Friday 6th to Sunday 8th March 2026

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About Us

About Ennis Book Club Festival

The Ennis Book Club Festival Aims To Promote And Celebrate Reading

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Each year, readers both from Ireland and further afield, come to Ennis to share the joy of reading. Our audiences include avid readers, those who haven’t had the time to pick up a book in some years, those with a keen interest in current affairs, those who are simply looking to be inspired…Our aim is to meet each of their different expectations!

About Us

The Ennis Book Club Festival aims to promote and celebrate reading. Each year, readers both from Ireland and further afield, come to Ennis to share the joy of reading. Our audiences include avid readers, those who haven’t had the time to pick up a book in some years, those with a keen interest in current affairs, those who are simply looking to be inspired …… Our aim is to meet each of their different expectations!

Since Its Inception, The Festival Has Attracted A Host Of National And International Writers And Speakers.

These have included: John Banville, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, Blake Morrison, Edna O’Brien, Joseph O’Connor and Martin Sixsmith. Newer writers such as Colin Barrett, Sara Baume, Donal Ryan, Lisa McInerney and Henrietta McKervey have also proved very popular. The contribution of local writers and artists has also been a strong feature of the Festival each year.
Not only does the Festival include author readings and discussions however, it has offered a diversity of events each year, including debates on topical affairs, workshops, poetry readings, theatre, music, bookclub quizes and walking tours through the historic streets of Ennis.
WHO WE ARE

Organising Team

The Organising Team for the Festival is made up of a group of volunteers, supported by a professional artistic director. Our wish is to create a Festival that we ourselves would like to go to, where we can combine our passion for reading with a great weekend away. The Organising Committee is ably assisted each year by many Festival helpers, without whom the Festival would not happen.

Niamh O'Donovan | Chairperson

Niamh O'Donovan | Chairperson

Niamh is a Children’s Librarian and Right to Read Coordinator with Clare Libraries. Niamh joined the Committee in 2022. In addition to her Chairperson role is responsible for the Beyond Borders Book Club.

Martina Durac | Artistic Director

Martina Durac | Artistic Director

Martina joined EBCF as Artistic Director in 2022. She is dedicated to bringing diverse and inspiring voices to the festival. Martina is a documentary filmmaker, curator, designer and lecturer and was also the series producer on a long-running weekly books programme on RTÉ. Her creative vision is to ensure that the festival programme is thought-provoking and reflects the literary world’s rich tapestry.

Angela Connaughton | Treasurer

Angela Connaughton | Treasurer

Angela joined the committee as Treasurer in 2020. With a background in accountancy and law, she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. A committed book club member for over 20 years, Angela also manages the Ennis Book Club Festival team of volunteers, who play a vital part in the smooth running of the festival weekend.

Bríd Hayes | Festival Administrator

Bríd Hayes | Festival Administrator

Bríd is EBCF Festival Administrator and works tirelessly to create a seamless experience for contributors and attendees alike, managing everything from budgets to funding, sponsorship, and Festival logistics.

Mary Coffey

Mary Coffey

Mary, who has a professional background in radiotherapy education and risk management, joined the committee in 2025. A passionate reader, Mary has been a member of four book clubs over the past 30+ years. A long-time attendee of the Festival, she is looking forward to now contributing to its future.

Louise Eccles | Social Media & Marketing

Louise Eccles | Social Media & Marketing

Louise joined the Committee in 2024. Louise is a student of English Literature and History at the University of Limerick. Louise’s love of literature as well as her natural aptitude for social media make her an invaluable addition to the team.

Denise Maher

Denise Maher

Denise joined the organising committee in 2025 and has a background in media, with a particular focus on Irish-language productions. A lifelong book lover—thanks to her mother’s work in Pearse Street Library in Dublin—she is passionate about literature and libraries, proudly holding memberships in seven county libraries across Ireland.

Board Members

Ciana Campbell, Bridget Ginnity, Cora Gunter, Michael Conneely, Dani Gill & Angela Connaughton.

Former Committee Members

The reputation of the Ennis Book Club Festival has been built up over a long number of years by a range of different people who have given freely of their time and dedication to ensure the success of the Festival. Former Organising Committee members include:
> Emily O’Dwyer >> Patricia Callaly > Ciana Campbell > Michael Connelly > Aidan Courtney > Fíona De Buitléir > Mary Donnelly > Bridget Ginnity > Cora Gunter > Mary Henchy > Mary Kenneally > Ann Knox > Ita Lawton > Nollag MacNamara > Cathy McDermott > Ruth McDonnell > Catherine O’Brien > Emer O’Connell > Frances O’Gorman > Catherine O’Hara > Paula Sheils > Helen Walsh