Kilmore-more-more!

I’ve just returned from the wonderful Write by the Sea Festival in Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford — and what a phenomenal weekend it was!

This year marked the festival’s 10th anniversary, and the programme was nothing short of stellar: a line-up of authors and poets to suit every taste and style.

I arrived on Friday evening in time for Claire Keegan in conversation with the fantastic Enda Wyley, a perfect way to kick things off.

A quick snap of Claire Keegan and Enda Wyley

Saturday began with David Butler’s seminar on the three-act structure — sharp, insightful, and delivered with wit. A real highlight for me. The rest of the day was a blur of impossible choices, as so many great events overlapped. I was lucky enough to catch Garrett Carr with Jan Carson, Mary O’Donnell and Claire Hennessy with Tanya Farrell, and later Declan O’Rourke alongside Paula Meehan.

A really special moment was hearing Wendy Erskine read my dear friend Jay McKenzie’s winning story Flaunt.

Flaunt is a touching, poignant, and witty story, and Wendy brought it to life in her own magical way, leaving the audience breathless.

A special high point was Joseph O’Connor speaking with Liz O’Connor about his trilogy on Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty — a talk made unforgettable by the accompaniment of a choir. (If this sounds like name-dropping, it is! And that’s only scratching the surface — the full line-up can be found here).

In between events, I had the chance to meet Derek and Joanne of The Waxed Lemon and Stephen Brophy of The Four Faced Liar — all of them generous, welcoming people. Saturday evening brought a surreal pub moment, sitting across from the ineffable Wendy Erskine and the astounding Róisín O’Donnell, wondering how on earth I’d ended up there.

It was such a rich and rewarding time to be able to meet and chat with other writers, all at different stages of their writing journey. And each and every one of them were so friendly and engaging, it felt like family.

Sunday was no quieter: a brilliant discussion with debut novelists Patrick Holloway and June O’Sullivan, both as warm in person as they are talented on the page. That was followed by a spellbinding pairing: Donal Ryan with Wendy Erskine — two writers I, like so many others, deeply admire.

June and Patrick with David Butler

I had to leave early to get back to my two girls, meaning I sadly missed John Banville and Marian Keyes — but by then my cup was already overflowing.

The whole weekend was a whirl of inspiration, conversation, and sheer joy. The organisers couldn’t have been more welcoming, the atmosphere was buzzing, and Kilmore Quay itself is breathtaking — small, close-knit, and full of beauty.

I’m already itching for next year.