Crime lit fest returns to Spike
A highly anticipated festival celebrating the world of crime writing will return to its thrillingly unique setting in Cork next month.
Back for its second run, the Spike Island Literary Festival takes place from 18-20 August and follows on from the resounding success of its inaugural event last year.
Dedicated to the theme of crime writing, this year’s festival invites literary enthusiasts and writers alike to come and experience Cork’s famous prison island and its dark history spanning over 400 years.
The festival gets underway on 18 August with a performance joint by well-known Cork writer Cónal Creedon and celebrated singer-songwriter John Spillane.
Later on, Leeside author Michelle Dunne will lead a series of panel discussions, where some of Ireland and the UK's foremost thriller writers will reveal their writing methods, inspirations, and the process of developing unforgettable characters.
Visitors to the island will also have the chance to enjoy open-air readings and performances in unique locations throughout the 3 day event.
Aspiring authors will also have the chance to submit the first 3 chapters of their next work in advance and receive invaluable feedback and advice from industry insiders.
Festival organiser and author Michelle Dunne said: “The second Spike Island Literary Festival will have something for everyone. We have so many international best-selling authors coming to let us in on their writing secrets and meet their fellow crime fiction fans.
“In addition to household names, we'll also be introducing readers to a new wave of breakout talent, like Alice Bell. Budding authors will have the rare opportunity to meet with a world class literary agent to discuss their work and there will be free pop-up readings to be enjoyed by anyone visiting the island.”
Visitors will also be treated to a short, guided tour upon arrival, offering insights into the darker tales from Spike Island's past.
Dunne continued: “We had a lot of visitors last year who told us that they don't normally attend book events, but loved it, nonetheless. This isn't ‘just’ a book event. It's a fantastic day out for all the family. Come and enjoy it!"
The 2023 Spike Island Literary Festival line up includes Alice Bell, Sam Blake, Amanda Cassidy, Tadhg Coakley, Cónal Creedon, Amy Cronin, Catherine Ryan Howard, Arlene Hunt, Catherine Kirwin, Andrea Mara, Michelle McDonagh, and Kitty Murphy.
Tickets are available now and are on sale at spikeislandcork.ie/spike-island-literary-festival-2023.