Waterford Writer's Weekend returns with a packed programme for readers and writers

Waterford Writer's Weekend will return later this month with a diverse programme of readings, workshops, film, music and family-friendly events taking place across Waterford city and Dungarvan. 

Running from Thursday, October 22, to Sunday, October 25, the annual festival will bring together established and emerging writers while offering readers, aspiring authors, and literary enthusiasts opportunities to engage with a range of events over four days. 

Organised by the Arts and Library Service of Waterford City and County Council, this year's festival features events for all ages and interests, with organisers placing a strong emphasis on accessibility through a series of low-cost and free activities. 

Arts Officer and festival curator Margaret Organ described the 2026 line-up as one of the strongest yet. 

"Yet again we have a stunning programme for readers and writers over the four days of the festival," she said.

"All of our events are low cost or no cost. We are pleased to offer the schools and young people's programme completely free of charge."

She said places remain available for several events, including 'About Grief – Songs of Love', with poet Lani O’Hanlon and original music by Fergal O’Connor on Thursday, October 22, in Dungarvan, and 'Words Get Naughty / Éiríonn Focail Gránna', a free family event on Saturday, which will explore a new bilingual children's book. 

Waterford's SpeakEasy Poetry and Open Mic has organised a very special event for Writers Weekend on Friday, October 23, when internationally acclaimed poet Nick Laird will be in conversation with West Waterford poet Molly Twomey. 

The event takes place at 8pm in Phil Grimes Pub.

Molly will be talking to Nick Laird about his poetry collections, including his upcoming collection from Faber, Beast Mode. 

From Northern Ireland, Nick is the author of six poetry collections, and has also written a novel called Modern Gods and a children's book series with his wife, the novelist Zadie Smith.

Laird has won many prestigious awards, including The Betty Trask Prize, The Rooney Prize and the Somerset Maugham Award. Music fans will be interested to learn that he was recently a guest at the wedding of Taylor Swift to the American footballer Travis Kelce.

Music on the night will come from Wexford singer-songwriter Ian Doyle, also known as The Man Who. Ian has performed at the So Say So open mic in Wexford and at the First Fortnight open mic in Dublin, so is no stranger to literary events. The popular Speakeasy open mic session will also take place, giving local writers an opportunity to share their work.

Another highlight of the Writers Weekend programme will be the Waterford premiere of Swinging June, a new short film written by Waterford playwright and theatre-maker Katie Honan. 

The screening will take place in Garter Lane Theatre on Sunday, October 25, and will be followed by a discussion with Honan about the creative process behind the film and her experiences writing for screen. 

The 13-minute film follows June, a determined woman in her eighties who hopes to dance at her granddaughter's First Communion while navigating the physical challenges of growing older. 

The story explores themes of dance, friendship and health, while highlighting the positive impact movement can have for people living with Parkinson's disease. 

The film stars acclaimed actress Billie Traynor, Irish Times Theatre Award winner Sarah Morris and introduces young Waterford actor Faye Walsh. 

Honan, who studied at The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art, is well known to local audiences. 

Her debut play, How To Fall Flat On Your Face, premiered at Garter Lane before transferring to Dublin's Project Arts Centre, while her latest work, The Far Away Sun, recently debuted as part of Dublin Fringe Festival 2026.

In addition to readings and discussions, the festival will feature writing workshops covering a variety of genres and styles. Organisers say many of these events are already attracting strong interest.

Full programme details and booking information is available through Waterfordarts.com.