The famous arch on Dublin’s iconic Halfpenny Bridge was bedecked with books to celebrate the launch of this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin. It was breezy on the bridge but new writer Melatu Uche Okorie and I enjoyed the view. Melatu, who was in direct provision, has just published her first book- which I am dying to read. Later that night, it was great to be back in one of my favourite haunts, for the official  launch for the International Literature Festival Dublin which was held upstairs in the lovely new Bewleys.  My good friend Sarah Webb has organised all the brilliant Family and Children’s events.

The Festival runs from 19^th to 27^th May 2018 with a huge programme of events with both Irish and International writers at a number of venues across the city.

I am doing three events at the festival – Bold Girls- A big panel discussing the women who influenced and inspired us which is on Thursday 24^th May in Smock Alley.

On Sunday 27^th May I am very excited as I will be leading a very special tour of Coming Home- the Great Hunger Art Exhibition which is on in The Coach House in Dublin Castle at 1.pm.  Places are limited and will book out very quickly.

Then at 3.pm,on Sunday 27^th May  I am in the Gothic Room of Dublin Castle showing some of my favourite images from the art in the Great Hunger Exhibition and talking about how they relate to ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’  and help us to understand and  tell the story of the Great Irish Famine . I am hoping that lots of readers will come along for these very special events.