Graignamanagh's Town of Books Festival set to mark huge milestone anniversary this year

The picturesque town of Graignamanagh is set to celebrate a momentous occasion this year - the 21^st anniversary of the Town of Books Festival.

Taking place from August 23-25, on the banks of the River Barrow, the festival has been a literary haven for book lovers and a cultural highlight for locals and visitors alike. Last year, the festival committee were delighted to welcome visitors from all over the world including Seattle, Washington DC, South Africa, Finland, Texas, Scotland and England.

At the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains, the Town of Books sees over 25 independent booksellers work with the community and local businesses to turn the town into a living, breathing book emporium.
The committee is excited for the Plein Air artists to come back in 2024. The practice of en plein air painting became popular thanks to the impressionists, who liked to capture nature directly by completing their paintings outside. Last year, the town saw its largest gathering of artists ever, who spent the day painting scenes of Graig'. At the end of the day, the artists displayed their work in an exhibition for the public to enjoy.

Every available space in the picture-postcard town is turned into a bookshop for the event. It has drawn big names and renowned collectors to the Kilkenny town down through the years, is now a nationally-recognised festival.

Beginning as a small experimental event in 2003, it has burgeoned into an annual celebration where literature takes centre stage and the town itself transforms into a bibliophile’s paradise. Every nook of Graignamanagh bustles with the fervor of book-enthusiasts. Former shops, once dormant, teem with life as they are reborn as temporary book emporia. 

The festival features many event readings and workshops for young and old, music galore, along with crafts and entertainment. The size of the town is a major reason why the festival works so well. You can walk it in a few minutes, or a few hours depending on how much time you have and how much time you would like to spend browsing. Entire families can walk from one end of the town to the other in comfort and in safety and peruse the books and activities on offer at the various hubs around the town

So many booksellers and bibliophiles return year after year - indeed, it has become an annual catch-up for people from right around Ireland (and further afield) who haven’t seen each other all year, and are keen to have the chat, exchange stories and indulge in a bit of whimsy and nostalgia.

Graig’ has really come into its own in recent years, with the addition of a new parking area for recreational vehicle. It is frequently at capacity in the busy summer months. It is is also a hub for watersports, and the Barrow Towpath means it’s possible to walk or cycle right along the river as far as St Mullin’s.

This year's programme will include the very popular food and craft market at the Abbey Hall, music, poetry readings, face painting, the outdoor cinema and much more. 

A quick breakfast and a walk through, time spent reading and browsing, a bit of lunch, and then maybe a walk along the beautiful River Barrow, or a pint or glass of wine in one of the many fine local hostelries comes highly recommended.
With the likes of the Waterside GuestHouse, the Duiske Inn, and the Graig Gardens with its famous flower-laden facade, to name just a few places, there’s plenty of options for food and drink. 

Follow Town of Books on Instagram and facebook for updates on all events.

www.instagram.com/irelandstownofbooks and 

www.facebook.com/IrelandsBooktown