Graiguenamanagh has officially become the Irish city of books again.
The annual offering has been in motion since 2003 and sees many returning every year, bringing a welcome economic boost to the region.
Officially launched on Thursday evening, vendor stalls in stores began to open from midday on Friday with talent from local firm Cushendale Woolen Mills’ studio too available for all to see.
Also last night, local author and poet Christine Anne Foley spoke at the library about her recent book deal while Barrow Activities Hub hosted a free outdoor screening of Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Song of the Sea.
As well as this Dr Patrick Morrissey from New South Wales gave a talk on his book ‘Australians of the Great Irish Famine – One Clan’s Story’ – earlier in the week he joined our Sue Nunn in the studio for The Way It Is:
A busy schedule of events continues to unfold throughout the weekend:
Saturday
❖ Bookstores open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
❖ Cushendale Woolen Mills Open Studio 10.30am-5.30pm
❖ Graiguemanagh Abbey Market 10.30am-5pm: craft stalls, gifts, food and decorations
❖ 11 a.m.: Audrey Dowling at the Graiguenamanagh library. Audrey is renowned for her stunning illustrations which can be seen in the picture books ‘The Croke Park Mice’ which she will read and ‘Reindeer Down’. Free lemonade and cookies
❖ Heritage walks in Graiguenamanagh. This tour starts outside Duiske Abbey at 2pm and ends at 2.40pm
❖ 4:00 PM: At the Barrow Valley Activity Center: Fun costume contest where you can play as your favorite character from Wind in the Willows or a character from your favorite book.
Sunday
❖ Bookstores open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
❖ Graignamanagh Abbey Market 10.30am-5pm: stalls selling handicrafts, gifts, food and decorations
❖ 9am to 11am: Calling all artists, novices and professionals to participate in our Plein Air Art event at the Boat Slip on the Quay. An exhibition will take place from 4pm on the banks of the majestic River Barrow. All works will be made available to the public to enjoy and purchase from the artists. Prize giving at 5 p.m.
❖ Heritage walks in Graiguenamanagh. This tour starts outside the medieval Duiske Abbey on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m.
❖ 3:00 p.m. Outdoor Activity Center: Eanna Ní Lamhna will explore the natural wonders of the Barrow River and its tributary, the Duiske River,
❖ 4:30 p.m.: Author and poet Christine Foley will launch her new Barrow-inspired poem outside the Waterside Restaurant. She will be joined by members of Poetry by the Barrow who will also recite some of their poems. Prosecco will be available to celebrate the accomplishment of the talented local poet.
These people told KCLR News that they come back time and time again because this is a special event in an equally special setting:
