One County, One Book ; Challenges in an Emerging Ireland

Authors Garrett Carr (The Boy from the Sea) and Neil Tully (The Visit) will partake in some lively conversation about their work with arts journalist Helena Mulkerns.

Kicking off in the early sixties in Killybegs and New Ross respectively, in one novel the sea reigns over all; in the other, it’s the land. Both communities have much in common as they face the challenges posed by new technologies swiftly changing their way of living and working.

Those who fight the changes may get left behind, while those who run with them will eventually take Ireland into modernity. We encounter those who make up the backbone of each town, and learn, through two of the principal characters, about the reactions to ‘otherness’ in a close-knit community, where acceptance of the divergent is often rare.

With wit, compassion and an overall mastery of telling their story, each author brings us into a fascinating world. To start the evening's programme, we are delighted to be joined by singer, musician and songwriter Méav, who will be accompanied by a full band.