Irish Examiner view: Food for the brain

Graham Norton will be one of the well-known and much-loved faces at this year's West Cork Literary Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane

West Cork Literary Festival, which commenced yesterday, is one of the gems of the Irish cultural year and an example of how something mighty can grow from a standing start.

Since its inception in 1997, it has expanded into an eclectic and satisfying mix of international and Irish writers, workshops, masterclasses, and the hugely popular readings.