THE WEST Cork Literary Festival was officially launched in Bantry last night and gets under way today.
The 11th hosting of the event will see more than 50 acclaimed writers flock to the west Cork town this week. Among the names confirmed to attend are Pulitzer Prizewinner Annie Proulx, crime writer Martina Cole, author Jennifer Johnston, poet Roger McGough and journalist Nell McCafferty.
Among the main events to be held are daily evening reading sessions in the Maritime Hotel and 11 workshops for aspiring writers or those looking to hone their craft.
Among those giving workshops will be screenwriter Ferdia Mac Anna, prose writer and playwright Billy Roche, poet James Harpur and food writer John McKenna.