Rolling Sun Festival

06/09/2026

Rolling Sun Book Festival 2026 begins with a night of music, laughter and unforgettable stories!

Join us on Thursday, 15th October at Westport Town Hall Theatre for Songs & Stories – a brilliant evening where music meets storytelling in the very best way.

Featuring Fiachna Ó Braonáin (founding member of Hothouse Flowers), Tom Dunne (Something Happens) and Alan Connor, expect an entertaining mix of iconic songs, behind-the-scenes tales, plenty of laughs and the kind of stories that only years on the road can produce.

Whether you're a music lover, a book fan or simply looking for a fantastic night out, this is the perfect way to kick off four days of festival magic.

✨ Funny. Inspiring. Heartwarming. Full of great music and even better stories.

🎟️ This is one opening night you won't want to miss. Book now and be part of the opening celebration of Rolling Sun Book Festival 2026! https://westporttownhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873690440
Video Credit RTE

03/09/2026

🎉📚 The countdown is on! Rolling Sun Book Festival 2026 is back!

We're thrilled to announce that the Rolling Sun Book Festival returns to Westport from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th October 2026 – and we can't wait to welcome you for another unforgettable weekend of books, music, stories and conversation!

✨ Our Opening Event is now on sale at Westport Town Hall Theatre!
https://westporttownhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873690440

Join Fiachna Ó Braonáin (founding member of Hothouse Flowers), Tom Dunne (lead singer of Something Happens) and Alan Connor (pianist with The Late Late Show house band and long-time member of Sharon Shannon's band) for a truly special evening of "Songs & Stories"

Together, this unique trio will share songs and stories from Hothouse Flowers and Something Happens, along with a selection of their all-time favourite music in what promises to be a magical opening night.

We're also delighted to confirm appearances from an outstanding line-up of guests over the weekend, including:
📖 Paul Howard
📖 Mark Little
📖 David Robert Grimes
📖 Áine Kerr
📖 Celia Holman Lee
📖 Bairbre Power
📖 Edel Coffey
📖 Neil Tully

…and there's plenty more to come!

Keep an eye on our social channels and website over the coming weeks as we put the finishing touches to our exciting programme, announce additional guests and reveal festival venues.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Westport this October for four inspiring days celebrating books, ideas, music and great conversations.

🎟️ Book now and be part of the opening night – it's going to be something special!

Destination Westport The Connaught Telegraph

26/07/2026

03/06/2026

📚 LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING! 📚
Don’t miss our newly launched literary event in collaboration with Rolling Sun Festival.
📍 The Clew Bay Hotel
📅 Friday, June 5
🕓 4:00 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)
Admission: €15
💳 Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Join us for an engaging afternoon celebrating literature, storytelling, and conversation. Secure your place while tickets are still available!

25/05/2026

The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival is nearly here! It celebrates its 20th anniversary, with an exciting new addition to this year’s programme in association with the Rolling Sun Book Festival.
Inspired by the Rolling Sun Book Festival’s engaging panel discussion format, the festival will host its first-ever literary event on Friday, June 5th at 4:00 PM at the The Clew Bay
Hotel. Admission is €15, with tickets now available via the festival’s official website.

The discussion will be moderated by Nashville-based music writer Nancy Posey, who will lead a conversation with three distinguished authors whose work explores the history and cultural reach of bluegrass music.
Featured panellists include:
🎼 Kristina R. Gaddy, author of Well of Souls, which traces the banjo’s journey from
Africa to the United States, and Go Back and Fetch It, an exploration of how
traditional songs travelled and evolved into American old-time standards.
🪕 Pete Ward, whose book Bluegrass and Religion offers a comprehensive examination
of the deep connections between bluegrass music and religious traditions.
📀 Lee Bidgood, author of Czech Bluegrass, which explores the unique relationship
between Czech musicians, culture, and bluegrass music.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an informal meet-and-greet with the speakers. Books by all featured authors will be available for purchase at the event.
This special literary gathering marks an exciting expansion of the festival’s programme,
offering audiences a deeper insight into the stories, history, and global influence of bluegrass. Be sure to book your tickets.
Irish Times Culture Mayo Arts Office Mayo County Library The Connaught Telegraph The Mayo News Destination Westport

19/05/2026

The Grace OMalley Festival takes place this weekend in Westport & Achill with lots of events over 3 days! The Clew Bay Hotel is hosting 2 talks "Who was Grace O'Malley" by Ann Chambers, Grace's renowned biographer & "What did Grace OMalley look like" with Seam Corcoran, festival Artist in residence.
tickets are €10
Check out https://circus250.com/

12/04/2026

As the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, organisers are
delighted to announce an exciting new addition to this year’s programme in association with
the Rolling Sun Book Festival.

Inspired by the Rolling Sun Book Festival’s engaging panel discussion format, the festival
will host its first-ever literary event on Friday, June 5th at 4:00 PM at the The Clew Bay
Hotel. Admission is €15, with tickets now available via the festival’s official website.

The discussion will be moderated by Nashville-based music writer Nancy Posey, who will
lead a conversation with three distinguished authors whose work explores the history and
cultural reach of bluegrass music.
Featured panellists include:
🎼 Kristina R. Gaddy, author of Well of Souls, which traces the banjo’s journey from
Africa to the United States, and Go Back and Fetch It, an exploration of how
traditional songs travelled and evolved into American old-time standards.
🪕 Pete Ward, whose book Bluegrass and Religion offers a comprehensive examination
of the deep connections between bluegrass music and religious traditions.
📀 Lee Bidgood, author of Czech Bluegrass, which explores the unique relationship
between Czech musicians, culture, and bluegrass music.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an
informal meet-and-greet with the speakers. Books by all featured authors will be available for
purchase at the event.
This special literary gathering marks an exciting expansion of the festival’s programme,
offering audiences a deeper insight into the stories, history, and global influence of bluegrass