Writers enjoy a festival brimming with material

THE second Bray Literary Festival took place last weekend, in various venues around the town.

Writers and lovers of books enjoyed readings, interviews, workshops, discussions and music throughout the event, founded by Tanya Farrelly and David Butler.

One of the highlights was the appearance of Booker Prize winning author Anne Enright. She gave a great interview about her work to David Butler at the Mermaid on Friday night.

Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there were many other magic moments.

There were professional development talks for writers, and a mix of Ireland’s rising and established voices in poetry, fiction, memoir and music.

Some of the contributors included the young writers of the Glencree Fighting Words group; Sean O’Reilly; Jan Carson, Catherine Dunne and Neil Hegarty.

There was a seminar on crime writing, and another on ‘Northern Voices’, with Maureen Boyle, Ruth Carr, Medbh McGuckin and Maria McManus.

James Joyce wasn’t forgotten, with song in the childhood home of the Irish genius at Martello Terrace, while those wishing to learn availed of workshops about starting to write, drama, short stories, and more.

David Butler and Tanya Farrelly enjoying the music as Aidan Coleman plays at the musical soiree at James Joyce’s childhood home at Martello Terrace.

Deirdre Fitzgerald, Michael O’Reilly (editor) and Carmen Cullen launching the new Bray Arts Journal.

Conor Bowman reading from his work, ‘Horace Winter Says Goodbye’, at the literary salon in the Harbour Bar.