Join us for a celebration and thematic exploration of Contentious Spaces, the debut novel by acclaimed Irish writer, playwright, and performer Rosaleen McDonagh. The novel follows the Traveller families living in Saint Rita’s who face eviction by the local council, threatening not only their homes but also their history and the stories that have shaped them. As eviction day draws closer, the families struggle to preserve their dignity, finding strength in one another as they navigate an unknown future.

Writer, playwright, performer and Human Rights Commissioner Rosaleen McDonagh comes to Kilkenny Arts Festival to talk about her new novel, Contentious Spaces, in the company of Maureen Kennelly.

Rosaleen McDonagh will be in conversation with acclaimed writer Leeanne O’Donnell as part of this year’s West Cork Literary Festival. They will discuss Rosaleen’s debut novel, Contentious Spaces, published by Skein Press in March 2026.

Margaret Busby’s new book Part of the Story: Writings from Half a Century is a rare self-portrait from a pioneering publisher, writer and cultural activist. It brings together her writings on people, places, politics and publishing, and provides a rich insight into the many elements that have contributed to shaping her life, from her childhood in Ghana to the Black writers, intellectuals, artists and activists she has worked with, befriended, supported and championed for over half a century. Margaret will be discussing her publishing life and legacy with Skein’s Commissioning Editor, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe.

The sun came out for our event at the National Botanic Gardens last week with Oein DeBhairduin and Anne Burke.