About Us
About Ennis Book Club Festival
The Ennis Book Club Festival Aims To Promote And Celebrate Reading
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If you have any queries in the interim, please contact us at info@ennisbookclubfestival.comÂ
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,
BrÃd Hayes | Festival Administrator
BrÃd Hayes | Festival Administrator
BrÃd 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 joined the committee in 2025. She is a member of several book clubs and has a lifelong love of reading. Before retiring, she was Head of the Discipline of Radiation Therapy at Trinity College Dublin.
Mary manages the Ennis Book Club Festival volunteer team, whose members play a vital role in the smooth running of the festival weekend.
Mary manages the Ennis Book Club Festival volunteer team, whose members play a vital role in the smooth running of the festival weekend.
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.
Priscilla Dinan
Priscilla Dinan | Fundraising and Sponsorship
Priscilla joined the committee in 2026. She is a HR specialist with extensive experience partnering with and supporting multiple law firms.
She has also contributed to various local and national publications as a lifestyle columnist, arts and culture reviewer and fiction writer.
A native of Ennis, she is an avid reader and is looking forward to connecting with the Book Club Festival community in real life and online.
She has also contributed to various local and national publications as a lifestyle columnist, arts and culture reviewer and fiction writer.
A native of Ennis, she is an avid reader and is looking forward to connecting with the Book Club Festival community in real life and online.
Board Members
Ciana Campbell, Bridget Ginnity, Cora Gunter, Angela Connaughton, Emily O’Dwyer and Niall Williams
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 > FÃona 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