Wild & Wondrous Things at Bookville Festival 2026
Bookville, a Kilkenny festival of books for families and children, celebrates its ninth year in 2026 with events from the 1st to the 8th October. Taking place in libraries across the county Bookville promises a fabulous programme of free events for primary school children and the general public. This year, Bookville will embrace the theme of ‘Wild & Wondrous Things’ celebrating and exploring the wild and wondrous world we live in, inviting young and old alike to discover, question, reflect, and reconnect with the environment we share.
The Bookville Festival once again features the hugely popular activity book, which will be delivered to over 12,500 primary school children around Kilkenny county. Over the seven festival days there will be 60 workshops given by 31 children’s authors, illustrators, artists, musicians and entertainers, covering creative writing, comedy, music, illustration, Gaeilge, storytelling and poetry. There will also be a Bookville exhibition and a comedy and show suitable for the whole family.
County Librarian, Josephine Coyne said, “Bookville continues to bring new surprises every year. In this, it’s ninth year, we will be welcoming families on board our story telling train which will tour the streets of Kilkenny City and we will be showcasing our brand new library in Thomastown with a family show by an award winning comedian.
The varied programme ensures a wide reach and engagement with more children, schools and families than ever before. The library service is delighted to be a part of this festival, inspiring local children to be involved in the world of books.”
With a focus on nature and the environment, the Bookville festival will feature many well-known children’s authors and illustrators, such as Paddy Donnelly, Eve McDonnell, Patricia Forde (former Children’s Laureate), Chris Judge, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Richie Conroy (as Gaeilge). Bookville is always proud to support our local talent and this year the programme includes workshops by Blaise Butler, Tom Duffy, Sheila Jordan, TADA! theatre and film school, the National Reptile Zoo, Music Generation and the Acorn Project.
Bookville is delighted to present Signals, an exhibition at the Mayfair library from 1st to 20th October. The exhibition will be self-guided for the general public, with schools required to pre-book their visits. According to Kilkenny Assistant Arts Officer Kathy Conlan, “Signals encourages us to listen more closely to the rhythms of the Atlantic Ocean and the stories it tells, inviting audiences of all ages to listen, observe and connect with the powerful natural forces that surround us. This beautiful exhibition brings us on a journey of exploration, presenting a new way to see the sea and an opportunity to reconnect with the largest part of Ireland – the Atlantic Ocean."
Bookings for all workshops will open at 10am on Wednesday 9th September and pre-booking is essential. Places are limited, so early booking is advised. For full details of all things Bookville go to www.bookvillekilkenny.com and follow us on social media.
The Bookville Festival is a collaboration by the Kilkenny Arts Office and Kilkenny County Council Library Service and supported by Creative Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland. The books featured are available from local Kilkenny libraries, Khans Books and the Kilkenny Book Centre.
