The much-anticipated 2025 Frances Browne Literary Festival kicks off from October 9th to 12th, bringing four days of inspiring talks, schools’ workshops, performances, and community events to the Twin Towns.

One of the most anticipated events this year is the appearance of Ireland’s beloved storyteller Michael Harding, making history as the first member of Aosdána to perform at the festival. On Sunday at 7pm, in the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, the celebrated writer will engage in a compelling “In Conversation” with poet and author Dr Dubhán Ó Longáin.

The festival begins on Thursday, October 9th, at 3pm, with a free launch event at Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar. Featuring the talented author Helen Nicholl and mesmerising musical performances by Geneviève Galarneau, the launch promises an afternoon of celebration and storytelling.

“We are delighted to welcome everyone to this year’s festival, where stories and voices in our three national languages, Irish, English and Ulster-Scots, come together to celebrate our rich literary heritage. Join us for inspiring talks, vibrant performances, and a shared love of books and storytelling. There is something for everyone,” said Celine McGlynn, Chairperson of the Frances Browne Literary Festival Committee

She also thanked Donegal County Council for its ongoing support and funding of the festival.

This year’s festival has a packed programme designed to delight both literature enthusiasts and newcomers. On Thursday evening, at 7pm in Ballybofey’s Balor Arts Centre, tickets are just €10 for fascinating talks connecting local sites and classic literature. Discover from Donnan Harvey, founder of The Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival in Letterkenny, the lesser-known links between Letterkenny and two very different writers, Jane Austen and Brendan Behan. Also explore the literary ties between John Steinbeck, Ulster and Ireland with the founder of the Steinbeck Festival, Douglas Bartlett. These talks, from our sister festivals, supported by International Fund for Ireland and Connecting Communities, Coasts, Hills and Glens, promise insights that will surprise and inspire.

Letters

On Friday, September 10th, from 11am, Professor Thomas McLean, also a special guest at last year’s festival, hosts a workshop at the Parish Centre, Stranorlar, titled “Lives from Letters.” Learn how to unlock the secrets of historical correspondence for your research and creative projects — a perfect session for writers, historians, or anyone interested in the stories contained within old letters. Lunch is included, and tickets are just €15.

Also on Friday we welcome Rhona Trench, ATU Sligo, leading an immersive creative writing workshop designed to reawaken your voice and craft. Rhona's workshop 'The Victorian Verse of Frances Browne' takes place over two sessions - the first on Friday at 3pm with a follow on session on Saturday at 11am. We welcome participants to share the output of their creativity in a unique performance at the Frances Browne Lecture later on Saturday.

Later that afternoon, at 2pm at Twin Towns Library, the festival celebrates the launch of “Seeing Beyond Sight,” an anthology edited by Isla McGuckin, featuring voices of blind and vision-impaired writers from across Ireland. Supported by Donegal County Library Service and Creative Ireland, this collection shines a light on resilience and creativity beyond vision, inspiring all.

Also on Friday learn circus skills with Fidget Feet, a fun experience for all the family. Suitable for adults and children at the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey on Fri: 10th at 6pm

Poetry

Friday night at 7:30pm, Kee’s Hotel hosts what has become the heartbeat of the festival, the Frances Browne Poetry Competition Awards. Celebrate talented poets in English, Irish, and Ulster Scots, with a keynote address by Professor Thomas McLean on Frances Browne’s life as poet and storyteller. It’s an evening to celebrate the craft of poetry and the music and mystery of our trilingual heritage. On Saturday at 3pm and 5pm and Sunday at 1pm and 3.30pm, the excitement continues with breath-taking outdoor performances by Fidget Feet, Ireland’s premier aerial dance company. Frances Browne’s “The Tale of Merrymind,” adapted by Dr Shirley Anne Godfrey will lift audiences with mesmerising acrobatics in the open air at St Columba’s College, Stranorlar. Family tickets are just €15 for a group of four, and €5 individual.

Workshops

Saturday morning 10am - 2pm, features a creative writing masterclass at The Parish Centre, Stranorlar, led by poet Dubhán Ó Longáin and journalist and author Alan Millar, designed for writers of all skill levels in Ulster Scots, Irish and English.

Also on Saturday morning at 10am in the Parish Centre, Prof Thomas McLean leads a Wikipedia workshop focused on creating a new page for "Granny’s Wonderful Chair." Later, from 3pm at Twin Towns Library, hear authors Helen Nicholl, Angeline King, and Alan Millar with Chair Dubhán Ó Longáin, discuss publishing and self publishing and how they’ve made a living in the world of words.

Saturday evening’s highlight is the Frances Browne Lecture by Dr. Shirley-Anne Godfrey, exploring the life and legacy of our beloved local poet and storyteller. And for those eager to explore Stranorlar, Cathal McHugh leads the “Frances Browne’s Stranorlar” walking tour on Sunday at 1.30pm, uncovering the places and recalling the people that helped shape Browne’s life.

Conversations

For a taste of our rich cultural heritage, join Comeen’s Michaél Ó Dochartaigh at the Pop-up Gaeltacht event in Gallen’s Bar on Sunday at 3pm — all welcome to practice your cúpla focail in a warm, friendly setting.

The Frances Browne Literary Festival is funded and supported by Donegal Co Co, Creative Ireland, Wild Atlantic Way, The Arts Council, International Fund for Ireland, Connecting Communities - Coasts, Hills and Glens and also supported by Edel Mac Bride Knitwear Designer and Karen Murphy Speech, Drama, & Communications, B&S Credit Union.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader or simply looking for an enriching experience, the Frances Browne Literary Festival is the perfect autumn event.

For tickets and info, call (074) 913 1665 or visit www.FrancesBrowneLiteraryFestival.com. Don’t miss this annual celebration of language, creativity and fun.