Major Irish festival returns to Kilkenny

The 20th edition of the Town of Books Festival, Ireland's first and largest book festival, will take place from August 18 to 20 in Graignamanagh.

The popular local occasion will be launched at 7pm on Thursday, August 17 in Graig Library, when Rachel Doyle from Arboretum Home Garden will be in conversation with celebrity chef Edward Hayden, to discuss her new book, 'My Tree of Life.'

The Eco Showboat will be in the town on August 19 and will offer a wonderful selection of events in support of National Heritage Week and the Town of Books Festival.

Events on the day include: a biodiversity walk at 2.30pm, a discussion on James Joyce's 'Ulysses' at 3.30pm and a performance from folk singers Anna Tanvir and Maninder Singh at 4.30pm, as the pair showcase their talents in many different languages.