Listowel Writers’ Week in an international acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. The festival was founded in 1970 and has grown to become Ireland’s leading literary festival. The annual event is located in Listowel in North Kerry, the birthplace of many of Ireland’s most prominent writers past and present including Dr. John B Keane, Dr. Bryan Mac Mahon, Professor Brendan Kennelly, George Fitzmaurice, Maurice Walsh, and Robert Leslie Boland. It was established to celebrate these writers and to provide an opportunity for Irish Writers in general to develop their talents and meet new audiences. Today, the event spans 5 days leading up to and including the June bank holiday weekend with a programme of literary events that covers all genres.