With the rise in popularity of book clubs in Ireland it is no surprise that this festival, first held in 2007, was an instant hit and grows in stature each year.
This is very much a festival for readers of books, unlike other literary events which tend to be about the writer. It’s a very sociable event with book club members and readers from all over Ireland and overseas getting together to talk about and celebrate the books they love.
Events take place in several venues around the town but the Ennis Bookshop and Clare County Library is the focus for many of them and there are many events! Author readings, discussions, workshops and walking tours are annual fixtures.
There are also chocolate tastings (because a chocolate accompaniment improves almost every book!), events in Irish and plenty of advice on running book clubs and compiling reading lists,.
The list of books spoken about, launched, critiqued and read is broad and eclectic, including not just fiction but also poetry, food, travel and memoir writing. Certainly anyone attending will leave with plenty of ideas for book club reading in the year ahead.
However the great joy of this weekend is not just in the organised events, but in the opportunity for those who love books to meet with, socialise and talk to those with similar interests.
Date and details for 2024 subject to confirmation.
