Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival – Mayo – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival, founded in 2016, celebrates the literary heritage of Ireland’s west coast, spotlighting both established and emerging writers. Held annually in Castlebar, County Mayo, the festival features readings, recitals, debates, and workshops inspired by the rugged Atlantic landscape. Since its inception, it has grown into a key cultural event, fostering storytelling that connects people and place.

The 2024 festival showcased authors like Sally Rooney and Cormac O’Malley, and the 2025 edition, running 6–12 October, promises a vibrant programme of free events (except Friday, requiring pre-booking). Supported by local authorities and community partners, it emphasizes accessibility and literary discovery along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Event Highlights

• Author Readings: Talks by Irish and international writers, 6–12 October, Festival Dome, free (first-come, first-served).
• Literary Debates: Panel discussions on storytelling and culture, 6–12 October, Festival Dome, free.
• Writing Workshops: Sessions for aspiring writers, 6–12 October, Festival Dome, free (some may require registration).
• Poetry Recitals: Performances by local poets, 6–12 October, Festival Dome, free.
• Friday Special Event: Exclusive literary event, 10 October, Festival Dome, free but pre-booking required via Eventbrite.
• Book Signings: Meet authors for signings, 6–12 October, Festival Dome, free.

City

• Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland: Events held in the heart of Castlebar, a historic market town on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, known for its vibrant community and proximity to coastal landscapes.

Main Event Address

• Festival Dome: Bridge Lane (off Bridge Street), Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 PN20, Ireland (behind Bridge St Bar).
• Administrative Contact: Wild Atlantic Words, c/o Castlebar Civic Offices, Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 WF90, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Note: All 2025 events confirmed at Festival Dome; check www.wildatlanticwords.ie for updates.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 6–12 October 2025 (Monday–Sunday).
• Duration: 7 days.
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Weekdays: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (evening events).
  • Weekends: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• Festival Dome: Temporary structure on Bridge Lane, Castlebar, hosting all events, with seating and accessibility features.
• Note: Single venue confirmed for 2025; programme TBD August 2025 at www.wildatlanticwords.ie.

Contact Information

• Email: wildatlanticwords@gmail.com (general and registration inquiries).
• Phone: Not provided; use email for contact.
• Website: www.wildatlanticwords.ie
• Social Media: Follow @WildAtlanticWords on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Registration: Free Eventbrite registration for Friday’s event; check www.wildatlanticwords.ie (available August 2025).

Ticket Information

• How to Register: Most events are free, first-come, first-served, no registration needed. Friday’s event requires free Eventbrite pre-booking; details at www.wildatlanticwords.ie (August 2025). No tickets for walk-in events. Contact wildatlanticwords@gmail.com for group inquiries.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.17 USD as of August 2025):
  • All Events: $0 (free, supported by local authorities).
  • Friday Event: Free, but pre-booking required (no cost indicated).
  • Donations: Optional at some events; access not dependent on contributions.
• Additional Notes:
  • No general admission fee; Friday event may have capacity limits, hence a booking requirement.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates Ireland’s literary heritage and coastal inspiration.
• Events & Festivals: Week-long literary festival in Castlebar.
• Film, Literature & Book Fairs: Focuses on readings, recitals, and literary discussions.

Cultural Significance

Wild Atlantic Words, since 2016, has been a vital platform for Ireland’s literary community, connecting Mayo’s coastal heritage with storytelling. It promotes emerging writers alongside established names, fostering cultural dialogue in Castlebar, a hub of Mayo’s arts scene. The festival’s free access aligns with Ireland’s UNESCO City of Literature ethos, boosting local tourism and community engagement. Its emphasis on the Wild Atlantic Way ties literature to Ireland’s natural and cultural identity, making it a cornerstone of Mayo’s cultural calendar.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Dome: Limited snacks and drinks available (~$5–$10 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Bridge St Bar: Bridge Street, Castlebar (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 1-minute walk).
  • Café Rua: New Antrim Street, Castlebar (Irish, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Olive Tree: Spencer Street, Castlebar (Mediterranean, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Cox’s Bar & Restaurant: Tucker Street, Castlebar (traditional, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Bistro: Linenhall Street, Castlebar (modern Irish, $15–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Festival Dome and nearby pubs; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Most events are suitable for all ages, including readings and workshops, free with supervision for kids under 16.
  • Friday event may have age restrictions (TBD August 2025).
• Accessibility:
  • Festival Dome is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and seating.
  • Contact wildatlanticwords@gmail.com for accommodations or ISL-interpreted events (details August 2025).
  • Free access enhances affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC, 45 km, 40-minute drive to Castlebar).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 52 to Castlebar Bus Station (5-minute walk to Festival Dome).
  • Train: Castlebar Train Station (10-minute walk to Festival Dome).
• By Car: Free parking on Bridge Street; paid parking at Market Square (~$1.17 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from NOC (~$40–$50 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Details:
  • All events at Festival Dome, Bridge Lane, Castlebar, 6–12 October, free.
  • Friday event (10 October) requires Eventbrite pre-booking, free.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Author Readings: 6–12 October, Festival Dome, talks by Irish authors, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, free.
  • Writing Workshops: 11–12 October, Festival Dome, for aspiring writers, free (registration may apply).
  • Poetry Recitals: 6–12 October, Festival Dome, local poets, free.
  • Literary Debates: 11–12 October, Festival Dome, cultural discussions, free.
  • Friday Special: 10 October, Festival Dome, exclusive author event, free but pre-booked.
• Note: Programme speculative except for dates and venue; based on 2024 events (e.g., Sally Rooney). Full details TBD August 2025 at www.wildatlanticwords.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Featured Sally Rooney, Cormac O’Malley, Alice Kinsella, and Aidan O’Shea at Festival Dome.
• Past Achievements: Since 2016, a platform for emerging and established writers, growing Mayo’s literary profile.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Castlebar businesses and venues.
• Minimal Waste: Encourages digital programmes; recycling bins at Festival Dome.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.wildatlanticwords.ie.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Free sessions for aspiring writers, 6–12 October.
• Debates: Discussions on literature and culture, free.
• Community Engagement: Free access promotes literary inclusion, especially for young and emerging writers.

Cultural Activities

• Readings: Free author talks, 6–12 October, Festival Dome.
• Recitals: Free poetry performances, 6–12 October.
• Workshops: Free writing sessions, 11–12 October.
• Debates: Free panels on storytelling, 11–12 October.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Friday event (10 October) requires free Eventbrite registration; book via www.wildatlanticwords.ie (August 2025).
• Weather Prep: October in Mayo (45–55°F) is cool and rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Mayo Museum of Country Life (10-minute drive, free) or Westport House (15-minute drive, $15 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Bus Éireann or Irish Rail Smartcard (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Check www.wildatlanticwords.ie for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Museum of Country Life: Turlough, Castlebar (10-minute drive, free). Rural history exhibits.
• Westport House: Westport, Co. Mayo (15-minute drive, $15 USD). Historic estate.
• Castlebar Greenway: Walking trail along Castlebar River (5-minute walk, free).
• Lough Lannagh: Castlebar (10-minute walk, free). Scenic lake and park.
• Ballintubber Abbey: Ballintubber, Co. Mayo (15-minute drive, free). Historic abbey.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Ellison Hotel: Lannagh Road, Castlebar ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Breaffy House Hotel: Breaffy, Castlebar ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• B&Bs: Rock House B&B, Tucker Street, Castlebar ($60–$120 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Castlebar Tourist Hostel, Linenhall Street ($20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Castlebar apartments ($50–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Festival Dome; nearest hospital is Mayo University Hospital (5-minute drive).
• Security: Minimal checks; Garda presence for Friday event.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Weather Preparedness: Festival Dome is sheltered; bring umbrellas for transitions.