Writing the latest chapter in Waterford

Waterford Writers Weekend, which runs from Mar 21-24, is a relative newcomer among literary festivals.

However, as it enters its third year, it is starting to gain traction: This year’s programme promises a mix of readings from local and nationally known authors, workshops with writers and publishers, as well as debates and discussions.

Keynote speakers include Kate Kerrigan, who will discuss her Ellis Island trilogy of novels, and Jimmy Magee, who will muse over his long and illustrious career in the world of sports. Other contributors include Tarquin Blake, author and photographer of Abandoned Mansions of Ireland, and Debbie Deegan, who has written about her charity with a book of the same name, To Russia with Love, which has helped more than 5,000 Russian orphans.