
This year’s programme runs from November 4-8 and promises to transport you on a literary journey encompassing a multitude of genres, including crime, memoir, romance and short stories.
We are delighted to host an evening that celebrates the life of Mary Lavin; highly regarded as a pioneer in the world of women’s literature. Focussing on her relationship with the New Yorker, the evening will welcome contributions from her two granddaughters Alice Ryan and Kathleen McMahon. Roisin O’Donnell is this year’s One County One Books novelist; her packed programme of events will culminate in an interview with Lisa Harding facilitated by Miriam O’Callaghan. The acclaimed RTE Spoken Stories series will be presented with a distinct Laois flavour as well known Laois voices that include Claire Byrne and Evelyn Cusack will take to the stage to read from these stories.
A full and vibrant programme of readings, talks, music, film and spoken word is in store and we look forward to welcoming you along to immerse yourself in this diverse and wonderful countywide celebration of literature and music.
Thursday
6/11/25 6:30 pm
Portlaoise Library
Thursday
6/11/25 8:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Friday
7/11/25 11:00 am
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Friday
7/11/25 7:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Friday
7/11/25 9:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Saturday
8/11/25 6:30 pm
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
Saturday
8/11/25 8:30 pm
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
One County One Book is an initiative run by Laois Libraries as part of Leaves, designed to connect communities through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. This initiative successfully fosters a sense of community, promotes literacy and encourages a love of reading.
This year’s One County One Book is Roisín O’Donnell’s book Nesting. Nesting is a powerful debut novel that has captured widespread acclaim since its release in January 2025. Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, it’s a story that resonates deeply with themes of resilience, motherhood and survival.
Catherine Ryan Howard
Burn After Reading
The Trap
The Nothing Man
56 Days
Run Time
The Liar's Girl
Catherine Kirwan
The Seventh Body
Cruel Deeds
Darkest Truth
A Lesson in Malice
Keith Donald
Music and Mayhem
Roisin O'Donnell
Nesting
Lisa Harding
The Wildelings
Bright Burning
Miriam O'Callaghan
Miriam, Life, Work, Everything
Evelyn Cusack and Seamus Walsh
They Say it Might Rain
Mary Costello
Barcelona
The River Capture
The China Factory
Academy Street
Andrea Carter
There Came a Tapping
The Body Falls
Death at Whitewater Church
Treacherous Strand
The Well of Ice
Emma Fogarty
Being Emma
Kathleen MacMahon
Nothing But Blue Sky
The Home Scar
Alice Ryan
There's Been a Little Incident
Seana Tinley
The Irish Midwife