2023 festival Weekend events
Haven Horizons – Light on the Horizon
Light on the Horizon is the inspiring story of two women, Colette Reddington and Mary Fitzgerald who said no to domestic abuse and of an entire Clare community that walked
Meeting Eavan Boland – Her Life and Legacy
A celebration of the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most gifted and influential poets. It will feature poets Nessa O’Mahony, John O’Donnell and Annemarie Ní Churreáin in conversation
Seán O’Driscoll discusses his book on Rose Dugdale – Heiress, Rebel, Vigilante, Bomber
Martina Durac, Artistic Director of EBCF, will be in conversation with Clare author Sean O’Driscoll about his book on Rose Dugdale. Born into a wealthy family, she was part of
Festival Weekend opening
Join us in the gorgeous setting of glór foyer to celebrate the opening of our 17th festival. The perfect opportunity to meet friends old and new and plan your weekend
Emerging Writers Aingeala Flannery, Megan Nolan, Luke Cassidy in conversation with Pat Carty
It has been a bountiful time for Irish fiction lately. The level of accomplishment, insight and emotional sophistication in books being published is to be celebrated. The festival is delighted
Jane Casey, Catherine Ryan Howard, Håkan Nesser & Liz Nugent in conversation with Declan Hughes discuss crime fiction
Crime fiction is one of the most popular genres of writing today. Whether it be through exploring horrifying murders, sly psychological mazes, eccentric detectives or damaging family secrets, this fiction
Walking Tour of Ennis with Jane O’Brien
Join Jane O’Brien on her award-winning walking tour of Ennis. Praised by the Lonely Planet as the best way to appreciate the town! Venue: Meet at glór Tickets: €10 BOOK TICKETS
Books and Buns Quiz
Enjoy a Saturday morning book club gathering and test your knowledge of all things literary in our beloved Books and Buns session. Refreshments included, setting you up for a busy
Kit de Waal discusses her memoir ‘Without Warning & Only Sometimes’
EBCF is delighted to welcome Kit de Waal back to Ennis to explore her new book, Without Warning & Only Sometimes, which takes the form of a memoir in vignettes,
Ten Books You Should Read
Festival favourite Ten Books You Should Read returns to glór. Róisín Ingle and Manchán Magan join us for a deep dive into a list of their most recommended books. Designed
Clare Writers event with Aoibhín Garrihy & Marc O’Riain
In what promises to be a lyrical event, Marc Ó’Riain (The Last of the Light) andAoibhín Garrihy (Every Day is a Fresh Beginning) will share poetry and stories about landscape
Beyond Borders Book Club
The Beyond Borders Book Club is a celebration of great literature from countries beyond Ireland, recommended by guests who have connections to the places discussed in these writings, and which
Clare Youth Theatre
Clare Youth Theatre’s performances at the EBCF are an annual treat: they will present selections from literature and dramatise them in their own inimitable way. Clare Youth Theatre, under the
Nan Hogan, her life in Cumann na mBan among women of the Irish Revolution
Nan Hogan was a leading member of Cumann na mBan, the paramilitary organisation for women which played a decisive role in the Irish war of Independence. Nan was a crucial
Clouded Reveries (Aisling Trí Néallaibh)
A documentary about local poet and novelist Doireann Ní Ghríofa. This film by director Ciara Nic Chormaic is a beautifully shot and intimate portrayal of Doireann’s life and creative development.Doireann
Northern Irish Writing Flourishing – Lucy Caldwell, Olivia Fitzsimons and Michelle Gallen in conversation with Neil Hegarty
Northern Irish fiction is thriving in the variety of form and genre of work being published now: crime writing, speculative fiction, memoir, historical fiction and writing for young people. Of
Saturday night author interview – Tessa Hadley
Described by the Washington Post as “one of the greatest stylists alive”, Tessa Hadley has published eight novels and three collections of short stories. Beloved of writers such as Hilary
Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland
In this event we will explore some of the reflections on empathy contained within the book Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland along with two of the contributors, in a
Sunday Symposium – Environment, Ecology and Climate Change: Where to now?
The challenges facing our world are immense. With carbon emissions still rising, evidence of climate change growing and extreme weather events forcing people to leave their homes for an uncertain
Literary Lunch
An annual highlight of the festival, this year the literary lunch on Sunday will feature Donal Ryan talking about his writing life and times and the influences that colour his