Don't Miss it!!
Books, craic, history, music, & fun for the whole family on September 21-23 in the wonderful medieval riverside town of Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny!
One of Ireland's hidden gems, the town is filled with booksellers from all over Ireland & the UK during the festival weekend. This year the theme is 50 Shades of Graig, & in addition to the readings/talks from (non-Graig) Irish authors, there are fabulous walks & tours where you'll enjoy the nature and history of Graiguenamanagh, music from Graig's own Brass Band- the longest running in Ireland!- local food, plants, craft, & books from local authors. Go on, mark the dates in your calendar!
 |
| Get stuck in at Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival |
Graiguenamanagh is the best place in Ireland to pick up a bargain in new and second hand books, antiquarian, childrens and specialist categories. The festival also features several readings for young and old alike, a smashing food and craft fair, music, street entertainment a host of interesting activities.
Graig is the outdoor activity headquarters for southeast Ireland, and is constantly alive with hillwalkers, cyclists, & canoeists, as well as fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Graig is the outdoor activity headquarters for southeast Ireland, and is constantly alive with hillwalkers, cyclists, & canoeists, as well as fishing and boating enthusiasts.
So come on down to the river and take your time to browse the bookshops, walk the Barrow towpath and pop in for afternoon tea or enjoy a wee drink in a local hostelry. Here's the 2012 schedule:
Friday 21st September
Booksellers open 2-6pm
Bridget in Werewolf Rehab: Author Maura Byrne reading & Workshop for 9-12 year olds – Graiguenamanagh LIBRARY 3pm €3
Louise Philips: Crime writer, A reading from her book ‘Red Ribbons’
All welcome –hosted by Graigue Bookclub at Graigue Library 7pm
Saturday 22nd September
Booksellers open 10am to 6pm
Graiguenamanagh Community Garden open day: with willow weaving display & plant sales, 10 –5
A Walk through Silaire Wood: Graiguenamanagh. Meet at the boathouse 10.30am. €3
‘The Backwards Speller’ – Children’s author and backward speller extraordinaire David Donohue, reading and workshop for 7-13 years old at Graiguenamanagh Playgroup 11.30am €3
Graiguenamanagh Brass Band: on the streets of Graigue 11am
Funky Kids Art & Craft workshop and Funky Disco: for 7 to 12 years 2.30pm at Graiguenamanagh Playgroup €3
National Chamber Choir of Ireland in Concert Duiske Abbey: conducted by David Hill and singing sacred music connected with the Autumn Equinox 3pm €15.00(€12.00 concession)
Sunday 23rd September
Booksellers open 10am to 6pm
Artisan Food & Craft fair: Upper Main St. 11am to 5pm
Graiguenamanagh Brass Band: 12 to 1pm Upper main St.
Street Entertainment: with Cory O’Brollochain followed by
Juggling workshop for kids: (workshop €3) 2pm
The 800 year walk: Through the ages since establishment of Duiske Abbey in 1204. Includes fascinating visit to the historic, working, Cushendale Woollen Mills with guidance from current owner of the mill. Walk guided by Graiguenamanagh Historical Society, meet at Duiske Abbey 3pm
Jazz by the river: 3pm at the boathouse with FourSquare Jazz
The Festival Monkey – Mark Graham: creator of the popular Blog ‘A Year of Festivals In Ireland’ gives his version of the fun, culture, & plain old bizzare events he's experienced this year.
Murrays Pub 4.30pm
I'm certainly going to be there! Hope to see you!!
whattoseeinireland
Murrays Pub 4.30pm
I'm certainly going to be there! Hope to see you!!
whattoseeinireland
yes, will get down on either the Saturday or the Sunday, looking forward to it
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Lorna- fingers crossed that we get weather like last weekend! We are usually quite lucky that way, hope holds true this year, too *knocks wood* See you then :-)
DeleteSusan, not really fair going on about the wonderful goings on in the Kilkenny area when some of us are separated by an ocean and responsibilities. With jealousy in full attack mode I'll have to settle on checking out A Year in festivals site and live vicariously through Mr. Graham's and of course your colorful websites. Thanks for the hidden gem.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Brian.
Well, Brian, you won't want to look in a few weeks time when I post about the lovely mini-break we've won at Lisloughrey Lodge in Mayo! (When it rains, it pours!- it has been a great several weeks being able to enjoy such things! Love the prizes & freebie blogger invites to things!! :-) I don't know how Mark managed his 3 festivals a week & his job, too! Since the recession I'm only on a 3 day week- and I'd STILL be wreaked going to all those events; countrywide! He deserves some sort of medal. Must rustle up something to present to him at the Town of Books festival ;-)
Delete