The eighth annual Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books’ festival will take place in Graiguenamanagh on September 17 to 19.
This unusual event continues to catch the imagination of the book buying public and once again is expected to bring thousands of people to Graiguenamanagh over that weekend.
Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books is different from other Irish bookfairs. Usually these fairs constitute a row of tables in a hotel ballroom. In Graiguenamanagh the whole town is involved with booksellers taking over whole shops and carrying quite an amount of stock.
The organisers, Graiguenamanagh Tourism, produce a book trail map and visitors to the town can guide themselves into every nook and cranny to find that special book they require. There will be sellers of antiquarian, second hand, new, remainder, children’s, and other specialist subject areas.
The organisers are looking forward to another bumper weekend in Graiguenamanagh, particularly if they get some good weather as in the previous three years.
This is most important as following the good vibes created last year the plan is to once again house many of the booksellers in marquees by the boathouse.
Despite the recession the organisers are delighted to report that the number of booksellers applying to trade for the festival is actually every bit as good as last year, with some booksellers making their first visit to Graiguenamanagh, so there will be plenty of bookshops for people to browse through.
Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books’ is also unique in that it is held over three days and is not just about selling and buying of books. There are several fringe events that give this book fair the atmosphere of a true festival.
Many of the sellers will be offering free book valuations. There will be an excellent country food and craft fair next to Abbey Hall, Graiguenamanagh all day Sunday 19.
There will also be a free jazz session outdoors by the river on Saturday 18. Other events include guided walks on the Barrow Towpath and on Brandon Hill, rowing races on the river Barrow, cookery demonstrations, Graiguenamanagh brass band, face painting, and much, much more.
