Themes of memory and hidden histories, urgent witness and contemporary politics, and the enduring role of the writer as chronicler and challenger of given narratives will be explored in a weekend of readings, discussions and debates. The festival will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of John McGahern’s controversial novel The Dark with a public reading by actor Barry Ward and a talk on legacies of censorship and new challenges to artistic expression by Fintan O’Toole.

Colum McCann will discuss his brilliant 2020 book Apeirogon which considers loss, grief and forgiveness in Israel and Palestine, and read from his most recent novel Twist, described as ‘a propulsive novel of rupture and repair in the digital age'. Colum is regarded as one of the foremost Irish novelists of his generation; his other novels include Let the Great World Spin, Dancer and TransAtlantic.

Cultural historian and critic Clair Wills will read from and discuss her family memoir Missing Persons: or My Grandmother’s Secrets, winner of the non-fiction Book of the Year at the 2024 Irish Book Awards. Described as ‘part memoir, part national history’, Missing Persons is an essential account of a period of post-independence Irish life and history that has too long been overlooked and simplified. Wills is the regius professor of English Literature at the University of Cambridge and her other books include Lovers and Strangers: An Immigrant History of Post-War Britain.

The shadowy life story and rich legacy of the poet James Clarence Mangan has inspired contemporary writing and music, not least that of Shane MacGowan. Writer Bridget Hourican was moved to write her fine book Finding Mangan: The Lives and Afterlives of Ireland’s National Poet on the strength of a conversation with MacGowan during a late night lock-in at a Dublin pub. She will read from the book and discuss Mangan’s enduring power; while Máirtín O’Connor, accompanied by Cathal Hayden, will play a little of the music inspired by Mangan’s work – and more.

The ongoing tragedy and impasse in Gaza will be at the heart of readings and a discussion with Palestinian political economist, writer and playwright Ahmed Najar, who has had to endure witnessing the deaths of close family members from exile in London; journalist Fintan Drury, whose book Catastrophe: Nakba II considers the history of Palestinian displacement and oppression and the rise of groups like Hamas; and former Guardian Jerusalem Correspondent Bethan McKernan, whose writing from Israel and Palestine shone a light on humanity and horror.

Exciting young writers Naoise Dolan (who has a strong family connection to Leitrim) and Garrett Carr from Donegal will read from their novels of urban and rural life, while Galway-based writer Nuala O’Connor will read from her work in both Irish and English.

The challenges around afforestation, sustainability and climate change will be considered by Eoghan Daltun, author of Author of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest. Distinguished author and Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole will consider issues of modern censorship ‘in light of the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of John McGahern’s novel The Dark, while actor Barry Ward, star of That They May Face the Rising Sun and Jimmy’s Hall will read from The Dark and talk about his work and his Leitrim connections.

The winner of the annual John McGahern Award for new writing will be announced over the weekend; and on Sunday afternoon poets Moya Roddy and Pete Mulllineaux will join a gathering of musicians and writers in Skerry Rynn’s bar in Ballinaglera as part of the Iron Mountain Session at the Ballinaglera Traditional Music Weekend.