The Festival of Writing & Ideas is to take place from 7-9 June in Boris House & Village, Co. Carlow.

Line-up: Carl Bernstein, Nicole Flattery (pictured), Christina Lamb, LOAH, Donal Ryan, Ed Vulliamy, James Shapiro, Julian Barnes, Kit De Waal, Lara Marlowe, Lemn Sissay, Mary Cregan, Niall MacMonagle, Oliver Bullough, Philippa Perry,  Shane O'Mara, Sophie Gorman and many more.

Taking place over three days in June, the Festival of Writing and Ideas is more than a bit special. The carefully curated lineup features poets, novelists, film-makers and musicians. But this focus on the arts is inter-woven with the musings of political commentators, those who have experienced the extraordinary, those who want to inspire change in the world and many more intriguing guests. Set at the foot of Backstairs Mountain, with the River Barrow meandering by, this festival will pique your curiosity and immerse you in captivating discussions, airing topics from the meaning behind some of Pink Floyd's lyrics to the latest research in neuroscience.

Hot Press Picks: Young Irish author Nicole Flattery's brilliant and hugely original short stories offer a fascinating glimpse into lives shrouded in mystery. We'd love to hear her read.

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