Drumshanbo Written Word Festival 2026

  • Date: 21 August 2026 – 22 August 2026
  • Location: Methodist Church Community Hall, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
  • Type: Literary Event
  • Learn More: View Event Website

2026 FESTIVAL
Friday and Saturday August 21st & 22nd
At the New Methodist Church, Carrick Road, Drumshanbo
Tickets at door

Check the event website for a full list of events.

History of the group

The Drumshanbo Written Word Festival is an annual event that celebrates literature and writing in the small town of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. Started in 2009, the festival features a variety of events, including author readings, panel discussions, workshops, poet /film screenings and awards, childrens’ story contest, open mics and book launches. 

A few words about us

The festival aims to bring together both established and emerging writers, as well as readers and literary enthusiasts, to share their passion for the written word. The festival is an great opportunity to explore the rich literary heritage and to discover new voices in contemporary literature within Leitrim and throughout the country. We would like to acknowledge in this 2026 event the passing of one Leitrim’s finest poets, Mary Guickin. At our 2023 festival we dedicated time celebrate someone we referred to as “The First Lady of Leitrim Poetry”. Mary had a life of words. She saw what most dismissed and praised the slightest sweetness. Her work reminds of the child’s mind while farming and the young woman’s dreams over fields of rock and bog sunshine. She was an absolute delightful.  Light of Heaven to her.