennifer Horgan was awarded a mentorship with Thomas McCarthy in 2023 through the Munster Literature Centre. She was shortlisted for the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Poetry Prize in 2023. Care, is her debut poetry collection.
Linda McKenna won the An Post/Irish Book Awards/Listowel Writers Week Irish Poem of the Year in 2020 for the title poem in her debut poetry collection, In the Museum of Misremembered Things. Four Thousand Keys is her second collection.
Kerry Writers’ Museum at 2.30 pm
Culture vs War. Serhiy Zhadan
This world premiere of the compelling documentary, Culture vs War. Serhiy Zhadan, chronicles the journey of the Ukrainian poet and novelist who has been actively supporting the Ukrainian army as a volunteer since the onset of the war. Join journalist and author Natalya Korniyenko for an insightful conversation about her book, Words and Bullets, a compilation of contemporary Ukrainian writers and journalists who, amidst the realities of war, have taken up arms or volunteered to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In conversation with Robert Carey, NEWKD.
Listowel Arms Hotel at 3 pm
This is a free event. No booking required.
Maureen Beasley Poets’ Corner
A fitting finale to poetry at the festival, dedicated to the memory of Maureen Beasley who initiated this event over 40 years ago. An informal gathering of aspiring, established poets or indeed anyone with a lyrical inclination. Niall Beasley, a grandson of Maureen has generously sponsored a poetry prize, which will be awarded to the best performer at the event.
Kerry Writers’ Museum at 4 pm
This is a free event. No booking required.
Book Launch & Concert: Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich
We close Listowel Literary Festival 2025 with the launch of Clann an tSeanamhuintire, the autobiography of Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich. The book traces his life as a musician, artist, activist, festival organiser, and television presenter, and explores his family roots and the traditions that shaped him. Breanndán will be joined by his son Cormac Begley to perform a concert as part of the event.
St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre at 5 pm
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