Want to relax with a good book? In its new Twitter series, Summer Reading Picks, academics and staff at University College Cork share their must-reads and what’s next on their lists.

One of Ireland’s busiest writers, Sinéad Gleeson’s book about bodies is a fascinating collection of essays about a life hit by serious illness. She spoke to Sue Leonard.

Reggae royalty, Ireland’s most famous comedy actress and Cork’s first ever Proms concerts are just a few of the attractions at this year’s Cork Midsummer Festival.

William Wall in conversation with Alannah Hopkin; 6.30pm, today, Nano Nagle Place (€5)

Graham Norton may be the BBC’s third-highest earning presenter, but the welcome he received in Bantry for the West Cork Literary Festival proved that locals still consider him their number one.

Today is World Poetry Day, so Jonathan deBurca Butler asked a number of people to select their favourite work

Kerrie O’Brien, reading at the Winter Warmers event in Cork this weekend, has also put together a book in aid of the homeless, writes Eoghan O’Sullivan

I think I would be a good mother. I just don’t want to be one. Maybe I’ll change my mind. (You don’t know. People change. You might change your mind.)

Celebrating the art and the craft of writing annually in Ireland’s oldest city, the Waterford Writer’s Weekend kicks off this week.

TRY THIS

Lisa McInerney has rattled the cage with her debut novel, The Glorious Heresies, an authentic portrayal of Cork City’s underclass, says Sue Leonard.

Dublin Writers Festival hit the right note with an engaging programme, says Orlagh Ní Arrachtain.

One of Britain’s most famous comedians (or his alter ego, Johnny Vegas, that is) will be in conversation with the comedy actress and writer Pauline McLynn as part of the Dublin Writers Festival next week.

Sinead Gleeson talks to the author about how his debut Birdsong enabled his career. His latest shows his love of writing and experimentation undimmed

SATURDAY