Photos / LCC : Tanya Sweeney will be in conversation with Sinéad Brassil at Drogheda Library as part of Lit Lú 2026.
Lit Lú 2026 will return later this month with a week-long programme of free literary events taking place in libraries across County Louth.
The festival runs from Wednesday, 23rd September to Tuesday, 29th September, bringing authors, journalists, broadcasters and storytellers to library branches in Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee, Dunleer and Carlingford.
All events are free, but advance booking is essential.
The programme follows the festival’s successful debut in 2025 and will once again focus on reading, writing, conversation and ideas.
Writers coming to Louth
The 2026 programme includes a broad mix of fiction and non-fiction.
Among those appearing are Jason Corcoran, author of Leaving Russia: How Putin Forced a Nation’s Future to Flee; Edie May Hand, author of Dirt Pickers; Clara Kumagai, author of Catfish Rolling; and Clíodhna O’Sullivan, author of Her Hidden Fire.
Also taking part are Nicola Pierce, author of Great Irish Wives; Tanya Sweeney, author of Esther is Now Following You; broadcaster Sinéad Brassil; Belinda McKeon, author of Solace and Tender; Ciara O’Connor, author of The Skidderwolves; and writer, journalist and conservationist Hilary White.
The programme will span fiction, non-fiction and young adult writing, with events designed to give readers a chance to hear directly from the people behind the books.
Strong reading culture across Louth
Louth County Council says the festival builds on a strong reading culture across the county.
The Library Service currently supports more than a dozen book clubs and recorded more than 415,000 book loans across its network last year, according to the Council.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue said Lit Lú highlights the role of libraries as both cultural and community spaces.
“Lit Lú celebrates the vibrant reading culture that exists across Louth and highlights the important role our libraries play as welcoming community and creative spaces.
“Reading offers lifelong benefits for learning, wellbeing and connection, and Lit Lú provides an opportunity for people to discover new authors, share ideas and engage with literature in an accessible and enjoyable way. I encourage everyone to explore the programme and book their place at these free events.”
Building on last year’s festival
The first Lit Lú festival took place in September 2025 and brought literary discussions, panels and conversations to all five library branches across the county.
Amanda Branigan, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, said the response to that first programme helped shape this year’s return.
“Stories often begin in libraries. Lit Lú offers readers the opportunity to hear directly from the voices behind the stories, bringing together local talent and nationally acclaimed authors for a unique celebration of literature.
“Building on the tremendous response to last year’s festival, we are able to present another exciting programme that invites people to explore new ideas, discover new books, engage with writers from across Ireland, and be inspired.”
Lit Lú is presented by Louth County Council and supported by Creative Ireland.
The full programme and booking information are available through Louth County Council Library Service
