Frances Browne Literary Festival celebrates a courageous creative legacy

The Frances Browne Literary Festival is taking place in the Twin Towns from Thursday, October 9 to Sunday, October 12.

Now in its fifth year, this unique festival celebrates the works of the blind poetess, novelist and journalist Frances Browne (1816 to 1879). It also shines a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of the Finn Valley, where English, Irish and Ulster Scots are still spoken today as they were in the time of Frances Browne.

With a packed programme of workshops, talks, classes, competitions and more, there really is something for everyone.

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The Frances Browne Literary Festival gets underway with a launch event in Kee’s Hotel on Thursday, October 9 at 3pm, featuring author Helen Nicholl and music by Genevieve Galarneau.

Highlights throughout the weekend include a street performance by Fidget Feet, Ireland’s premier aerial circus company; an exploration of Donegal’s literary links to authors such as Jane Austen and Brendan; an ‘in conversation’ event with Michael Harding and Dubhán Ó Longáin; and much more. 

A notable feature of this year’s festival is the launch of Seeing Beyond Sight, a project which brings together the voices of blind and visually impaired writers from across Ireland. This takes place on Friday at 2pm in the Twin Towns Library, Stranorlar.

There will be a display of Frances Browne’s books at the library, where a number of further events are taking place. 

The full programme and booking information can be found at www.francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com