Authors, poets and journalists from Ireland and across the globe will take part in this year’s Clifden Arts Festival, which runs from September 13-24.

Beginning the journey on Wednesday, September 13, at 2pm in the Station House Hotel’s Omey Suite, Breandan Ó Scanaill will talk about the unique five-month pilgrimage from Clifden to Santiago de Compostela that he made last year.

At 4pm, author and journalist Jim Carney will discuss his book, Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell: From Childhood Companionship to Gaelic Football Stardom.

There’ll be a poetry reading from Anne Donnellan and Pete Mullineaux on September 14, at 4pm, while novelist Eoin McNamee and poet Rachael Hegarty will read on September 15. Earlier that day, author James Morrissey will discuss his latest book, Real to Reel: Garech Browne & Claddagh Records, about Browne’s outstanding contribution to Irish music.

Sailor and explorer Kevin Cronin’s talk, The Search for Franklin: An Irish Connection, will revisit the 1845 Irish-Canadian Franklin expedition. Thats on September 17.

Professor Rose Anne Kenny will unveil her latest work, Age Proof: The New Science of Enriching Longevity, the same day. Meanwhile Dr Margarita Cappock’s illustrated lecture on Monday, September 18, will explore the early life of artist Francis Bacon and his complex relationship with Ireland. Children’s laureate, Patricia Forde will give a joint reading with poet and filmmaker Luke Morgan later the same day.

The founder of Poetry Ireland, John F. Deane, will give a reading on Tuesday, September 19, along with poet James Harpur, with whom he co-authored the collection, Darkness Between Stars.

On September 21, local historian Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill will explore the final years of Clifden Workhouse, which opened during the Great Famine and was closed by the Free State government in December 1921. There will also be a reading that day from poet Eva Bourke and short story writer, Fergus Cronin.

More information on all events at www.clifdenartsfestival.ie.