Why do artists and writers shelve or abandon particular projects – books, artworks, ideas? What does this tell us about how artists and writers work? What does it tell us about the systems in which they work, the expectations placed upon them, the kinds of work considered viable, valuable, worthwhile? For this event as part of Kildare Readers' Festival, a number of practitioners from literature and the visual arts have been invited to present and talk about works they've previously…

10 Books You Should Read continues to be a favourite event at Kildare Readers' Festival. Its format is a simple one - the guests choose five titles each – conversation ensues, as recommendations - and the advocacy of same - volley back and forth. On this occasion KRF thought to have the conversation be amongst the keepers of our cultural collections. Simon O’Connor is the Director of the Museum of Literature Ireland, a creative collaboration between UCD and the National Library of Ireland,…

The Iron Annie Cabaret is a celebration of music, theatre and literature. Based on Luke Cassidy’s debut novel Iron Annie, it tells the story of Aoife, a major figure in Dundalk’s small-town underworld, and her fatal attraction to Annie, a magnetic and elusive force that barged into her life. Think Reservoir Dogs meets Thelma and Louise meets the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This production features performances by Eleanor McLoughlin as Aoife, accompanied by musical performances by folk duo the Dandelion…