skibbereen | Marita Conlon-McKenna

Marita with writer Caragh Bell and Musician Aoibhe Daly. What a joy to be back in West Cork for the Skibbereen Arts Festival. The town is hopping with so many brilliant events that there is something for everyone: Art Exhibitions, film, theatre, and music.On top of that is all the excitement of having Skibbereen’s incredible rowers, from the local rowing club on the River Ilen, competing in the Paris Olympics. The atmosphere is electric…

I had a wonderful time meeting lots of younger readers in the Uilinn Arts Centre. It was great to have so many fans come along to talk about books and stories. Later that evening there was a lovely event in the O Donovan Rossa GAA Hall with writer Caragh Bell and me chatting about my books and how Skibbereen’s own Dr Dan Donovan inspired my book The Hungry Road. Talented musician Aoibhe Daly provided the music singing Grace and then Skibbereen which sent shivers down my back as it was so moving.

The Skibbereen Arts Festival continues until Monday 5^th August 2024.

At The Uilinnn Arts Centre in Skibbereen

Baltimore Harbour in West Cork

I am just back from holidays in my favourite place Baltimore, in West Cork and this year all our family came down. It is such a great place to chill and relax and wind down with lots of lovely places to walk, eat and take in the spectacular wild Atlantic scenery.

I also got to read lots of lovely books including Colm Tobin’s marvellous Long Island, Katriona O’Sullivan’s Poor, and American author Elin Hildebrand’s latest summer read which is said to be her last book Swansong which is set amongst the inhabitants of the island Nantucket and its affluent summer visitors.

However, I cannot believe my luck as I will be back in West Cork again for the Skibbereen Arts Festival at the end of July. There are a huge variety of art, music and film events, with something for all ages and Skibbereen will also celebrate the town’s connections with the Olympics.

I am talking in the Uilinn Arts Centre on Monday 29^th July at 12.00 for children and later at 6.00 pm in O Donovan Rossa GAA Hall with the wonderful Caragh Bell about my passion for history and how Skibbereen’s Doctor Dan Donovan inspired my book The Hungry Road.