Dermot Bolger is one of Ireland's best known writers whose fourteenth novel, An Ark of Light, is being published in Sept 2018. His relaxed and intimate conversations with leading Irish writers and figures in the arts have become an integral part of Red Line Book Festival.

This year, Bolger hosts a one-off event in advance of the festival, bringing together two Dublin legends who for decades have been virtuosos of their chosen art form: Jennifer Johnston and John Sheahan.

One of the foremost Irish writers of her time, Jennifer Johnston’s acclaimed novels have won the Whitbread Prize, the Evening Standard Best First Novel Award, the Yorkshire Post Award and been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Johnston will read from her work and talk about her writing life since her first book, The Captains and the Kings, appeared in 1972.

Famous as a violinist, tin whistle player and folk musician, John Sheahan is the last surviving member of the original and definitive five man line-up of world-famous band The Dubliners. He will read from his poetry, reminisce about the famous friends and musicians with whom he embarked on a life-long journey through music, and play some of his most beloved tunes.

This event will be a unique and unmissable celebration of words, music and reminisces of times past.

The programme for the 2018 Red Line Book Festival will be announced in September 2018. For a selection of images from the 2017 festival visit the @RLBFest Facebook page

The Red Line Book Festival is a celebration of all things literary; be it spoken, written, sung, played, illustrated or even just thought!

The Red Line Book Festival provides a programme of events and workshops that appeals to people of all ages and interests, from children to adults and casual readers to book worms. The line-up of events covers areas such as history, drama, poetry, music and literature. Do not be put off attending if you are not a big reader! You don't have to read to be inquisitive and that is what this festival is all about. Fuelling the imaginations of people who are eager to learn and explore new ideas and opinions.