Big names venture into the Hinterland
Award-winning broadcaster Kirsty Wark, will reflect on a career spanning frontline reporting, political interviews and three decades on BBC’s Newsnight, as well as her recent move into fiction, when visits Kells as a special guest at Hinterland Festival of Literature and Arts kicking off this Thursday.
More than 70 events to take place in various Kells venues from 25th–28th June for a four-day festival of author interviews, history talks, live performances, creative workshops and family events.
Now in its 14th year, the festival will present more than 70 events across multiple venues, including the newly opened Kells Printing Works, offering audiences a diverse programme spanning literature, history, journalism, film, comedy and music.
This year’s programme features a strong line-up of Irish and international contributors, with highlights including:
Actor and presenter Larry Lamb, best known for Gavin & Stacey, who shares stories, poems and personal reflections drawn from across his life and career.
Bestselling author Liz Nugent, who returns to Hinterland with her new novel The Truth About Ruby Cooper, offering insights into her creative process and the characters that shape her work.
Katriona O’Sullivan, whose new memoir Hungry explores trauma, survival, identity and the lifelong search for self-acceptance.
Doireann Ní Ghríofa, presenting her highly anticipated new novel Said the Dead, a work that breaks the boundaries between worlds, past and present, imagined and real.
Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght, who discuss their latest novel Our Deadly Summer, a story of friendship, young women and the secrets that bind them.
If that's not enough to whet your appetite, well there's Room to Improve. Dermot Bannon made his first TV appearance on ITV’s Blind Date more than thirty years ago. Since his RTÉ career began on Room To Improve in 2007 he’s become one of the country’s most influential architects. Dermot will be in conversation with fellow architect Robert Miles.
So, what else is on...
The festival’s history strand, Hindsight@Hinterland, will this year focus on America250, marking 250 years of United States history. Across two days, the programme will examine themes ranging from the Vietnam War and organised crime to the sexual revolution of the 1960s, MAGA, and the experiences of African, Native and Irish Americans.
Highlights include American journalist and author Robbyn Swan, who examines how conspiracy narratives emerging from the Vietnam War continue to shape contemporary U.S. politics, and Professor Glen Gendzel of San José State University, who explores the cultural and social upheavals of 1960s America.
Historian Dr Liam McNiffe will revisit the life of Alexander Hamilton, separating historical fact from popular myth.
The Hinterland TypeTrail, led by local artist Mark Smith, is an annual walking trail and exhibition celebrating typography, calligraphy and lettering as a modern art form. It returns in 2026 under the theme ‘Process’, exploring the thinking, experimentation and craftsmanship behind creative work.
The festival will once again conclude with the popular Lit Crawl on Sunday evening, showcasing local writing, theatre, comedy and music in venues across the town.
This year’s festival also introduces new elements, including events at the recently developed Kells Printing Works, which will host talks, tours, readings and hands-on printing workshops throughout the weekend.
In advance of the festival, two artist-led plein air painting workshops will take place at Killyconny Bog, offering participants an opportunity to engage with this “living” bog, one of Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation.
A festival for all ages...
A cornerstone of Hinterland’s programme is its dedicated children’s strand, making it the only literature festival in Ireland to offer an extensive programme specifically for children and families. Events include author readings, storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, arts and crafts activities, and a town-wide treasure hunt, with programming designed for children of all ages, from early years to teenagers.
“We’re delighted to share this year’s programme, which reflects both the breadth and depth of what Hinterland has become,” said festival director Geraldine Gaughran. “From major international voices to the best of Irish authors and local talent, and from history and current affairs to fiction, music and visual art, the festival continues to create space for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
“What is particularly important to us is that Hinterland remains a festival for everyone. Whether you’re coming to hear a favourite author, explore new ideas, or take part in our children’s events, we hope audiences of all ages will find something that resonates with them and draws them into the life of the festival.”
The Hinterland Festival supported by Meath County Council runs from Thursday, 25th to Sunday, 28th June 2026 in Kells.