Louth Library Service launches new literary festival, ‘Lit Lú’

Louth Library Service has announced the launch of its inaugural literary festival, Lit Lú, which takes place from Thursday, 25th to Saturday, 27th September. 

This new event, funded and supported by Creative Ireland through Louth County Council's Arts Office, will bring a  programme of literary discussions, panels, and conversations to all five library branches across the county.

The Lit Lú festival celebrates the thriving reading culture in County Louth, where 18 book clubs are currently supported by the Library Service and nearly 180,000 items were borrowed last year. Lit Lú aims to build on this engagement by promoting reading for well-being and showcasing the diversity of voices in Irish literature. 

Amanda Branigan, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to welcome writers of such high calibre to Louth to take part in this inaugural literary festival. Reading and literacy development are at the heart of Louth Library Service, and we are a free community space for everyone to use and enjoy, with no barriers to access. I would encourage everyone to come along to one or all of our events!”

Among the festival’s highlights is an opening night event at Dundalk Library featuring Róisín O’Donnell, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Nesting, in conversation with Belinda McKeon, acclaimed author of Solace and Tender. 

On Friday, Ardee Library hosts a Memoir Writing panel with Mary Rose Callaghan, Phyl Herbert, and Liz McManus, whose combined experience spans fiction, theatre, politics, and biography. 

That evening, Drogheda Library presents a Screenwriting panel with Nicola Cassidy, Darren Thornton, Barry McEvoy, and Phil Harrison, offering insights into storytelling for stage and screen.

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Saturday’s events include a crime fiction conversation between Claire Coughlan and Florence Gillan in Carlingford Library, followed by a Food Writing panel at Dunleer Library featuring Kristin Jensen, Blanca Valencia, and Tara Walker. These sessions promise lively discussion and inspiration for readers and writers alike.

All Lit Lú events are free, but booking is essential. To reserve a place, email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie or contact the relevant library branch. 

The festival will be followed by two Lit Lú Fringe events in December in Dundalk and Drogheda, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with evenings of music and talks.

Lit Lu Highlights

Thursday 25th September Dundalk Library - 7pm Róisín O’Donnell in conversation with Belinda McKeon

Friday 26th September Ardee Library - 3pm Memoir Writing panel discussion with Mary Rose Callaghan, Phyl Herbert and Liz McManus 

Drogheda Library - 7pm Screen Writing panel discussion with Nicola Cassidy, Phil Harrison, Darren Thornton and Barry McEvoy

Saturday 27th September Carlingford Library - 3pm Claire Coughlan in conversation with Florence Gillan 

Dunleer Library - 7pm Food Writing panel discussion with Kristin Jensen, Blanca Valencia and Tara Walker