Travel guru to tell Congo tales

ONE of the world’s best-loved travel writers, Redmond O’Hanlon, is guest speaker at the Immrama Literary Breakfast taking place next Sunday in Lismore, Co Waterford.

Described by Bill Bryson as “probably the finest writer of travel books in the English language”, Redmond O’Hanlon will speak about his travels, with particular reference to his book Congo Journey, first published in 1996.

An account of a six-month trip through the rainforest of the Northern Congo Basin, this book details how he enters the unmapped swamp forests of the Republic of the Congo in search of a dinosaur rumoured to have survived in a remote prehistoric lake.

But as he was repeatedly warned, the night belongs to Africa, and threats both natural (cobras, crocodiles, lethal insects) and supernatural (from all-powerful sorcerers to Samale, a three-clawed beast) make this a saga of fear.

Mr O’Hanlon’s presentation is the concluding literary event at this year’s Immrama Festival of Travel Writing taking place from Thursday to Sunday, June 12-15.

Africa —– People and Travel is the theme for 2008 and international specialist authors and journalists will speak on this topic during the weekend. They include photojournalist Guillaume Bonn who will show and discuss his images of Africa; Journalist of the Year and author Christina Lamb; Tim Butcher who is author of Blood River and BBC news anchor and specialist on Africa George Alagiah.

Waterford county librarian Donald Brady will give a talk on the Lismore Papers. This talk will outline the extent, history, location and accessibility of the Lismore Papers.

Mr Brady will focus on a number of themes to illustrate how the papers are an invaluable resource for the study of 16th and 17th century Irish history.

Author and creative writer Orflaith Ní Chonaill, will give this year’s creative writing workshop and Kerry writer Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé will host a Caint agus Comhrá session during the weekend.

The Millennium Park is the place to be on Sunday when Loudest Whisper — celebrating 40 years in entertainment — will provide the music for the afternoon.

They will be joined by a troupe of African Dancers and Drummers, the Galway Circus Project and the Wobbly Circus.

All of this entertainment is free of charge.

Full details on all events including tickets from 058 53803/058/54975 or on the website www.lismoreimmrama.com.