The Ennis Book Club Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026 and the celebrations will begin ahead of the main event which, next year, will be held from March 6-8.

Early initiatives will involve international participants, new arrivals to Ireland, artists and local book lovers.

Highlights includes the return of The Beyond Borders Book Club. People from abroad who live in Ireland, are invited to share literature from their countries of origin. Applications are now open to people to present books from their country of origin, sharing personal stories and cultural insights through literature. Monthly discussions will begin shortly and culminate in a special live event during the Festival weekend. Applications will be accepted until November 14.

The Festival is holding a Global Book Club Callout,  welcoming book clubs from Ireland and abroad to host a live event in March. This ticketed event will showcase the joy of reading and the power of shared conversation across borders. Applications to be part of this will be accepted until November 30.

A Call for Artists, meanwhile, is seeking original artwork that reflects the Festival’s themes of community, creativity and connection. Submissions are welcome until November 4 and the selected piece will be featured across all promotional materials, and celebrated as part of the anniversary programme.

The Festival’s popular Short Story Competition will offer emerging writers a chance to be published and read at the Festival. The deadline for this has been extended until December 19, and the  judge is acclaimed author Wendy Erskine.

These initiatives reflect the Festival’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion and creative collaboration, and “are part of a wider programme designed to celebrate 20 years of literary joy in Ennis”, according to the event’s Director, Martina Durac.

“They are designed to bring more artists and readers into our orbit, a wonderful chance to see and hear their work represented when we all meet in 2026.”

For more information on any of these initiatives, or to get application forms, people can email info@ennisbookclubfestival.com, or go to www.ennisbookclubfestival.com.

Pictured: Author Wendy Erskine will judge the short story competition for the Ennis Book Club Festival.