We’re excited to share a first look at some of the wonderful events planned for the 20th annual Ennis Book Club Festival, taking place March 6th–8th 2026.
Events can be booked individually but as a special treat this festive season, we’re offering a 10% discount when you book five or more events in a single purchase.
Tickets are now on sale and this exclusive offer ends December 31st.
Why not treat yourself—or the book lover in your life—to a gift of great stories and brilliant conversations.
The full festival programme will be revealed in January, but here’s your chance to secure tickets for some exceptional events in advance!
2026 Early Bird events
• Anne Enright in conversation with Niamh Campbell
We are delighted to welcome Anne Enright for a wide-ranging discussion on her writing life and latest work.
• Sophie White & Elaine Feeney with Declan Hughes
Two of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary writers explore the mystery and magic behind their newest books.
• Hugo Hamilton talks to Éilís Ní Dhuibhne
Join us for a conversation on truth, illusion, memory, and the intricate storytelling at the heart of Hamilton’s celebrated work.
• Ten Books You Should Read
A festival favourite. Bryan Dobson and Cecelia Ahern share their top reading recommendations with Ciana Campbell. This 2026 session promises to be a cracker.
• Love and Change - new LBGTQ+ writing
A vibrant panel with Chloe Michelle Howarth, Nicola Dinan & Seán Hewitt in conversation with Una Mullally celebrating distinctive narratives and the power of representation in contemporary writing.
• Debut Authors
We’re thrilled to welcome Claire Gleeson, Elaine Garvey and Shane Tivenan, who will discuss their first novels with Eoin Devereux.
• Historical Fiction
Sarah Waters, Andrew Miller and Nuala O’Connor join historian Juliana Adelman will allow us to step inside the minds of those who have shaped the world we live in.
• Remembering Nell McCafferty
Rosita Sweetman, Muire McCallion and Ailbhe Smyth pay tribute to Nell McCafferty—one of Ireland’s most remarkable journalists and campaigners—in this very special Saturday event.
Mark your calendars—these events will sell quickly
We can’t wait to welcome you to Ennis in March as we come together to celebrate great writers, fantastic conversations, and the joy of reading.
Tickets are available online* via our website and by phone from glór box office, which is contactable on 065 6843103 and is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday
Tickets can also be booked at https://ebcf.ticketsolve.com/
*Please note that the discount will be applied at checkout after tickets for the 5 or more selected events have been added and you proceed to purchase. Booking fees apply.
The Ennis Book Club Festival aims to promote and celebrate reading. Each year, readers both from Ireland and further afield, come to Ennis to share the joy of reading. Our audiences include avid readers, those who haven’t had the time to pick up a book in some years, those with a keen interest in current affairs, those who are simply looking to be inspired.
Background
In 2007 a small group of local volunteers, in association with Clare County Library, identified the need for a new literary and social event to replace the demised Ennis October Arts Festival. Being members of a local Book Club the wish was to create a literary event that focused primarily on readers and book lovers.
