Armagh City Library welcomes two literary events with the John Hewitt Society

Readers and literature lovers are invited to enjoy two free events at Armagh City Library this July as Libraries NI and the John Hewitt Society celebrate established and emerging voices in Irish writing.

Taking place over two consecutive days, the events bring together award-winning authors, new literary talent and readers for an engaging programme of conversation and book launches inspired by the work of the John Hewitt Society and its International Summer School.

The programme begins on Tuesday 28 July at 5:00pm with an evening featuring Irish author Louise Nealon in conversation with poet and John Hewitt Society Projects Manager Niamh McNally. The event celebrates the publication of Louise's second novel, Everything That is Beautiful. Louise, from County Kildare, received widespread acclaim for her debut novel Snowflake, which won Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and was selected as the One Dublin One Book choice for 2024. Her work has also been translated into more than a dozen languages.

On Wednesday 29 July at 3:00pm, the spotlight turns to emerging writers Bernie McQuillan and Eric Greaves as they launch their debut novels, The Lobster Pot and Covenants. Both authors are former recipients of John Hewitt International Summer School bursaries and return to Armagh to celebrate the publication of their first novels. Bernie's debut is a Donegal literary mystery, while Eric's writing first gained recognition through the Summer School's literary publications.

Everyone is welcome to attend both free events. Readers will have the opportunity to meet established and emerging authors, hear the stories behind their books and celebrate contemporary Irish writing alongside the John Hewitt Society.

For further information, contact Armagh City Library on 028 3752 4072 or email armagh.library@librariesni.org.uk.